Naotaro Moriyama’s Ballad Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro1rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – “Sakura (2019)” Music Video

“Sakura” by Naotaro Moriyama is so famous that it’s practically synonymous with graduation songs.

The track was released in 2002 as his second single.

“Sakura (2019)” is a newly arranged and re-recorded version from 2019, and it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “同期のサクラ” (“Sakura at Work”) starring Mitsuki Takahata.

Cherry blossoms are vibrant and gently uplifting, with a charm that captivates people, yet during graduation season their fluttering petals evoke a poignant sadness.

It’s a ballad that highlights that bittersweet feeling—and is loved across generations.

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utatane

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The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro2rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

As summer ends and the season truly shifts toward autumn in September, this is one of those songs you really feel like listening to, isn’t it? It’s one of the well-known tracks by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama.

Just as the title suggests, it’s a beautiful ballad imbued with the quietude that perfectly suits the end of summer.

At first glance, the lyrics can be taken as a love song, but Mr.

Moriyama himself has said it was actually created as an anti-war song.

Hearing that backstory, the song’s beauty makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

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Hane Keisuke

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Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro3rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

This song, themed around cherry blossoms that brighten the spring graduation season, gently sings of farewells, reunions, and the treasured memories that remain in our hearts.

Naotaro Moriyama’s clear, pure vocals and the majestic arrangement of piano and strings resonate deeply.

The beautiful story, intertwining life’s important moments with the fleeting nature of cherry blossoms, leaves a lasting impression on listeners.

Released in March 2003, the track was chosen as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” and was later included on the album “In Search of New Spices.” Embraced as a song that accompanies life’s milestones such as graduation and school entrance ceremonies, it has also become a gentle, comforting piece for elementary school children.

If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro4rank/position

If Being Alive Is Painful – Naotaro Moriyama

The impression you get from the title might be very negative—a song that sings of painful sadness.

However, in reality, it’s quite the opposite.

With lyrics that say, “If it’s tough, just let it all out,” it’s a somewhat carefree yet thoroughly positive track that makes you feel like, “Well, let’s just give it a try for now.”

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satou-san

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DecemberMoriyama Naotaro5rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – December

Characterized by a beautiful melodic line and bittersweet lyrics, this work paints the scenes of a heartrending love.

Long cherished by fans as a hidden gem, the song was first released digitally in 2005 and later made its CD debut when it was included on the second best-of album, “Daikessakusens.” It’s a track that once again reveals the depth of his lyrical world.

His voice carries a warmth and softness that suit winter, and there’s something about it that gently envelops the listener’s heart.

When the cold wind blows, it’s a masterpiece you’ll want to savor in a warm room.

His singing will stay close to your heart and bathe it in a gentle light.

That figures.Moriyama Naotaro6rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama / “Samo Arinan” Music Video

Naotaro Moriyama, who has released numerous renowned ballads, wrote Samo Arinan as the theme song for the film Lost Care.

He read the screenplay and drew inspiration from it to compose the piece.

The song sings about “kindness,” yet it carries a fragile, somewhat melancholic tone—something that resonates with the film’s storyline.

By the way, samo arinan is an old expression meaning “that’s only natural” or “it’s to be expected.”

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yamamoto

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New WorldMoriyama Naotaro7rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama / “New World” Music Video

This is a ballad that weaves together feelings for one’s father and mother.

It was created as the theme song for Naotaro Moriyama’s documentary film “Where Is This Wonderful World?” and released in March 2025.

The song, which reflects on feelings for a mother lost in early childhood, is marked by a gentle melody carried by acoustic guitar and piano, and a delicate vocal performance.

Describing heaven as a “new world” is such a beautiful sensibility.

Why not give it a listen when you want to reflect on the bonds and love of family?