Popular Ballad Song Ranking [2026]

Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako29rank/position

Unchanging Things

A piano ballad that lets you sink into a wistful mood, as if longing for the summer that has passed.

The singer is Hanako Oku, a singer-songwriter often praised as someone whose “voice alone can move you to tears.” This work centers on the irreplaceable nature of everyday life and feelings that never fade, even as time goes by.

Its message—yearning to reach someone you may never meet again, transcending time and distance—truly strikes the heart.

Included on the single “Garnet,” released in July 2006, it served as an insert song in the feature-length animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, heightening the emotion of its climactic scenes.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to on a slightly chilly evening at dusk, as you look back on your summer memories.

A Naked Heartaimyon30rank/position

Aimyon – Naked Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A single ballad by Aimyon that portrays the feelings of wishing, with honest sincerity, “Even if just a little, may this love come true,” while grappling with anxieties and inner conflict about romance.

Released in June 2020, it’s a memorable track that also served as the theme song for the TBS drama ‘My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.’ Characterized by a simple arrangement centered on piano and melodica, it’s structured in a way that’s easy to recreate as a guitar-and-vocal performance.

The protagonist, who struggles with low self-esteem and loneliness yet tries to face love as their true self, embodies emotions that many of us have experienced at least once.

When you’re feeling timid about love, playing and singing this song will gently wrap your heart in comfort.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko31rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

One of Aiko’s signature songs and among the finest love songs in J-POP.

It’s a karaoke staple, and many people probably sing it often! This work is her fourth single, released in November 1999.

A beautiful ballad with a gentle accompaniment and sweet, heartwarming lyrics that truly resonate.

It’s a classic you’ve likely heard in many places.

Overall, it’s a slow, tender ballad, but above all, it’s packed with emotion—perfect for singing your heart out.

If you have someone special, I highly recommend listening while carefully reading the lyrics.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number32rank/position

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

Given the title, you might think back number’s “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” is a birthday song, right? It is a birthday song, but not one that celebrates someone’s birthday—instead, it’s a love song filled with the aching feelings of unrequited love.

It’s a track that feels like facing yourself as you reach your own birthday, and it conveys the sadness of a love that won’t come true, a love that won’t blossom.

If you’re experiencing unrequited love, this song will likely hit you especially hard.

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utatane

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Maplesupittsu33rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

Released in 1998, this song has been featured extensively in tie-ins, including as a TV drama theme and insert song, as well as in commercials.

The chorus, where Masamune Kusano’s high, soaring vocals shine, is surely familiar to just about everyone.

Its ear-pleasing, beautiful melody further accentuates the bittersweet lyrics, making it incredibly memorable.

The song was used in a Universal Music commercial that aired in December 2025.

Two other Spitz songs were also featured, and this track plays in the final scene of the commercial.

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Hane Keisuke

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MPRINCESS PRINCESS34rank/position

Princess Princess “M”

A flagship track by PRINCESS PRINCESS, a girls’ band that left its mark not only on the history of women’s bands but on Japanese rock as a whole.

Many people would say this is their favorite song.

In fact, this track was included on the B-side of that massive hit “Diamonds.” It’s curious that such a masterpiece was treated as a B-side—good songs will always be discovered by listeners, those intrepid explorers, wherever they are.

The lyrics, about not being able to throw away the page for an ex-lover whose name starts with M, belong to a time before smartphones.

The word “page” itself carries a certain nostalgia.

With its beautiful harmonies, it’s a ballad that’s also great for karaoke.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE35rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

A masterful song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that captivates with its grand rock ballad sound and heartfelt lyrics.

It gently asks what it means to live true to yourself, and how your own existence becomes visible through differences with others.

Its warm perspective resonates deeply, standing by those who, despite anxiety and loneliness, strive to move forward step by step.

Released in January 2019, it stirred the hearts of many as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

From November 2022, an orchestral arrangement was also featured in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s CalorieMate “Support for Exam Takers” commercial series, showcasing a new charm.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life, when you feel you might lose your way, or when you want to encourage someone dear to you.