Popular J-Pop Ballad Song Rankings [2026]

Lovers AgainEXILE57rank/position

EXILE / Lovers Again

A quintessential EXILE ballad, “Lovers Again.” The harmonies between the two vocalists are pleasant to listen to.

Since it’s not a song that requires belting, you can sing it comfortably without pushing for volume.

To produce that volume when needed, focus on resonating through your body.

If you place a hand on your chest while you sing, you’ll notice the vibration.

This resonance is crucial—when your body resonates, your voice carries clearly to both yourself and the listener, even without singing loudly.

Another key is using your breath.

If you just force your voice out nearby, your vocal cords won’t vibrate efficiently.

But if you project as though you’re sending your voice farther away, your vocal cords will vibrate better and you’ll sing more easily.

Keep these points in mind and enjoy mastering this ballad!

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Kubota Mami

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GarnetOku Hanako58rank/position

Garnet

A signature song by Hanako Oku, chosen as the theme for the smash-hit animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Its poignant lyrics and piano tones are captivating, evoking memories of days gone by as if they were right before your eyes.

Oku’s clear, transparent vocals gently permeate the heart.

Though we can no longer meet, the song expresses gratitude for a encounter that made the self stronger, offering not only solace from heartbreak but also the strength to move forward.

Released in July 2006, the song won the Best Theme Song (Film) at the Heisei Anime Song Awards.

For those who want to overcome a painful farewell and step into the future with beautiful memories, this song will gently nudge you forward.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku59rank/position

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

Fujifabric is a three-piece rock band that made their major debut in 2004 with the album Alamode.

Their song Wakamos no Subete is captivating for its lyrics that poignantly capture the melancholy of summer’s end.

“Gazing at the last fireworks of the year, I find myself recalling those memories no matter how many years go by…”—such beautiful lines leave a lasting impression.

Songs like this, which express what young people feel in everyday life in down-to-earth words, were born in great numbers in the 2000s, which is why they feel so nostalgic.

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Yuuki

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DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE60rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

A perfect Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track to hear during graduation season, when anxiety and excitement mix.

The lyrics question your true self and gently urge you to love yourself—including your weaknesses—giving you the courage to take a new step forward.

Written as the theme song for NHK General’s “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival” in January 2025, the song is also included on their best-of album “10,” released in July of the same year.

On the program, a chorus performance with 1,000 18-year-olds was showcased, and its sheer energy became a hot topic.

When you’re straining to meet others’ expectations, listening to this will remind you it’s okay to be just the way you are.

It’s also perfect for belting out at karaoke with friends as you celebrate each other’s new beginnings!

Summer Days of 1993class61rank/position

Summer Days of 1993

This is a gem of a ballad, colored by a refreshing acoustic sound and a melody that lingers in the heart.

It delicately portrays the subtle emotional shifts from friendship to romance, resulting in a song that gently embraces a love that suddenly blossoms.

class released this as their debut single in April 1993, and it was used as the opening theme for “Kimi to Itsumademo” and as a commercial song for Saison Card.

It was also included on the albums “Mellow Prism” and “CLASSIX,” and became a massive hit, selling over 1.7 million copies.

Fifteen years later, in 2008, an answer song—effectively a continuation of the story—was released.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to look back on memories with someone dear, or who resonate with the secret feelings of love held for a long-time friend.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu62rank/position

TSUNAMI [2018 Remaster]

This is the 44th single by Southern All Stars, a five-member rock band widely known as a quintessential group for the summer season.

Used as the theme song for the “Mirai Nikki III” segment on the variety show “U-n-nan no Hontoko!,” it is one of the rare tracks in J-pop history to achieve triple million sales.

Its lyrics, depicting a life-changing encounter and the heartache of losing it, evoke the story of a grand romance.

The gentle melody and Keisuke Kuwata’s resonant, layered vocals deeply move listeners.

Released in January 2000, this song has continued to stay close to the hearts of many.

FlowerORANGE RANGE63rank/position

ORANGE RANGE “Hana” MV

Thanks to a recent revival hit, the mixture rock band ORANGE RANGE is now attracting attention from younger generations as well.

They’ve produced many hit numbers, but among them, the song I recommend for men with lower voices is Hana.

It might not sound particularly low at first, but its lowest note is low G, so there are quite a few deep phrases.

The highest note is mid F (F4), which means the overall range is fairly narrow, making it easier to sing for men with lower voices.

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Ryo

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