Popular Ballad Song Ranking [2026]

Because you are hereUru22rank/position

[Official] Uru “Because You Are Here” — Theme Song for TBS Sunday Theater ‘Ship of Theseus’

A gemlike ballad by Uru, whose heartwarming vocals and melody gently enfold feelings for a loved one.

Released in February 2020 as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Ship of Theseus,” the piece conveys a powerful desire to bring happiness to someone important and to protect them.

Even while carrying anxiety about tomorrow and regrets about the past, the song expresses gratitude for the constant presence that stays by one’s side, seeping into the heart with Uru’s clear, luminous voice.

It’s the perfect track to send to close friends or family when you want to say “thank you,” a sentiment that’s often hard to put into words.

balladKetsumeishi23rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

Ketsumeishi is known for having lots of bright songs with plenty of hip-hop and rap elements, but they actually have ballads too! With gentle melodies over piano and string-backed arrangements… this side of Ketsumeishi is really satisfying to listen to, and it looks cool to sing as well! The song runs close to seven minutes, so it’s on the longer side, but it’s highly recommended when you want something mellow.

Of course, there’s rap in it too, but the tempo is relaxed, so it’s easy to learn and easy to groove to.

It seems best to sing while moving your body in a big, open way.

The chorus is a real highlight, so if you sing each phrase carefully, you can really put your feelings into it.

There are spots where it slips lightly into falsetto, which adds a surge of poignancy.

The latter half of the chorus is a sweet spot for singing, so don’t hesitate—project your voice with confidence!

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Kubota Mami

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Crystal SnowBTS24rank/position

Crystal Snow

A delicate and beautiful song draped in the magic of Christmas, as fragile as snow.

Released in December 2017 as a winter gift from BTS to their Japanese fans, it likens the fleetingness and warmth of love to snowflakes, giving voice to an earnest wish to be close.

Featured on the albums FACE YOURSELF and BTS, THE BEST, it has also been performed at fan meetings.

This piece is perfect for moments when you want to hold memories of Christmas with someone special close to your heart, or for nights when you’re thinking of a loved one far away.

BTS’s warm vocals will gently stay by your side.

crescent moonayaka25rank/position

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka’s fourth single, released in September 2006.

A love ballad that captures the heartache of a long-distance relationship, it remains a beloved classic for many.

Even when apart, looking up at the same sky connects their hearts, and the resolve to keep moving forward despite loneliness deeply resonates with listeners.

It’s said the song reflects Ayaka’s own feelings when she moved to Tokyo, and that genuine emotion adds depth to her vocals.

It was featured in an au “LISMO” commercial and as a theme song for an NHK program, and it earned her the Best New Artist award at the 48th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a sentimental number you’ll want to listen to alone on nights when you can’t see someone dear to you.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru26rank/position

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

A ballad by Hikaru Utada that gently seeps into the heart with a sense of nostalgia.

The lyrics, filled with feelings of farewell and gratitude, and the tender melody woven by piano and strings, deeply move listeners.

Released digitally in April 2016, it drew attention as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan.” It is also said to reflect Utada’s feelings for her mother.

Perfect for those who have experienced parting from someone important or who want to express their gratitude.

It’s also a popular choice as background music for graduation ceremonies.

secret base 〜What You Gave Me〜ZONE27rank/position

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ ZONE (Full)

A great song that celebrates bonds that never fade even when you’re apart is ZONE’s “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~.” Released in 2001, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart and became a huge hit with over one million copies shipped.

It was also the theme song for the drama “Kids War 3,” which starred Mao Inoue, and the song evokes a strong sense of friendship.

If you want to feel connected with your friends even after graduation, it’s the perfect track—definitely give it a listen!

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Hamada Takuya

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Spot the differenceSuda Masaki28rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

A life spent feeling like a mistake begins to find meaning through a meeting with someone precious.

Imbued with such a bittersweet yet warm message, this work is a gemlike ballad created by two extraordinarily talented artists, Masaki Suda and Kenshi Yonezu.

Kenshi Yonezu wrote and composed the song especially for Suda, pursuing a piece that could only be expressed through his voice.

Released digitally in May 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” and is included on the album “LOVE.” When you are suffering from self-denial or inferiority, or when you are lost in life’s choices, this song will surely stay close to your heart.