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)
threadBank Band
Here is the cover version of Miyuki Nakajima’s classic song, originally released in 1998, performed by Bank Band, a group led primarily by Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.Children and Takeshi Kobayashi.
The band was formed for the nonprofit organization ap bank, and all proceeds are used for that organization, so the song’s message feels like a good fit with their mission.
Unlike Nakajima’s original, this version starts with an acoustic piano, and it’s truly wonderful as well.
KanadeSukima Suichi
One of Sukima Switch’s most popular signature songs.
From the piano in the intro, you can feel a gentle yet bittersweet atmosphere.
The lyrics, carried by the wistful melody, convey a powerful message about thinking of a precious person who is now far away.
The song tells the story of the narrator, “I,” meeting “you,” falling in love, and the feelings becoming mutual.
The tender heart and strong resolve of someone who cares wholly for the other come through directly in the lyrics, the vocals, and the overall tone of the song.
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.
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.
crescent moonayaka
“Mikazuki” is Ayaka’s fourth single, released in 2006.
It won the Best New Artist Award at the 48th Japan Record Awards and topped the Oricon weekly chart.
The lyrics, which express the resolve to stay strong even while feeling lonely in a long-distance relationship, are further highlighted by the powerful piano tones.
Its straightforward piano accompaniment and the key of D major with two sharps also make it easy to play, so give it a try on the piano!
J-Pop You’ll Want to Play on Piano | A Curated Selection of Beautiful, Soul-Cleansing Ballads (41–50)
A Naked Heartaimyon
Aimyong’s song “Naked Heart,” released in 2020, lays bare the feeling of being in love, expressing emotions just as they are—completely unadorned.
The piano appears right from the beginning, and its delicate melody that conveys the stirrings of love is especially striking.
Aimyong’s literary sensibilities are reflected in the lyrics as well, giving the song a narrative quality and realism that make it feel like reading a romance novel.
Give it a listen when you want to sort through your feelings and think about the person you like.
First NightYorushika
A heart-stirring song by Yorushika that gently wraps bittersweet memories.
Included on the album Gentō, this track delicately portrays summer scenes and lost love.
n-buna’s poetic lyrics and suis’s crystalline voice seep deeply into the listener’s heart.
Released in April 2023, it draws inspiration from Natsume Sōseki’s Ten Nights of Dreams, blending a literary worldview with music.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the transience and beauty woven into everyday life.
Its tender, companionable warmth and lingering tinge of sorrow are sure to resonate with many.