Popular J-Pop Ballad Song Rankings [2026]

AiHata Motohiro78rank/position

Moto Hiro Hata – “Ai” Music Video

Hata Motohiro’s ninth single, released in 2010.

It’s a classic that has been covered by various artists, including Chris Hart and Hitoto Yo.

Hata’s mellow, gentle vocals and the carefully strummed acoustic guitar resonate with a poignant tenderness, wrapping you in a feeling of affection.

It’s perfect for when you want to reflect on the flutter of a fateful encounter that makes you feel love in an instant, and on those irreplaceably happy moments—please give it a listen.

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hiyori

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The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro79rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

As summer ends and the season truly shifts toward autumn in September, this is one of those songs you really feel like listening to, isn’t it? It’s one of the well-known tracks by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama.

Just as the title suggests, it’s a beautiful ballad imbued with the quietude that perfectly suits the end of summer.

At first glance, the lyrics can be taken as a love song, but Mr.

Moriyama himself has said it was actually created as an anti-war song.

Hearing that backstory, the song’s beauty makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

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Hane Keisuke

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#302Hirai Ken80rank/position

Ken Hirai '#302' MUSIC VIDEO

Here is a song by Ken Hirai that sings about events that could happen in an everyday karaoke box.

It became the theme song for the drama “4-Minute Marigold.” It’s said that there was a real shop that served as the model and that Hirai’s own experiences are included in the lyrics, which makes you think, “So Hirai goes to karaoke boxes too,” and feel surprised.

Since it’s a song about a karaoke box, the first-press limited edition also includes an instrumental version without vocals, a fun feature for those who want to sing it themselves.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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rainbowSuda Masaki81rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Niji' (Rainbow)

A celebrated song by Masaki Suda, distinguished by its warm, tender vocals wrapped in kindness and affection, and a melody that gently stays close to the heart.

Portraying the bond with a loved one and the small joys hidden in everyday life, this piece softly sings of gratitude toward a partner who accepts one’s weaknesses and the hope to continue walking side by side.

Released in November 2020, it garnered attention as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon 2,” bringing comfort to many listeners.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear in moments that celebrate the birth of new life and the bonds of family.

Christmas songback number82rank/position

back number – Christmas Song (full)

This is one of back number’s signature winter songs, memorable for its beautiful melody that seems to resonate across the winter night sky.

Released in November 2015 as their 14th single, it became a massive hit as the theme song for the drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” It’s now cherished as a classic winter tune.

The song’s greatest charm lies in its lyrics, which straightforwardly express a deepening affection for someone special.

You can vividly picture the protagonist overflowing with the desire to see the one they love, and it makes your heart ache as you listen.

Interestingly, aside from the title, it doesn’t use any words tied to a specific day, giving it a universal love song quality that truly resonates.

Also included on the album “Chandelier,” this heartwarming track is perfect for a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone important.

Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro83rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – “Sakura (2019)” Music Video

“Sakura” by Naotaro Moriyama is so famous that it’s practically synonymous with graduation songs.

The track was released in 2002 as his second single.

“Sakura (2019)” is a newly arranged and re-recorded version from 2019, and it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “同期のサクラ” (“Sakura at Work”) starring Mitsuki Takahata.

Cherry blossoms are vibrant and gently uplifting, with a charm that captivates people, yet during graduation season their fluttering petals evoke a poignant sadness.

It’s a ballad that highlights that bittersweet feeling—and is loved across generations.

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utatane

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Unfit to be a loverKoresawa84rank/position

Koresawa “Unqualified as a Lover” [Music Video]

A song that Koresawa self-covered after originally providing it to Miyuhan.

It was created as an answer song to Koresawa’s track “Tabako.” The lyrics portray the feelings of the protagonist’s lover from “Tabako.” When singing at karaoke, it’s great to perform both “Tabako” and this “Koibito Shikkaku”! Also pay attention to the lyrics that reveal the meaning behind the title “Koibito Shikkaku” (Disqualified as a Lover).

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SAKI

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