Ayumi Hamasaki Ballad Songs: Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
Since her debut, Ayumi Hamasaki has delivered hit after hit, and it’s no exaggeration to say there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know her.
All of her songs are popular, but her ballads, in particular, have strong support.
In this article, we’ll introduce Ayumi Hamasaki’s ballads in a ranked list.
Ayumi Hamasaki Ballad Songs: Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi1rank/position

Although some time has passed since its release, “SEASONS,” a gem-like ballad from Heisei-era songstress Ayumi Hamasaki, continues to be loved by many.
It opens with a memorable, beautiful piano introduction, and in the chorus, Hamasaki’s vocals resonate deeply in the heart.
Amid the ever-turning seasons, the song evokes a nostalgia that links the past, present, and future.
Happy times aren’t forever—but neither are the hard ones.
It’s a song that supports us as we live our daily lives.
VoyageHamasaki Ayumi2rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki debuted in 1998 and, as a charismatic figure among high school girls, drew attention not only for her music but also for her fashion.
As a fashion leader for junior high and high school girls of the time, she gained immense popularity among women in various areas such as hairstyles, makeup, and nails.
Her 28th single, “Voyage,” released in September 2002, won the 44th Japan Record Award that year.
Spring is also a season when we begin to walk our own paths.
Even in times of doubt or confusion, this song leaves an impression with its uplifting lyrics that give you courage and its grand melody.
CAROLSHamasaki Ayumi3rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki’s “CAROLS,” released in 2004.
Just hearing the piano in the intro alone feels like it could bring you to tears.
This love song is themed around winter, the season when lovers cuddle close, and it expresses the desire to stay together forever.
You can feel the overflowing love in Hamasaki’s soaring vocals in the chorus.
It’s a winter ballad that makes you want to cherish the person you care about even more.
DearestHamasaki Ayumi4rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki, a singer-songwriter who sparked a social phenomenon to the point of being called the “charisma of high school girls,” dominated the J-pop scene in the Heisei era.
Her 24th single, “Dearest,” used as the ending theme for the TV anime Inuyasha, became a massive hit and won both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Cable Radio Award.
Its lyrics, which evoke a sense of true love, are ones many people likely overlay with their own experiences or ideals.
With its beautiful melody, it’s an enduring masterpiece ballad sure to stand out at karaoke as well.
teddy bearHamasaki Ayumi5rank/position

It’s a song included on Ayumi Hamasaki’s third original album, “Duty,” released in 2000.
As an original album, it became her biggest hit.
In concerts, she sings it together with a large teddy bear.
It’s a bittersweet yet warm song and a popular ballad among fans.
HANABIHamasaki Ayumi6rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki’s “HANABI” is a song included on the single “H,” released in 2002, and on the album “RAINBOW.” It was used as the image song for Tu-Ka Cellular Tokyo, and both the single and the album topped the Oricon charts and became million-sellers, achieving huge hits.
The lyrics, which overlay the end of fireworks with the end of a romance, are deeply poignant, making it a ballad perfectly suited to the close of summer.
ʻŌhiʻa treeHamasaki Ayumi7rank/position

The song “Ohia no Ki,” said to have been created when Ayumi Hamasaki gave birth to her child.
While it speaks to the challenges of raising children, listening to it warms my heart and makes me feel that children bring happiness that far surpasses those hardships.
From a child’s perspective, being called a “reason for living” might feel a bit heavy, but the emotion you feel when you’re blessed with a child may be so profound that no other words can truly capture it.
It’s a very gentle song filled with a parent’s deep love for their child.


