Kenshi Yonezu Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi1rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spirits of the Sea

The song “Umi no Yuurei” (Spirits of the Sea) by Kenshi Yonezu was written as the theme for the 2019 theatrical anime film Children of the Sea.

It came about through an offer from Yonezu, who had loved the original manga since childhood.

This ballad evokes the grandeur and mystery of the ocean and reached No.

1 on both the Oricon and Billboard charts.

The single’s cover features artwork by Daisuke Igarashi, the creator of Children of the Sea.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

LemonYonezu Kenshi2rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

Since its release in 2018, this mid-tempo number has been a long-running hit that cemented Kenshi Yonezu’s popularity.

Though it’s a song that depicts deep sorrow with the theme of parting, it continues to captivate listeners’ hearts even now.

Yonezu’s slightly languid vocal style is distinctive; to bring out the mood, the trick is to connect notes smoothly rather than cutting clearly between them.

Try delivering this dramatic, well-known masterpiece with cool confidence.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi3rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

Included on Kenshi Yonezu’s major-label debut album and still beloved by fans today is “Eine Kleine.” It’s also known as a karaoke staple.

This song is a bittersweet ballad that voices the fear of a relationship with a loved one falling apart.

It isn’t quite a breakup song; its subtly nuanced lyrics are likely why so many people relate to it.

Incidentally, the title “Eine Kleine” is German and carries the sense of “a girl who is not loved.” Knowing that gives the lyrics’ story a different hue, doesn’t it?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

MetronomeYonezu Kenshi4rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.

It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.

Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.

Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.

It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi5rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter who enjoys immense popularity as a Vocaloid producer, and he garnered nationwide support with the massive success of his 8th single, “Lemon.” His 10th single, “Uma to Shika,” was created as the theme song for the TV drama “No Side Game,” and became a major hit, boosted by its collaboration with the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Though catchy, the melody is also complex, so you might only realize how challenging it is when you actually try singing it.

It’s a recommended ballad for men—one that delivers a heart-stirring message in a key that suits your own vocal range.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

orionYonezu Kenshi6rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Orion, Kenshi Yonezu

This song, which was used as the ending theme for the anime March Comes in Like a Lion, is a work by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu—also known for songs like Lemon and Kanden—and was released in 2017 as his sixth single.

As the title suggests, one of its charms is a clear, transparent sound that evokes a winter night sky.

And the lyrics overflow with the feeling of “I want to see that person”… it really hits you in the heart.

It’s a masterpiece where deep emotion and bittersweet sorrow surge in at the same time.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

I was looking at the moon.Yonezu Kenshi7rank/position

FINAL FANTASY XVI Theme Song Trailer / Kenshi Yonezu 'Tsuki wo Miteita (I Saw the Moon)'

Kenshi Yonezu, the singer-songwriter whose 2018 release “Lemon” was a huge hit.

His 2023 release “Tsuki wo Miteita” (“I Saw the Moon”) opens with a very striking, emotional intro featuring only soft vocals and piano.

The highlight is when the chorus arrives: the strings come in all at once, and his singing shifts to a more powerful tone.

Another must-hear moment is the development right after the chorus, where it pares back to just strings and piano.

Overall, there are many sections where you can enjoy the harmony between the piano and the other parts, so be sure to listen with that in mind!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem