J-POP to Play on Piano | A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads
Ballad-style songs often weave warm messages and heartrending stories, and there are so many that really pierce the heart! Such bittersweet yet beautiful ballad songs pair perfectly with the delicate tones of the piano.
Performing them as piano solos without vocals brings out subtle changes in melody and harmony, letting you feel a different kind of beauty from the original.
In this article, we’ll introduce Japanese ballads that are perfect for piano performance.
We’ve picked a variety of songs—from tear-jerkingly poignant to beautifully cleansing—so please take your time and savor them.
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J-Pop You’ll Want to Play on Piano | A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (61–70)
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
This is Masaki Suda’s first digital single, chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Perfect World.” Composed by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, its story-like lyrics and wistful melody really resonate.
In life—and in any situation—failure and mistakes tend to carry a negative image, but the lyrics, which sing about the present precisely because of those mistakes, can offer great courage and hope.
It’s a track that conveys a beautiful world view through both its lyrics and melody.
flameLiSA
This is the 17th single by female singer LiSA, chosen as the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, which has continued to break records not only in Japan but also on the international film scene.
LiSA’s powerful, emotional vocals and the majestic, commanding piano that matches the lyrics’ imagery come together to create a track that moves listeners even if they haven’t seen the movie.
It’s a standout ballad—both catchy and tinged with melancholy—that transcends the boundaries of what’s typically considered an anime song.
Azure Swimnishina
After her activities with Plusonica, singer-songwriter Nishina, whose songs feature lyrical lyrics and a soothing voice, has been drawing attention.
Her 14th single, “Seiran Yuei,” is striking for its clear, translucent melody carried by delicate piano phrases.
The lyrics, depicting someone unable to break free from their youth yet continuing to live on earnestly, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
It’s an emotional ballad whose fantastical worldview stirs the heart with its beauty.
leap day personRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS is a four-piece rock band acclaimed not only for their cutting-edge musicality as a band but also for their film scores that closely accompany each work.
Uruubito, included on the soundtrack for the film The Last 10 Years, is a song whose poignant lyrics—intertwined with the film’s story—stir the heart.
Its ensemble, featuring a sentimental piano tone, may bring tears to your eyes even if you haven’t seen the movie.
With dynamic strings that add impact, it’s a ballad remarkable for its beauty and grandeur.
Gather the WindYano Akiko
This is a track from the 1987 album GRANOLA.
It’s a cover of a classic by Happy End, the legendary Japanese band formed by lyricist Takashi Matsumoto and Haruomi Hosono of YMO.
Be sure to listen to this ballad, featuring a strikingly dynamic, free-roaming piano performance.
Thank you…KOKIA
It’s one of her famous songs that was also released in Hong Kong and became popular.
This beautiful piece gently reminds us how important it is to convey our feelings, and how precious a single word can be.
The piano seems to softly lean in beside you, bringing you to tears.
Her distinctive voice makes the song resonate even more poignantly.
StoryAI
When it comes to love ballads that showcase solid vocal ability, AI’s “Story” comes to mind.
Released in 2005 as AI’s 12th single, it’s a song known for her powerful, gospel-inspired vocals.
An English version of “Story” was used as the Japanese ending theme for the 2014 film Big Hero 6.
The lyrics, which express a strong resolve to protect the one you love, match AI’s voice perfectly.
The piano accompaniment is also gospel-influenced and just as powerful as her vocals, so I highly recommend giving it a listen!
