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Mai Kuraki’s Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Mai Kuraki, a popular female artist from the Being Group, has been featured in tie-ins with series like the anime Detective Conan and has earned support from a wide range of generations.
She broke through with R&B-tinged J-pop that quickly became her signature at debut, but as she has grown older, she’s taken on different styles, revealing new facets of her appeal.
This time, we take a closer look at her.
Based on verified feedback from fans submitted to our site so far, we researched her most popular songs.
Here, we present the most acclaimed tracks in a ranking format.
Please enjoy.
Mai Kuraki’s Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Secret of my heartKuraki Mai1rank/position
This is her smash hit released in 2000, which drew attention to her looks and musical talent.
There was a time when she was compared to Hikaru Utada, but both are Japanese divas with their own unique worlds.
Her soft, beautiful voice captivated listeners.
Although this was her third single, it’s surprising that she was still in high school when she debuted.
Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai2rank/position
An autumn classic whose beautiful whispery vocals by Mai Kuraki resonate with the heart.
Set in the ancient capital of Kyoto, it movingly sings of the sorrowful feelings of thinking about a lover far away.
Written as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: The Crimson Love Letter and released in April 2017, it marks Kuraki’s 21st theme song for the Detective Conan series and has been recognized by Guinness World Records.
Through the contrast between the hues of antiquity and the changing seasons, the song expresses a love that remains unchanged.
A recommended track for calm autumn nights when you want to dwell on thoughts of someone special.
Your Best FriendKuraki Mai3rank/position
Mai Kuraki’s 37th single, which was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan.
With heartwarming lyrics that convey “I’m on your side” to a dear friend without needing to say a word, and a bittersweet yet powerful vocal that resonates deeply, this number celebrates the beauty and preciousness of friendship.
Reach for the skyKuraki Mai4rank/position
It was released in 2000 as Mai Kuraki’s sixth single.
The song was chosen as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Audrey,” and it drew attention for making her the youngest artist ever to perform a theme song for the series.
As a song often heard on TV in the morning, its refreshing, soothing vocals and melody earned support across all age groups.
Like a star in the nightKuraki Mai5rank/position
It’s also a memorable song for the scenes in music videos and live performances where Mai Kuraki sings while playing the piano.
It begins with a quiet tone that feels dark, as if expressing anxiety, and when it reaches the chorus, it unfolds into a bright, grand sound that seems to expand your field of vision—almost like depicting an escape from anxiety.
Precisely because it’s a gently paced ballad, you can savor the subtle emotional nuances embedded in the vocals and fully appreciate Mai Kuraki’s impressive singing ability.
Time after time ~In the town where flowers dance~Kuraki Mai6rank/position
This is a song by Mai Kuraki that expresses the warm atmosphere of spring and the farewells and reunions of cherry blossom season.
It was also used as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital, and it strongly evokes a Japanese aesthetic that overlaps with the film’s themes.
The refreshing, acoustic-centered sound is striking, conveying both a traditional Japanese mood and the gentle warmth of spring.
The lyrics depict memories associated with spring and a love that is heartrending and ephemeral.
The grand development that gradually gains in strength suggests how reflecting on memories deepens one’s feelings of love.