Popular J-Pop Ballad Song Rankings [2026]

Happy Endingback number1rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

A gem-like ballad by the three-piece rock band back number, featured as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” The song portrays the complex emotional landscape of a woman who has decided to part ways with someone she still loves, where bravado and true feelings intertwine.

The sentimental strings blend with the delicate band sound, evoking the ache of heartbreak.

You’ll feel your chest tighten as she tells herself that a sorrowful farewell is a “happy ending.” It’s a dramatic number that will move you to tears.

PrologueUru2rank/position

[Official] Uru “Prologue” Premium Studio Live

My heart trembles at its ephemeral worldview.

The song is by singer-songwriter Uru, also known for hits like “Anata ga Iru Koto de,” and it was released as a single in 2018.

It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Chuugaku Sei Nikki,” which portrays a forbidden love.

That clear, translucent voice—truly quintessential Uru.

It feels as if it permeates to the very depths of the heart.

The lyrics, which faithfully reflect the drama’s story, are also deeply moving.

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Araki Jakkan

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First LoveUtada Hikaru3rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

This is one of Hikaru Utada’s signature ballads, a song about the end of an unforgettable love.

Released in April 1999 as a single from her album, it became a major sensation as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Jōken,” which portrays a romance between a teacher and a student.

The opening scene—beginning with the bitter, heartrending scent of a cigarette from a farewell kiss—is strikingly vivid, almost unbelievable for something written by her at just sixteen.

Even if you fall in love with someone else, your first love remains special in your heart, and the message that you learned how to love from that relationship transforms the pain of heartbreak into beautiful hope.

A perfect listen for nights when you want to linger in bittersweet memories.

KanadeSukima Suichi4rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

With the concept of “down-to-earth music,” Sukima Switch’s lyrical songs have earned support across generations.

Released in March 2004 as their second single, this track has become a classic, securing numerous tie-ins such as an insert song for the film “Rough” and themes for TV dramas.

Its heartrending lyrics and melody evoke scenes of parting, likely bringing back memories for anyone who listens.

Musically, it’s a very straightforward and beautiful ballad that almost anyone can sing along to with ease.

When singing it at karaoke, try to value every single word of the lyrics and perform with care.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi5rank/position

Aoi Teshima “Letter to Tomorrow (Drama Version)”

The moving ballad “Letter to Tomorrow” leaves a strong impression with Aoi Teshima’s crystal-clear voice conveying a gentle warmth.

Known as a TV drama theme song, it remains in people’s memories as a piece filled with a bittersweet yet forward-looking message.

It brings the comfort of reuniting with an old friend and the courage to take a new step.

Its calm piano melody and delicately woven lyrics help you forget the bustle of daily life and slowly soothe the heart.

It always feels fresh, and it’s sure to continue being loved in the years to come.

One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi6rank/position

One more time, One more chance – 5 Centimeters Per Second

A signature song by Masayoshi Yamazaki that portrays the poignant sense of loss in endlessly searching for someone who is gone.

Released in January 1997, it became known as the theme song for the film he starred in, “The Moon and a Cabbage,” and enjoyed long-running success with over 300,000 copies sold.

In 2007, it was used again as the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s animated film “5 Centimeters per Second,” bringing it widespread recognition among younger audiences.

With a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar arpeggios and piano, the song delicately weaves feelings of lingering attachment and regret.

Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics pair beautifully with the piano’s delicate timbre.

Recommended for those who want to perform it quietly on a calm night while thinking of someone dear.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK7rank/position

Full ver. One Ok Rock Wherever You Are #oneokrock #ワンオク #whereveryouare

ONE OK ROCK’s signature song “Wherever you are.” Since it’s sung as a love song that vows eternity, you’ll want to use falsetto to really bring out the song’s appeal.

That said, the falsetto in “Wherever you are” appears mainly at the beginning.

The song builds toward the latter half, so about two-thirds is sung in chest voice.

If you sing the initial guitar-backed section firmly in falsetto to create contrast, it lands stylishly.

Many people who like rock and band music seem to want to sing ONE OK ROCK.

The high range can be a hurdle, but ballads let you cover the high notes with falsetto, so they’re recommended.

Open your throat and keep the breath flowing steadily!

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Kubota Mami

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