J-POP to Play on Piano | A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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.

J-POP You’ll Want to Play on Piano: A Curated Selection of Soul-Cleansing Beautiful Ballads (81–90)

Letter Paper SongKuramubon

Letter-Paper Song [Live] / clammbon

Letter Paper SongKuramubon

It’s a heartwarming, energetic love ballad that passionately sings of unadorned feelings for someone you truly love—sure to make your heart swell.

It’s a song by the band clammbon, also known for “Kumoyuki” and “Surround,” included on their third album, Dramatic, released in 2001.

The lyrics are wonderful, as if they directly project the words rising from the depths of the heart! I’m sure you, too, have someone who makes you feel this way.

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HumanNisshoku Natsuko

Natsuko Solar Eclipse – “Human” Official Music Video

HumanNisshoku Natsuko

This is a track from the first full-length album, “Gyakko de Mienai,” released in 2015.

It’s a piano ballad that showcases Natsuko Nisshoku’s playing, which evokes a rich array of sounds like a full orchestra.

The fresh, sharp-edged lyrics convey anger and resignation, as well as the hope that stands in contrast to them.

Give it a relaxed listen amid the unresolved days of life.

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foxtail grassRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Cat Teaser (Orchestra ver.) [Official Music Video]

foxtail grassRADWIMPS

Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS can make you feel like no one surpasses him when it comes to ballads.

His lyrics stand out for their inventive word choices and dramatic storytelling, all wrapped in a gentle, heartwarming message.

Musically, his pieces are also striking for their beautiful, piano-forward arrangements.

Please take your time and savor this beautiful song filled with a message that feels like it cleanses the soul.

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It’s just loveMISIA

It’s just love（from THE TOUR OF MISIA LOVE BEBOP all roads lead to you Live Ver.）

It's just loveMISIA

This is a piano ballad included on “LOVE IS [Xth] E MESSAGE,” released in 2000.

Over the beautiful piano, MISIA’s soulful vocals resonate throughout.

The lyrics, written by MISIA herself, express the candid feelings of being in love.

It’s a song we want everyone in love to hear.

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DESTINYMy Little Lover

My Little Lover / DESTINY acoakko debut Ver.

DESTINYMy Little Lover

This is the 11th single, released in 1998.

It’s a ballad featuring an evocative piano with a bittersweet, catchy melody.

Boosted by its tie-in with the drama “WI-maime no LOVE,” it became a major hit.

It’s a song I’d like people who can’t let go of their straightforward feelings of love to listen to.

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GibbsShiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo – Gibbs

GibbsShiina Ringo

A ballad released for the first time by Ringo Sheena, whose unique voice and performances never cease to captivate.

It sings of a girl who wants to cherish this very moment more than yesterday or tomorrow.

It’s a track where the bittersweetness typical of a ballad fuses with Ringo Sheena’s signature rock style.

At the beginning, the piano repeatedly plays the same note, leaving a striking impression.

The bittersweet yet powerful vocals and the strong instrumentation are irresistibly cool and resonate straight to the heart!

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J-Pop Songs You’ll Want to Play on Piano | A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (91–100)

I want to hug you.Mr.Children

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” Mr.Children [(an imitation) blood orange] Tour

I want to hug you.Mr.Children

Everyone must love Kazutoshi Sakurai’s sweet, gentle voice on ballads.

All of Mr.Children’s love song lyrics are wonderful, and I think many people especially love this track.

It’s amazing how the word “Dakishimetai” in the chorus lingers so strongly in your ears.

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