Popular Ballad Song Ranking [2026]

Hello/How are you?nanou71rank/position

[Hatsune Miku Soft] Hello/How Are You [Original]

In the early days of his career, Nanou had little knowledge of DTM, so he performed most of the instruments live.

“Hello/How Are You,” which became his first million-hit song, likely resonates with many listeners for its lyrics that depict the feeling of swallowing one’s true feelings and the things that really matter.

Although the melody is complex and it’s hard to ride the bouncy rhythm of the shuffle beat, the vocal range itself is narrow, so if you sing calmly, it’s an easy choice even for karaoke.

It’s a lyrical number that I hope you’ll tackle after firmly learning the flow of the song.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Dried flowersYuuri72rank/position

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

Told from a woman’s perspective, this song dwells on lingering feelings for an ex and serves as a sequel that follows the story depicted in the previous track, “Kakurenbo.” Comparing those undying emotions to flowers that keep their shape even after they wither, the lyrics poignantly capture both the permanence of feeling and the passage of time.

Yuuri’s whisper-like vocals and nuanced breaths deliver each word with intimate care.

Released as a digital-only single in October 2020, it went on to top Billboard JAPAN’s year-end chart in 2021—a modern classic.

Centered on acoustic guitar, it’s a medium-slow rock ballad with simple chords that nonetheless demand expressive singing.

It’s the perfect number to perform as a heartfelt solo for someone special.

Christmas songback number73rank/position

back number – Christmas Song (full)

This is one of back number’s signature winter songs, memorable for its beautiful melody that seems to resonate across the winter night sky.

Released in November 2015 as their 14th single, it became a massive hit as the theme song for the drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” It’s now cherished as a classic winter tune.

The song’s greatest charm lies in its lyrics, which straightforwardly express a deepening affection for someone special.

You can vividly picture the protagonist overflowing with the desire to see the one they love, and it makes your heart ache as you listen.

Interestingly, aside from the title, it doesn’t use any words tied to a specific day, giving it a universal love song quality that truly resonates.

Also included on the album “Chandelier,” this heartwarming track is perfect for a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone important.

My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion74rank/position

Céline Dion – My Heart Will Go On (Taking Chances World Tour: The Concert)

This is the iconic song by Canadian singer Céline Dion that became a worldwide hit as the theme for the 1997 film Titanic.

The work portrays a timeless, profound love in which a beloved person lives on forever in one’s heart, no matter how far apart they may be.

Céline’s powerful, soul-stirring vocals dramatize the protagonist’s poignant yet unwavering feelings, making your heart swell every time you listen.

Also included on the album Let’s Talk About Love, the song made history, winning four awards at the 1999 Grammy Awards.

It’s a moving number that’s perfect for immersing yourself in a grand love story.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU75rank/position

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

This is a rock ballad by JUJU released in 2009.

As the theme song for Nissan’s Cube commercial, it touched the hearts of many.

The lyrics express deep gratitude to the person who taught the singer the meaning of life at times when, amid unchanging days, she felt she might lose sight of what truly matters.

JUJU’s powerful yet delicate vocals convey a straightforward resolve to keep loving, even when apart.

It’s a timeless song that gently stays by your side when you want to renew your feelings for someone important or when you need a little warmth in your heart.

Secret of my heartKuraki Mai76rank/position

Mai Kuraki 'Secret of my heart'

This is her smash hit released in 2000, which drew attention to her looks and musical talent.

There was a time when she was compared to Hikaru Utada, but both are Japanese divas with their own unique worlds.

Her soft, beautiful voice captivated listeners.

Although this was her third single, it’s surprising that she was still in high school when she debuted.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu77rank/position

TSUNAMI [2018 Remaster]

This is the 44th single by Southern All Stars, a five-member rock band widely known as a quintessential group for the summer season.

Used as the theme song for the “Mirai Nikki III” segment on the variety show “U-n-nan no Hontoko!,” it is one of the rare tracks in J-pop history to achieve triple million sales.

Its lyrics, depicting a life-changing encounter and the heartache of losing it, evoke the story of a grand romance.

The gentle melody and Keisuke Kuwata’s resonant, layered vocals deeply move listeners.

Released in January 2000, this song has continued to stay close to the hearts of many.