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. Tear-jerking masterpieces of Japanese music (31–40)
Ferris wheelMy Hair is Bad
This is a track from the album “boys,” released in June 2019, cherished among fans as a hidden gem.
The lyrics are striking, capturing a poignant feeling as a fleeting glimpse of a Ferris wheel during a drive stirs thoughts of a lover and time that won’t return.
There’s no flashy tie-in, but it’s a song that epitomizes their knack for distilling everyday scenes.
With a gentle tempo that swells into an emotionally charged chorus, the dramatic structure is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
More than vocal range, this ballad hinges on the singer’s expressiveness, so choose it when you want to savor the story in the lyrics or as background music for a nighttime drive.
It will quietly keep you company on nights when you want to linger in a bittersweet mood.
You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, who left behind many songs that are still listened to today, sadly disbanded in 2013.
Their sixth single, released in 2007, is this song, “Mou Kimi ga Inai” (“You’re Not Here Anymore”).
In classic Fanmon fashion, the cover features a close-up photo of a celebrity—Erika Toda—who also appears in the music video.
The song expresses lingering feelings for someone you’ve parted with: the helpless emotions of not being able to forget them, no matter how hard you try.
Pale BlueYonezu Kenshi
It’s a poignant love ballad written as the theme song for the drama “Rikokatsu.” The track is by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, also known under his Vocaloid producer name Hachi, and it was released in 2021 as his 11th single.
It’s a profoundly rich piece, with majestic strings that linger in your ears.
Yonezu’s emotive singing perfectly matches the sound.
The lyrics, filled with the wish for someone not to leave and to stay by your side forever, are another major draw.
This is exactly what it means to have your heart tighten.
Until the day I can no longer rememberback number
This is a song by back number that portrays parting ways with a partner you walked through life with.
The loss you feel when the other person’s presence has shaped who you are—so deeply that it felt like they were half of you—is not easily filled, is it? This work sings of that profound sorrow, the loneliness of memories fading, and the complex feeling of wishing not to forget despite it all.
Released as a single in October 2011, it’s also included on the acclaimed album “Superstar,” and at the time it served as the ending theme for “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” For those who have gone through divorce and are burdened with grief so heavy it feels impossible to recover from, this song will be there to say, “It’s okay not to force yourself to forget right now.” If you listen to this song and shed some tears, you might be able to look forward just a little.
Wonderful DaysUNICORN
Among the many songs by the legendary rock band Unicorn, one of the most popular is “Subarashii Hibi.” Its melody is simple, yet it pierces the heart all the more for it.
It’s truly a ballad that represents Unicorn.
A heartrending ballad song. Timeless tear-jerking Japanese classics (41–50)
Pointillism Song (feat. Sonoko Inoue)Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE captivates listeners with their overwhelming expressive power.
This song, included on their single “Ao to Natsu” released in August 2018, was produced with singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue.
As an insert track for the film “Aonatsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-nichi,” it depicts the story of a man and a woman sensing an impending farewell at summer’s end.
The swelling emotions despite knowing time is limited, and the frustration of being unable to hold hands, are conveyed achingly through their two voices.
You can almost see memories piling up like scattered points before your eyes.
When you’re troubled by a love that can’t be, or on a sentimental night, listening to it will gently stay close to that helpless feeling.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
Since her debut, Aiko has always stood by girls, consistently singing love songs that are easy to relate to.
She has many hit songs, but “Kabutomushi” is definitely one of her signature tracks.
Released in 1999 as her fourth single, this love ballad is packed with the aching feelings of a young woman.
It’s also a very popular karaoke choice.
No matter the listener’s age, it’s a love ballad with a sorrow that tightens the chest and makes it ache just a little.