Southern All Stars Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu1rank/position

Midsummer Fruit

A gemlike love ballad that vividly paints an inner landscape at summer’s end, where bittersweet sorrow melts into luscious scenes.

The lyrics strikingly capture the pain of heartbreak and the lingering passion of a memorable love.

Released by Southern All Stars in July 1990, the song was created as the theme for the film Inamura Jane, directed by Keisuke Kuwata.

It reached No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and earned Platinum certification.

It resonates especially deeply when you’re holding onto feelings of love or melancholy—and it’s a perfect track for the season when summer draws to a close.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu2rank/position

TSUNAMI [2018 Remaster]

This is the 44th single by Southern All Stars, a five-member rock band widely known as a quintessential group for the summer season.

Used as the theme song for the “Mirai Nikki III” segment on the variety show “U-n-nan no Hontoko!,” it is one of the rare tracks in J-pop history to achieve triple million sales.

Its lyrics, depicting a life-changing encounter and the heartache of losing it, evoke the story of a grand romance.

The gentle melody and Keisuke Kuwata’s resonant, layered vocals deeply move listeners.

Released in January 2000, this song has continued to stay close to the hearts of many.

Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu3rank/position

Tears' Kiss [2024 Remaster]

This song, which portrays the end of a sad romance, is included on the 1991 album “Yo ni Manyō no Hana ga Saku Nari.” The lyrics depict the feelings of a man who has been told goodbye by his lover, conveying a strong sense of lingering attachment to her.

For those who have just gone through a breakup, it’s the kind of song that will strike deeply at the heart.

The beautiful melody of the chorus, combined with Keisuke Kuwata’s heartrending vocals, makes this a love ballad that may well bring you to tears.

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Hane Keisuke

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fireflySazan Ōrusutāzu4rank/position

Southern All Stars – Firefly [Live at Miyagi Stadium, 2013]

Southern All Stars is a five-member rock band that has continued to captivate fans since their debut, standing as a quintessential group representing summer in the J-pop scene.

“Hotaru,” included on their 54th single Peace and Highlight, was selected as the theme song for the film The Eternal Zero.

Its lyrics, which evoke farewells with loved ones and prayers for peace, are ones many listeners may find themselves identifying with.

With a gentle yet heartrending message and melody that stir the heart, it’s a ballad that feels sentimental while still conveying a sense of positivity.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Shiori’s ThemeSazan Ōrusutāzu5rank/position

Southern All Stars – Shiori no Theme

The song chosen as the insert track for the film “Morning Moon wa Sozatsu ni” was Southern All Stars’ “Shiori no Theme.” If you’ve seen the movie, listening to this song naturally conjures up images of the sea, doesn’t it? “Shiori no Theme” was released as a single in 1981 and is a rock ballad based on triplets.

It’s said that many women—such as Shihori Kanjiya and Shiori Tamai of Momoiro Clover Z—were named “Shiori” under the influence of this song.

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Hamada Takuya

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seaSazan Ōrusutāzu6rank/position

Sea / Southern All Stars cover

“Umi” is a song included on Southern All Stars’ 1984 album “Ninkimono de Ikō,” which reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a distinctive number featuring lyrics from a female perspective—unusual for a track sung by Keisuke Kuwata.

The song was originally written for Juicy Fruits, a rock band that originated as the backing band for Haruo Chikada, and it was arranged into a refreshing ballad that evokes the summer sea.

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Hamada Takuya

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My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu7rank/position

My Dear Ellie

This is the third single by Southern All Stars.

Released in March 1979 as the theme song for the TV drama “Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi,” the track drew public attention as an emotional number that refreshed the band’s previously cheerful image.

The lyrics, which depict aching love and lingering regret, evoke deep empathy through Keisuke Kuwata’s masterful word choice.

It peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon charts and remains one of the band’s signature songs with enduring popularity.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to experience both the sweetness and the bitterness of love.