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)
HitotsuboshiKOH+
This is a song released by actress Kou Shibasaki under the name KOH⁺, expressing the pain of leaving this world while leaving behind someone you love, and the wish for the happiness of the one you love.
The lyrics and composition were done by Masaharu Fukuyama, who starred in the film Silent Parade, which used this song as its theme.
If the loved one who passed away had felt the way this song describes, don’t you think we could cherish the memories of the days we spent together deep in our hearts, and, so as not to make them worry in heaven, lift our heads and keep on living?
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
When you face hardship or pain, you may find yourself questioning your own worth.
In those moments, this song powerfully affirms your existence, telling you, “You are a precious, one-of-a-kind being in this world—so live!” It isn’t easy to keep holding on to hope or to stand up and face forward without giving in, even after failures so you can connect them to what comes next.
But if you give up, that’s where it ends.
As long as you’re alive, tomorrow will surely come, and something better than yesterday might happen.
‘Sorangi’ is a song that gives you that hope to live.
Suzume feat. ToakaRADWIMPS
This is the theme song for the film Suzume, sung by Takaaki, who is active mainly on TikTok and has gained popularity.
Its translucent vocals, distinctive breathing, and mysterious sound have become a hot topic for being unforgettable after just one listen.
Film fans are also praising how brilliantly it captures the movie’s worldview.
It’s a song that reminds us of the fragility of life, the importance of those who support us, and the value of recognizing and honestly accepting our own feelings.
After listening, you’ll likely feel inspired to cherish the people close to you who support you even more.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
Released in 2014 as Motohiro Hata’s 17th single, this song served as the theme for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” and is a ballad loved by both children and adults.
Hata’s vocals are so delicate and goosebump-inducing that they seem to reach deep into your heart and gently grip it—such is their charm.
Combined with that captivating voice, the result is a moving, tear-jerking ballad.
It’s a song that leaves everyone feeling warm and gentle.
KanadeSukima Suichi
When it comes to ballads, you can’t leave out this song.
“Kanade,” one of Sukima Switch’s signature tracks.
Released in 2004 as their second single, this masterpiece has been featured in many tie-ins and covered by numerous artists.
It’s a love song that stirs a poignant feeling—something different from simple sadness, an indescribable emotion that washes over you.
It’s also a very popular choice for karaoke.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu’s eighth single, “Lemon,” was released in 2018.
The song also served as the theme for the drama “Unnatural,” starring Satomi Ishihara.
While the drama’s success helped, the track became an even longer-running hit, frequently heard both on the streets and on TV, and it became one of the year’s defining songs.
Even if it doesn’t perfectly capture an experience everyone has had, its moving lyrics resonate with anyone’s heart, bringing many listeners to tears.
It’s a masterpiece you never grow tired of hearing.
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.