Popular Ballad Song Ranking [2026]
We’re bringing you the latest rankings from the overall chart of popular ballads, showcased all at once in order of most views!
When you’re feeling down or just want to relax alone, listening to ballads somehow brings a sense of relief, doesn’t it?
Whether Japanese or Western music, this is a must-listen ranking for anyone who simply wants to enjoy all kinds of ballads.
The playlist is updated weekly.
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Popular Ballad Song Rankings [2026] (51–60)
Love StoryAmuro Namie51rank/position
It’s a love ballad in which you can feel the pain conveyed through Namie Amuro’s powerful vocals.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Reasons I Can’t Find My Love.” The sound has a gentle atmosphere that evokes the image of slowly facing your own heart, and the piano accents seem to heighten the sense of poignancy.
The lyrics express both the growing love within oneself and the regret of not being able to be together.
It’s a moving song that suggests realizing the magnitude of love only after losing it.
NautilusYorushika52rank/position
Listening to it makes you feel like you’ve just finished watching a movie.
It’s a song by Yorushika, a band led by composer n-buna and vocalist suis, included on their second album Elma, released in 2019.
The beautiful tone of the piano slowly seeps into your heart.
The dynamic arrangement seems to directly project the emotions held by the song’s protagonist.
Since the album itself is a story-driven work, it might be best to listen to it all the way through.
MissingKubota Toshinobu53rank/position
This is an immortal masterpiece included on the first album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986.
Although it was never released as a single, it’s widely known as one of Toshinobu Kubota’s signature songs.
It portrays a poignant relationship between a man and a woman who are drawn to each other yet can never be together, rendered through a one-of-a-kind, soulful voice.
The more one wishes to forget, the stronger the feelings grow—the searing emotion tightens the listener’s chest.
On a night when your heart is troubled by an unrequited love, why not listen quietly on your own?
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro54rank/position
It’s the theme song for the 3DCG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” and one of Motohiro Hata’s signature tracks.
The song portrays the strong, heartwarming bonds between the characters, expressing that even when they are apart, their hearts remain connected, and its tenderness can easily bring you to tears.
Perfectly harmonizing with the film’s moving story, it captured the hearts of many.
Released in August 2014, it became a major hit, spending a total of seven weeks at No.
1 on Billboard Japan’s Hot Animation chart.
It is also included on the album “Ao no Kokei” (Blue Scenery).
It’s a wonderful song that gently stays by your side when you want to reaffirm the bonds with someone you cherish.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu55rank/position
A gemlike love ballad that vividly paints an inner landscape at summer’s end, where bittersweet sorrow melts into luscious scenes.
The lyrics strikingly capture the pain of heartbreak and the lingering passion of a memorable love.
Released by Southern All Stars in July 1990, the song was created as the theme for the film Inamura Jane, directed by Keisuke Kuwata.
It reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and earned Platinum certification.
It resonates especially deeply when you’re holding onto feelings of love or melancholy—and it’s a perfect track for the season when summer draws to a close.
Stay With MeSam Smith56rank/position
This is “Stay With Me,” released in 2014 by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith.
The song, which expresses the pain of a one-night affair, resonated with many people and went on to win four Grammy Awards.
What makes this track especially beautiful is the chorus, which incorporates gospel influences rooted in Sam Smith’s background.
The harmonies created by the layered, powerful vocals are stunning, so try listening with that in mind.
flameLiSA57rank/position
The 17th single by female singer LiSA, used as the theme song for the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime film.
Featuring a sweeping melody and powerful vocals, the song carries a strong message about overcoming sorrow and hardship.
Released in October 2020, it became a massive hit that sparked a social phenomenon, surpassing 300 million streams and achieving million-sales status.
Portraying the strength to push through adversity, the bonds with companions, and hope for the future, it’s a perfect track for times when you’re feeling down or need encouragement.
ORIONNakajima Mika58rank/position
“ORION” is Mika Nakashima’s 27th single, released in 2008.
It was used as an insert song for the TBS drama “Ryusei no Kizuna,” in which Nakashima herself also appeared, and it reached No.
6 on the Oricon singles chart.
Her heartrending vocals, combined with lyrics that evoke “tears,” make it a song that truly resonates.
Erika Toda, who co-starred with her in the drama, also appears in the music video, so be sure to watch it while listening to the track!
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika59rank/position
This is a song that portrays bittersweet summer memories, woven from a delicate singing voice and melody.
Yorushika’s gentle music spins a narrative with the touch of a short story.
Scenes like summer shade, frozen treats, and the sound of the wind resonate in the heart, stirring a faint sense of melancholy.
Released in April 2020, this song was also chosen as the theme for the animated film “A Whisker Away,” and is included on the album “Plagiarism.” The piece carefully depicts shifting memories and emotions against a backdrop of summer landscapes, making it a track you’ll want to hear at the turn of the seasons from spring to summer.
With its warm vocals that quietly stay close to your heart, why not take a moment to look back on your cherished memories?
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo60rank/position
The gem-like ballad by Yo Hitoto, woven with her gentle singing voice, was born in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
Its prayer-like, tender melody and lyrics filled with wishes for another’s happiness sink deeply into the listener’s heart.
Since its release in February 2004, it has been featured as a film theme song and in JRA commercials, and it won an Excellence Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
It remained in the karaoke rankings’ Top 5 for 90 consecutive weeks and has become a classic covered by many artists.
It’s the perfect song for quietly reflecting on your feelings for someone important, or when you sincerely want to wish someone happiness.