Popular ballads. Band ranking [2026]

In the Corner of the Nightkobore91rank/position

kobore – Corner of the Night (Official Video)

A rock ballad with poignant, heart‑piercing lyrics and a catchy melody.

It portrays the loneliness of reflecting on a lost love in the corner of the night, and it really resonates deeply.

The track is included on the album “Yoru o Mukae ni,” released in May 2018.

Known as one of kobore’s signature songs, it’s loved not only for its bittersweet lyrics but also for its beautiful melody.

It’s a song that really hits home when you’re dealing with a breakup or feel like reminiscing about someone important.

It’s sure to stay close to your heart.

Goodbyekariyushi 5892rank/position

Kariyushi58 “Sayonara”

A bittersweet classic perfect for the season of farewells.

It stirs deep gratitude for days gone by and aching feelings for someone precious you’ll never meet again.

Released as a single by Kariyushi58 in February 2009, it was selected as the theme song for NTV’s Saturday drama “Zeni Geba,” earning the band their first Top 10 entry on the Oricon weekly chart.

Vocalist Shingo Maekawa’s warm voice and the distinctly Okinawan rhythm leave a strong impression.

This is a song that gently supports those who have experienced parting or lost someone dear.

Try listening while looking up at the sky—surely, your feelings will reach that special someone.

Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku93rank/position

Kinoko Teikoku — Night of the Osmanthus

Kinmokusei no Yoru (Night of Osmanthus) is a song by the rock band Kinoko Teikoku, fronted by former actress Chiaki Sato as vocalist, and it’s included on their 2018 album Time Lapse.

It’s a ballad about the bittersweet feeling of recalling an ex-lover, making it a perfect fit for autumn’s wistful mood.

The music video released on YouTube also has a nostalgic atmosphere that lets you feel the signs of fall.

Be sure to enjoy Kinmokusei no Yoru through the visuals as well!

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Hamada Takuya

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The End of Summeraibii karaa94rank/position

IVY COLOR [End of Summer] Music Video

If we’re talking about ballad songs set at the end of summer, there’s no way I can skip this one! It’s a rock ballad with a memorable piano sound, and if you don’t usually listen to rock, you might not know it.

But please give it a listen! It’s a story of a man and woman who gradually grow closer beneath fireworks at a summer festival—so heart-pounding it almost hurts.

It’s a superb ballad that evokes deep nostalgia not only for those who’ve had such experiences in their youth, but even for those who haven’t.

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Hane Keisuke

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Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu95rank/position

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

Isn’t this the very definition of a classic rock ballad? It’s a love song that conveys feelings for a special someone in a straightforward, manly way.

It’s often used at weddings and receptions, too.

While it’s categorized as a ballad, it doesn’t get too mellow or subdued—that’s one of the key points of this song!

GoodbyeSakanakushon96rank/position

Sakanaction – Goodbye (Music Video)

This is a song by Sakanaction, an electronic rock band from Hokkaido, that makes you feel as if your body is wrapped in a mysterious clarity.

It was released in 2014 as their ninth single, “Good-Bye / Eureka.” The expansive sound pairs beautifully with Ichiro Yamaguchi’s gentle vocals.

Take your time listening as you feel the quiet autumn breeze.

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Araki Jakkan

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delicate lipsJenīhai97rank/position

Genie High “Delicate Lips” feat. Chanmina

Jenny High has created a masterpiece that resonates deeply—a heartrending story portraying a woman’s delicate emotions.

The feelings of a woman who tries to hide her inner pain by changing her appearance are carefully depicted through the small item of lipstick.

The song beautifully expresses the turmoil between vulnerability and putting on a brave face, and the collaboration with Chanmina adds further depth.

Included on the album “Jenny Classic,” released in June 2023, the track captured the hearts of many listeners alongside numerous tie-in songs.

It’s perfect for nighttime drives or quiet moments with someone special.

The rich, delicate vocals exude a mature allure, leaving you wrapped in a pleasant afterglow.

Shadows of Youthchūrippu98rank/position

Shadows of Youth

Known as a quintessential ballad of the Showa era, this song portrays a man’s deep feelings for his beloved and his resolve to marry.

Its lyrics, symbolizing the end of youth and the beginning of a new life, carry a message that resonates with many listeners.

Released in June 1974 as Tulip’s sixth single, it marked a significant turning point in the band’s musical career.

Issued to steer their trajectory away from an idol-oriented approach and back toward the music they had originally aimed for, the song has had a wide-reaching impact, appearing in dramas and commercials.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to relive the bittersweet memories of youth and feel the anticipation of a new stage in life.

Snow, Moon, and Flowersyangusukinii99rank/position

Young Skinny – Setsugekka [Official Music Video]

Have you ever had a fleeting scent suddenly awaken a long-sleeping feeling of love deep in your memory? Using an unforgettable lingering fragrance as the key, Young Skinny’s exquisite ballad vividly portrays unbreakable regrets and attachments.

By deliberately leaving out keyboards and building the arrangement around guitar and Kayu’s vocals, the stripped-back sound underscores the trembling of earnest emotions.

This track opens the EP “Bukiyō na Watashi Dakara,” released in March 2024.

In the music video, award-winning actress Suzuharu Kawashima stars, and its play-like structure drew considerable attention.

It’s a masterpiece that gently stays beside those spending sleepless nights, hearts clenched by memories of past love.

Winter IllusionAcid Black Cherry100rank/position

Acid Black Cherry “Fuyu no Maboroshi” MV

Acid Black Cherry is the solo project of yasu, who rose to popularity as the vocalist of Janne Da Arc.

The 4th single, Fuyu no Maboroshi (Winter Illusion), is a track whose contrast between its heartrending lyrics and melody and its impactful music video stirred up the fanbase.

It launches straight into a high register from the very first line and climbs even higher in the chorus, so we recommend choosing a key that suits your voice when singing it at karaoke.

With its cinematic feel that vividly evokes imagery, this sentimental rock ballad is one we especially recommend men try singing at winter karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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