Ai Otsuka Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

planetariumOtsuka Ai1rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.

Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.

spoiled childOtsuka Ai2rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Spoiled Child (Short Ver.)

It was released in 2004 as Ai Otsuka’s third single.

The song was used in Sato Pharmaceutical’s “Stonarhini S” commercial and reached No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s a slow-tempo ballad with girlish lyrics that gives you a warm feeling.

Goldfish FireworksOtsuka Ai3rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Goldfish Fireworks (Short Ver.)

While Ai Otsuka is strongly associated with her signature song Sakuranbo, this track, Kingyo Hanabi, is a complete change of pace—a ballad that conveys the presence of a mature woman.

It’s a love song so fragile it almost aches, depicting unrequited feelings for someone you love; just listening to it makes your chest tighten.

Summer is full of events like festivals and fireworks displays—some romances draw you suddenly closer, while others fizzle out in an instant like sparklers.

I especially want people carrying unfulfilled feelings to listen to this song.

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Love PhotosOtsuka Ai4rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Love Photograph

Ai Otsuka’s 13th single, released in 2006.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Heavenly Forest” (Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru), this piece is a poignant love song that expresses pure feelings for a past lover.

It’s a piano- and string-driven ballad in which the melody leaps in the chorus as if pouring out pent-up emotion, stirring a heart-wrenching sensation.

There’s even an anecdote that the song influenced the film’s title, which speaks to the power of its words.

The feeling of still loving someone after a breakup, and the inability to forget the happy moments locked in memory, is something many of us have experienced at least once.

It’s a song that brings tears with its pure, heartfelt longing for the one you love.