A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
Let me introduce some heartrending ballads that tighten your chest the moment you listen.
When you part ways with someone important, when a romance fails and leaves you down, or when a sudden memory takes you back to a past you can’t return to…
In the course of life, there are moments when a quiet, melancholy mood washes over you.
In this article, I’ve gathered recommended ballad songs for those very times.
From beloved classics to recent hits, I’ve selected tracks so you can find a song that resonates with your feelings and helps you detox your heart.
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A poignant ballad song. Masterpieces of tear-jerking Japanese music (1–10)
366 daysHY
One of HY’s signature songs is “366 Days.” This track, included on their 2008 album HeartY, has been covered by numerous artists.
It’s also a quintessential heartbreak song.
Many will remember Mone Kamishiraishi’s moving rendition in a Kirin Gogo no Kocha commercial.
The song conveys a powerful longing for someone you can’t forget, someone you once loved.
I’m sure many listeners have been brought to tears by it.
Dried flowersYuuri
Yuri, a singer-songwriter who went viral on TikTok and became a hot topic—especially among younger generations—for being “heart-wrenching,” released Kakurenbo, a breakup song from a man’s perspective.
Dry Flower is a follow-up told from the perspective of the ex-girlfriend.
If you listen to Dry Flower after Kakurenbo, it’s even more likely to move you to tears, making you feel as if you’ve been watching the two of them all along.
Most people have experienced heartbreak, and this song resonates deeply because it so vividly captures that painful feeling.
budKobukuro
When you think of ballads, many people probably have the song “Tsubomi” start playing in their heads.
Released in 2007 as Kobukuro’s 14th single, it was written as the theme song for the TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Its lyrics resonate with anyone, and it’s the kind of number that makes you picture someone dear to you; the soaring chorus is sure to move you to tears.
It’s a classic, gently heart-stirring ballad.
Poignant ballad songs: Tear-jerking masterpieces of Japanese music (11–20)
I long to see you now.MISIA
MISIA’s 23rd single, “Aitakute Ima,” released in 2009.
The song became widely known across generations as it was the theme for the hit drama “JIN.” Many listeners say it brings back memories of the show.
It’s a track that showcases MISIA’s remarkable vocal ability, with a chorus so expansive it gives you goosebumps.
While many ballads are about sad romances, this one evokes memories of someone who has passed away—someone you can no longer meet.
One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
When it comes to ballads and heartrending love songs, many people might think of this track.
Masayoshi Yamazaki’s “One more time, One more chance” is his fourth single, released in 1997.
It became famous as the theme song for the film “The Moon and a Cabbage,” in which he starred, as well as for the animated film “5 Centimeters per Second.” It’s a tear-jerking love song about someone you can’t forget—someone who’s always in your heart, always on your mind somewhere.
A Naked Heartaimyon
This is a work that teaches you the importance of being honest with your feelings.
It’s a hit number by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, released in 2020 as her 10th single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.” The lyrics and vocals seep into you, as if the emotions in your heart are spilling out one by one—simply irresistible.
Even when you think “I won’t do it again,” love makes you do it anyway.
If you’re in love right now, or nursing a crush, this song will resonate with you all the more.
crescent moonayaka
One of Ayaka’s signature songs, “Mikazuki” is a ballad about a bittersweet love, addressed to someone dear who lives far away.
It especially resonates with those in long-distance relationships.
Released in 2006 as Ayaka’s fourth single, it’s a track that many artists have covered.
When your heart is tired or you’re feeling weak, you might find yourself shedding tears without realizing it as you listen.
Yet when the song ends, it leaves you with a gentle, comforting feeling.