Popular J-Pop Ballad Song Rankings [2026]

Unfit to be a loverKoresawa85rank/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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Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi86rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spirits of the Sea

The song “Umi no Yuurei” (Spirits of the Sea) by Kenshi Yonezu was written as the theme for the 2019 theatrical anime film Children of the Sea.

It came about through an offer from Yonezu, who had loved the original manga since childhood.

This ballad evokes the grandeur and mystery of the ocean and reached No.

1 on both the Oricon and Billboard charts.

The single’s cover features artwork by Daisuke Igarashi, the creator of Children of the Sea.

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Hamada Takuya

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tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa87rank/position

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

A singer-songwriter beloved for relatable, down-to-earth lyrics, Koresawa delivers a piercing song of regret.

The protagonist is portrayed desperately trying to recover the warmth of lost days from the small personal items their partner left behind.

The depictions of miscommunication—“If only I’d paid more attention to them,” “If only they had cared more about me”—will resonate painfully with anyone who has parted ways with a long-time partner.

Released in March 2017, this work is marked by its acoustic sound.

For those who feel their own shortcomings led to the breakup, this song may quietly sit with you and allow you to shed your tears.

The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell88rank/position

[Available until July 14, 2025] Bakemonogatari ED “The Story You Don’t Know” supercell Original Audio 4K High Quality Full AAC-LC – 320 kbps

This song is characterized by a gentle melody that tenderly resonates with listeners’ hearts.

Released in August 2009, it is also known as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari.

The lyrics delicately portray the ache of unrequited love and the complex emotions of a love triangle, striking a chord with many listeners.

One of its charms is how the protagonist’s hidden feelings and loneliness are beautifully expressed through scenes of stargazing.

It’s a perfect track for those who have experienced heartbreak or who hold unspoken feelings of love.

Combined with supercell’s delicate vocals, it becomes a moving and deeply touching piece.

March 9Remioromen89rank/position

March 9th – Remioromen (Full)

Remioromen’s “March 9th” is a ballad perfectly suited for the milestone of graduation.

Originally written for a friend’s wedding, the song was later used as an insert track in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” This led to a long-running hit, and it has since been sung as a chorus at many graduation ceremonies.

Its warm, heart-fluttering melody gently weaves together the hope and the feelings of farewell of young people setting out on a new journey.

The moving, unforgettable graduation melody spun by Remioromen will continue to be close to the hearts of many people.

Song for…HY90rank/position

Song for…

A gem of a ballad whose gentle piano melody and bittersweet vocals slowly bloom in your chest.

Based on the real experiences of HY’s keyboardist and vocalist Izumi Nakasone, it portrays a single-minded love that, despite a fateful encounter, runs up against the wall of age and keeps waiting in faith for a reunion.

Many listeners will likely feel their hearts tighten at this earnest devotion.

The song is included on HY’s album “TRUNK,” released in July 2004, which reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

On a summer evening, when a sudden loneliness washes over you, this warm melody is sure to echo softly in your heart.

365 daysMr.Children91rank/position

Mr.Children 365 Days

A masterpiece ballad that demands delicate emotional expression and advanced vocal technique, “365 Nichi.” It’s a song where expressiveness, pitch, and falsetto control are crucial.

Many Mr.Children songs have intricately moving melodic lines, and “365 Nichi” is a prime example.

Although it was released in 2010, it was used in the NTT East/West commercials, so many people will find it familiar.

From the A verse to the B verse, the melody is gentle, making it possible to sing each phrase carefully.

From the chorus onward, the melody moves in finer steps, so you need to be very mindful of pitch.

Maintain your breath with diaphragmatic breathing and sing with a clear tone, imagining you’re using your breath efficiently without waste.

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Kubota Mami

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