Mika Nakashima Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

STARSNakajima Mika8rank/position

Mika Nakashima “STARS” Music Video

With her one-of-a-kind presence and expressive power, singer Mika Nakashima made a striking debut both as an actress and a vocalist.

Released in November 2001, this debut single was used as the theme song for the TV drama “A Love Song Scarred with Wounds.” Nakashima herself appeared in the show as the heroine, and her performances in the drama left a powerful impression on viewers at the time.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto, the song’s world—blending a strong will to seize one’s dreams with a bittersweet poignancy—combined with her deep, husky voice to stir listeners’ hearts.

Selling over 460,000 copies in total and winning the Best New Artist Award at the 44th Japan Record Awards, it is a gem of a ballad that can be called the very origin of her career.

STRASNakajima Mika9rank/position

Mika Nakashima 'STARS' MUSIC VIDEO Shorts ver.

Mika Nakashima is a singer who continues to captivate fans with a uniquely distinctive yet translucent voice you can’t forget once you hear it.

Her debut single “STARS,” chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “A Love Song Covered in Scars,” which also marked her acting debut, is a number notable for its stylish ensemble.

Its message, like a hand to hold when your heart is about to break, pairs with a beautiful melody that may soothe the soul.

Though challenging—especially with the falsetto in the chorus—it’s a ballad that’s sure to bring the house down when performed at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Best friendNakajima Mika10rank/position

Mika Nakashima 2017.3.22 RELEASE New Album “TOUGH” – All Tracks Introduction Digest Movie

This is a song that moves me with its gentle lyrics that embrace a precious best friend like a little sister, like family.

Sung in her captivating voice, it makes a wonderful gift for a friend you truly care about.

You can feel the encouragement, praise, and soothing comfort—women’s thoughtful care and feelings—woven into every part of the song.

It’s a highly recommended friendship anthem.

It’ll surely lift up a best friend who’s feeling down.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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When cherry-blossom hues danceNakajima Mika11rank/position

Mika Nakashima “Sakurairo Mau Koro” MUSIC VIDEO Shorts ver.

Mika Nakashima, a true artist who embodies the title of “songstress,” delivers her 14th single.

Despite having no corporate or commercial tie-ins, this single became a devoted hit for Nakashima, achieving double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for its ringtone downloads.

The lyrics, which can be interpreted as “no matter how the relationship between the two changes, the cherry tree continues to watch over them,” melt beautifully into Nakashima’s bewitching aura.

Depending on the listener, it might even feel like a breakup song.

It’s a recommended ballad that will make those in love want to listen—and make anyone think, “Ballads really are wonderful.”

PhoenixNakajima Mika12rank/position

Mika Nakashima “Firebird” Music Video

Set to a magnificent orchestral sound, Mika Nakashima’s powerful vocals resonate in this dramatic ballad.

As the ending theme for an NHK TV anime based on Osamu Tezuka’s original work, it was released in June 2004 as her 12th single—so many of you may already know it.

Carried by a fleeting yet beautiful melody, the timelessness of love handed down across time overlaps with the image of a legendary bird that overcomes hardship and is reborn.

The track was later included on the album “MUSIC.” When you want to reflect on the grand flow of life and fate, immerse yourself in this expansive world.

It will surely leave you deeply moved.

bouquetNakajima Mika13rank/position

Mika Nakashima “Hanataba” Music Video — Theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “Otona Joshi.”

The lyrics and music were written by Koji Tamaki.

It’s a song that captures the world of a drama where a grown-up woman in her forties—no longer just a “girl”—sees her dreams come true.

The lyrics, which express gratitude for everyday things and put those feelings into words with a heartfelt “thank you,” are truly beautiful.

The piano performance matches the song perfectly, giving it an even softer, more feminine feel.