Kenshi Yonezu Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi8rank/position

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

A single, fleeting yet beautiful song where DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu’s talents resonate with each other.

It portrays a heart-wrenching sense of longing, as the fleeting brilliance of summer overlaps with memories of someone dear.

Released in August 2017 and beloved by many as the theme song for the animated film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”, this track is perfect for moments when you want to reflect on days gone by—by the seaside at dusk, or under a starry sky.

Please give it a listen.

canaryYonezu Kenshi9rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Canary

Released in August 2020, this gentle, heartwarming ballad closes out the landmark album STRAY SHEEP, which set the record of selling over two million copies.

It affirms the distance that unexpectedly came between people and the bewilderment of a changing everyday life, while portraying the resolve to keep moving forward through the image of birds letting their songs ring out.

The song was also chosen as the theme for NHK’s documentary program “Futari no Distance” (Two People’s Distance).

When you find yourself feeling a vague anxiety—wondering, “What’s going to happen from here?”—give it a listen.

It will surely wrap your heart in a softly glowing warmth.

globeYonezu Kenshi10rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter whose immense presence has been indispensable to any discussion of J-POP since 2010.

Released in July 2023 as his 14th single, this song was written over the course of four years as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s film The Boy and the Heron (original title: How Do You Live?).

From the beginning of life to the profound sense of loss in parting from someone dear, its lyrics evoke an epic journey, reflecting a vision of hope that looks beyond sorrow toward the future.

It is a moving number that stays close to hearts sunk in the pain of despair and gives the strength to walk forward once again.

Pale BlueYonezu Kenshi11rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Pale Blue / Kenshi Yonezu

It’s a poignant love ballad written as the theme song for the drama “Rikokatsu.” The track is by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, also known under his Vocaloid producer name Hachi, and it was released in 2021 as his 11th single.

It’s a profoundly rich piece, with majestic strings that linger in your ears.

Yonezu’s emotive singing perfectly matches the sound.

The lyrics, filled with the wish for someone not to leave and to stay by your side forever, are another major draw.

This is exactly what it means to have your heart tighten.

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AzaleaYonezu Kenshi12rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Azalea

A song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the theme for the Netflix drama “Sayonara no Tsuzuki.” Reflecting the story of meeting a stranger who has inherited the heart of a lost lover, it portrays the sorrow of losing someone beloved and the hope that life carries on nonetheless.

Blending delicate piano melodies with electronic elements in a modern ballad style, it was released in November 2024.

In step with the drama’s narrative, it centers on themes of inherited memories and unwavering love, resonating with the sentiment embodied in the white azalea’s language of flowers: “fulfilled love.” It is a gentle companion for those who have lost someone dear or wish to heal the pain of heartbreak.

spring thunderYonezu Kenshi13rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spring Thunder

This song likens the storm dwelling in one’s heart to spring thunder.

It was included on the album BOOTLEG and released in November 2017.

It portrays powerful, ineffable feelings and a deep yearning for a lover.

Kenshi Yonezu’s distinctive worldview and the melodies he weaves captivate listeners.

It’s a recommended track for those starting a new chapter in life or struggling with love.

When you want to feel the complex emotions that arise with the arrival of spring, give this song a listen.

Yonezu’s vocals will surely move your heart.

LADYYonezu Kenshi14rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – LADY

Kenshi Yonezu wrote “LADY” as an original song for a Japan Coca-Cola Georgia commercial.

It portrays the tedium of everyday life that repeats as if it were a given, and conveys that, in fact, it’s something irreplaceable.

Matching the theme, the song weaves in various elements of repetition throughout, including tightly rhymed lyrics.

Another highlight is how those repetitions gradually change toward the end, aligning with the song’s theme.

Try listening for which parts are being repeated.

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