Popular J-Pop Ballad Song Rankings [2026]

ORIONNakajima Mika50rank/position

Mika Nakashima 'ORION' Music Video

“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!

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dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo51rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

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.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro52rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

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.

homeKiyama Yusaku53rank/position

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

A song from a father’s perspective by Yusaku Kiyama that weaves together the deep love of a parent cherishing their child and the joys of parenting, expressed through a gentle vocal and ballad melody.

It delivers to the heart, along with the warm tones of the piano, everyday moments shared with a child, a parent’s feelings as they watch their child grow, and messages to the child.

Released in February 2008 as his major-label debut on tearbridge records, it was chosen as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya.” In December of the same year, he performed at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

This is a song you’ll want to listen to during life’s important milestones—such as graduations and weddings—when you want to feel the bond between parent and child.

flameLiSA54rank/position

LiSA “Homura” -MUSIC CLIP-

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.

the red threadKobukuro55rank/position

Kobukuro “Red Thread”

This is a long ballad that carefully depicts the feelings of a young person entering a rough patch with their partner, unfolding over seven minutes.

As a year passes, the protagonist’s heart gradually starts to look forward, and that progression is portrayed in a striking way.

Included on the album “Root of my mind,” which Kobukuro produced soon after forming, the song gently conveys the importance of trust in love.

It’s recommended for those who, while struggling with a relationship with someone important, still want to cherish their feelings for each other.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing with all your heart at solo karaoke or in the company of close friends.

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika56rank/position

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

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?