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 Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (101–110)

remainingYoshizawa Kayoko

Kayoko Yoshizawa 'Left Behind' MUSIC VIDEO

remainingYoshizawa Kayoko

A song that delicately portrays subtle emotions, with the gentle tones of the piano soaking into the heart.

On a morning still holding last night’s warmth, it carefully weaves shifting feelings alongside the changing seasons.

The lyrics feel close to the listener’s heart, and Kayoko Yoshizawa’s soft vocals are especially memorable.

Released in October 2017, it’s also interesting that it was turned into an audio release in response to strong fan demand.

Perfect for those carrying the pain of heartbreak or thoughts about time slipping by.

It’s a song that soothes the soul on nights when you want to listen quietly, alone.

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A flower of no colorUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada “A Flower of No Particular Color”

A flower of no colorUtada Hikaru

A song whose translucent vocals and profound lyrics resonate with the heart.

Its exploration of human purpose and the power of love blends beautifully with the drama’s worldview.

Showcasing Hikaru Utada’s delicate expressive power, this work was released in February 2024 and drew major attention as her first drama theme song in about 23 years.

It’s a poignant yet beautiful love song that further enriches the world of Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Kimi ga Kokoro wo Kuretakara” (Because You Gave Me Your Heart).

It’s a track we especially hope will reach those who feel lonely or struggle to put their feelings for someone important into words—one to savor slowly, particularly through a piano performance.

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Homeayaka

Ayaka / Home Music Video

Homeayaka

“Home” is a ballad by singer-songwriter Ayaka, featuring gentle, comforting piano.

Fast, flowing piano phrases can be great, but the key to this song is its slow, simple lines.

That simplicity lets Ayaka’s clear, translucent voice stand out, drawing you in.

She’s also known for her beautiful falsetto in signature songs like “Mikazuki,” and it’s used effectively here as well.

Its soft timbre pairs exquisitely with the quiet piano.

Also noteworthy is how the arrangement gradually adds instruments like strings, acoustic guitar, and bass as the song progresses.

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graceful wavinessNoda Yojiro

Yojiro Noda – Namishigusa [Audio]

graceful wavinessNoda Yojiro

Yojiro Noda, known for his ballads that feel like they cleanse the heart with their warm messages, is truly captivating.

This piece was written in February 2024 as the theme song for the Netflix film Parade.

Noda’s delicate choice of words and the lyrically dramatic storytelling leave a strong impression.

The lyrics, which weave together the film’s themes of loss and reunion from Noda’s unique perspective, are deeply moving.

The beautiful, piano-forward arrangement further enhances the lyrical world.

Please enjoy this work—so achingly full of devotion to a loved one—as a piano solo as well!

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In loveHY

HY - “In Love” (Theme song for the film ‘366 Days’) Music Video

In loveHY

Even if you weren’t the one they chose, the fact that you loved doesn’t change… A bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment runs through this touching HY ballad.

Written as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” released in January 2025, the track is positioned as an answer song to their 2008 classic “366 Days.” It beautifully portrays emotional growth—rising from the pain of heartbreak and embracing even that experience as a cherished memory—and is also included on the album “TIME.” Set across Okinawa and Tokyo, the film unfolds a pure love story spanning 20 years, and this song superbly captures its worldview.

For those who have reached the end of a romance, or who are about to take a new step forward, this is a song that will gently give you a push.

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J-Pop to Play on Piano | A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (111–120)

Birthdaykururi

[Tried Playing on an Illuminated Piano] Birthday / Quruli

Birthdaykururi

While flexibly shifting their musicality yet refusing to chase trends, the popular band Quruli has carved out a unique place for themselves.

Their sprightly pop song “BIRTHDAY,” which charms with a 1960s-style feel, was released in 2005 as their 14th single.

Its lyrically rich words, depicted from a distinctive perspective, give it a refined sensibility that sets it apart from other birthday songs.

When playing this piece on piano, the left-hand bass line is crucial for conveying the bouncy rhythm; if that’s difficult, try slowing down the tempo.

And as the melody unfolds in a steady manner, don’t just trace the notes—keep the lyrics in mind and focus on adding expression as you play.

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EverythingMISIA

MISIA – Everything （Official HD Music Video）

EverythingMISIA

Everything, sung by MISIA, a diva Japan is proud of, is one of her signature songs released in 2000.

It became a massive hit as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Yamato Nadeshiko, topping the Oricon weekly chart and selling over two million copies.

The luxurious arrangement by music producer Keiichi Tomita is also a highlight, with the Rhodes piano giving it a distinctly R&B sound.

It’s now a staple love ballad, so if you haven’t heard it yet, be sure to give it a listen!

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