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 Songs You’ll Want to Play on the Piano | A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (11–20)
Close your eyesHirai Ken
Hit song “Hitomi wo Tojite,” chosen as the theme for the blockbuster film Crying Out Love in the Center of the World, is Ken Hirai’s 20th single, released in 2004.
It topped the Oricon singles chart for the year and reached a total shipment of one million copies.
Covered by many artists such as Ayaka and Chris Hart, it’s a beloved classic.
Its lyrics convey the heartache of being unable to forget someone after parting, and the delicate piano tones deepen that bittersweet feeling.
evening primroseNovelbright
A poignant ballad by Novelbright that portrays the pain of heartbreak and the path to renewal.
The clear tones of the piano highlight a melody that resonates deep in the heart.
Released in December 2020 as a digital-only single, it was also selected as the MONTHLY SONG for the weather segment on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!”.
It peaked at No.
16 on the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs chart and earned Platinum certification for streaming.
You can feel the emotions of overcoming heartbreak and taking a new step forward.
If you play it alone on a quiet night, you’ll surely experience a sense of catharsis, as if your heart has been cleansed.
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
With the gentle timbre of the piano resonating deep in the heart, Aoi Teshima’s clear, translucent voice envelops listeners.
Written as a letter to one’s future self, the lyrics convey the importance of holding on to hope and give the courage to face forward even amid harsh realities.
Released in July 2014, the song was also used as the ending theme for the Fuji TV drama “Someday, When I Recall This Love, I’ll Surely Cry,” and it struck a chord with many people.
It’s a track I especially recommend to those feeling worn out by daily life or anxious about the future.
Please forget it.Yorushika
A gem-like ballad by Yorushika that interweaves aching romance with deep introspection.
Its translucent melody and soul-penetrating lyrics gently embrace the listener’s heart.
Released in July 2024, the song deftly conveys despair and inner conflict hidden beneath its pop exterior, resonating widely among fans.
When played on piano, the delicate harmonic transitions and memorable phrases stand out even more, letting you fully savor its charm.
Try performing it on a quiet night or during reflective moments—the beautifully cleansing melody will gently stir your sensibilities.
I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Kuwata Keisuke
“Ashita Hareru Kana” is Keisuke Kuwata’s ninth single, released in 2007.
It was selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Proposal Daisakusen” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
During the drama’s end credits, footage was aired of Kuwata performing in front of the lead actors, Tomohisa Yamashita and Masami Nagasawa.
With lyrics that sing about the importance of believing and wishing, the song is sure to lift your spirits.
The piano accompaniment that tenderly carries the vocals is also beautiful—be sure to give it a listen!
1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism
It’s a song filled with the feeling of “not wanting to forget” precious memories, and it’s also gaining attention as a wedding song.
It expresses, through the metaphor of a film, the desire to “hold even the casual moments in your heart as cherished memories.” The lyrics tell of recording every moment for a lifetime so as not to miss any memories with you.
The slightly jazz-tinged piano accompaniment that intertwines with the beautiful melody is really cool.
The glissando right before the bridge (C section) also heightens that sense of coolness.
J-POP You’ll Want to Play on Piano: A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (21–30)
Night MusicMrs. GREEN APPLE
A heart-stirring ballad by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, chosen as the theme song for the film Silent Love.
Released in January 2024, the song is notable for lyrics that delve deeply into the complexities of life and the clumsiness of love.
Its music video—set against a grand night sky—also garnered attention.
While grounded in pop rock, the track features an emotionally rich melody befitting a film.
The piano tones that echo through the quiet further enhance the song’s appeal.
It’s a recommended piece for those feeling lost in life or holding dear feelings for someone important.
When performing it on piano, aim for delicate emotional expression.