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.
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.
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.
dizzinessOnitsuka Chihiro
Singer-songwriter Chihiro Onitsuka made her name in the pop scene with the powerful impact of her second single, “Gekkou.” One of her signature songs, the fourth single “Dizziness,” released as a double A-side with “edge,” is also known for being featured in commercials for the aesthetic salon La Parler.
Woven by her emotional vocals, the lyrics tell a story of great love that draws listeners in.
It’s a delicate number whose striking piano intro and swelling emotion make your heart burn.
J-POP You’ll Want to Play on Piano: A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (21–30)
One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
A signature song by Masayoshi Yamazaki that portrays the poignant sense of loss in endlessly searching for someone who is gone.
Released in January 1997, it became known as the theme song for the film he starred in, “The Moon and a Cabbage,” and enjoyed long-running success with over 300,000 copies sold.
In 2007, it was used again as the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s animated film “5 Centimeters per Second,” bringing it widespread recognition among younger audiences.
With a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar arpeggios and piano, the song delicately weaves feelings of lingering attachment and regret.
Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics pair beautifully with the piano’s delicate timbre.
Recommended for those who want to perform it quietly on a calm night while thinking of someone dear.