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 Piano | A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (31–40)
365 daysMr.Children
Mr.Children is a four-piece rock band that has released numerous hit tunes known to everyone; by now, there’s likely no one in the J-pop scene who doesn’t know their name.
“365 Nichi,” included on their 16th album SENSE, is a ballad that enjoys high popularity among fans despite never having been released as a single.
Its lyrics, which remind us that something special exists within the things we take for granted, strike straight to the heart alongside a piano-centered ensemble.
Overflowing with love, the song has also become a wedding staple.
Just… I miss youEXILE
Starting with ATUSHI’s powerful voice, this song makes you feel incredibly heartbroken.
The two singers’ vocal abilities are outstanding, and the chorus draws you in without even realizing it.
The lyrics sink into your heart, and you can strongly feel the emotion of wanting to see that person again.
Hello, see you tomorrow.Kotoringo
“Konnichiwa Mata Ashita” is Kotringo’s debut song—a beautiful piano-driven number discovered by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Its gentle, unconventional pop melody and Kotringo’s whisper-soft vocals are deeply soothing.
The romantic, warm lyrics feel purifying, and it’s a lovely ballad that makes the piano’s melody shine even more.
It lets you savor the small joys in life, and its atmosphere makes you want to listen to it together with your child.
Kanata HarukaRADWIMPS
A song by RADWIMPS produced as the theme for director Makoto Shinkai’s film Suzume, released in October 2022.
RADWIMPS has been tapped for three consecutive Shinkai works since 2016’s Your Name, and many fans were surely eager for another theme by them.
Compared to the previous single Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?, this one is even more tender, a superb ballad featuring piano and strings.
The lyrics closely follow the film’s story, rendered beautifully and with dramatic flair, guaranteed to move you.
The work delves into the depths of romance and the complexities of human relationships, resonating deeply with listeners.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song gently embraces the complex emotions of the teenage heart.
It’s not all good, but it carries a warmth that makes you feel there’s light somewhere.
It conveys the value and gratitude of the days spent with friends.
The instantaneous piano chords and the subtle flicker of piano tones during the vocal breaths are especially striking.
Both the music and the lyrics have a mood that blends kindness with bittersweetness, capturing a sense of warmth while acknowledging partings and other sadness—making it a track that also evokes the feeling of spring.
J-Pop You’ll Want to Play on Piano | A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (41–50)
OH MY LITTLE GIRLOzaki Yutaka
Singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, whose overwhelming charisma captivated young people and became a social phenomenon, passed away suddenly at the young age of 26.
Although “OH MY LITTLE GIRL” was included on his landmark album Seventeen’s Map, it drew little attention at the time of its original release.
After Ozaki’s death, however, it was reissued as his 14th single and went on to sell over a million copies.
The fusion of its memorable piano—driven by a hooky chord progression—and Ozaki’s distinctive vocals weaves a melody that portrays a world both grand and delicate.
It remains his biggest hit, one that never fades with time.
let gom-flo loves YOSHIKA
m-flo often blends hip-hop and dance music into catchy pop tracks.
They’ve released a wide range of songs, from upbeat tunes to tender ballads.
“let go” is a ballad highlighted by a sorrowful piano melody.
The gentle vocals are sung by the female singer-songwriter YOSHIKA.
While piano parts often get drowned out in soaring choruses, this song keeps the piano at its core throughout, making it a must-listen for anyone who loves the sound of piano.