A lineup of timeless masterpieces to pass down to future generations! Ballad songs born in the Reiwa era
Ballad songs featuring piano, acoustic guitar, and strings have produced timeless classics in every era.
Whether they express feelings for someone, depict heartbreak, or paint a grand, expansive world, countless hit songs have emerged that resonate with listeners of their time.
Here, we introduce standout ballads born in the Reiwa era.
Give them a listen when you want to immerse yourself in music.
A lineup of timeless masterpieces to pass down to future generations! Ballad songs born in the Reiwa era (1–10)
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism
A song by the four-piece piano pop band Official HIGE DANDism, whose dramatic development and emotional vocals move the heart.
Released in October 2022 as the theme song for the TV drama “silent,” it’s a winter ballad that feels like seeking warmth amid the cold of the season.
It portrays the power of words and the difficulty and beauty of touching people’s hearts through them, resonating with many listeners.
It’s a perfect track not only for those in love but also for moments when you want to convey your feelings to someone important.
If you call it loveUru
Singer-songwriter Uru, whose transparent, airy voice has captivated many listeners.
Chosen as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “My Family,” this track is also included on the album “Contrast.” Its lyrics, which portray the value of learning from failure and growing, resonate deeply.
The lines expressing the depth of bonds with a loved one and the sense of belonging to the place where that person is will likely strike a chord with many.
Uru’s delicate and emotive vocals further elevate the song’s world.
It’s a heartwarming ballad that depicts life’s challenges and the truth of love revealed when we overcome them.
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika
A quintessential ballad of the Reiwa era, whose poignant imagery and melody seep into the heart.
Through summer memories, the song portrays reminiscence of the past and hope for the future, and was released as Yorushika’s third single.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “A Whisker Away,” which premiered in June 2020, its beautiful Japanese lyrics and clear, translucent vocals resonated with many listeners.
It’s a track that gives you the courage to accept past experiences and take a new step forward.
A tender, companionable ballad you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
evening primroseNovelbright
A bittersweet ballad that portrays the pain of heartbreak and a new beginning.
The lyrical arrangement of piano and strings pairs exquisitely with the clear, airy high-tone vocals that seem to seep into the heart.
Released as a digital single in December 2020, the track was also selected as the Monthly Song for the weather segment of Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!” in February.
The music video features actress Yumi Wakatsuki, poignantly depicting the memories shared by two people and their parting.
It’s a moving piece that offers solace to those striving to overcome the pain of a broken heart.
globeYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter who continues to dominate the J-pop scene with his original worldview and modern musical sensibility.
His 14th single, written as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “The Boy and the Heron,” links perfectly with its title through delicate piano tones and expansive, dreamlike strings.
Its lyrics, which portray the preciousness of living through time as we move forward despite repeated meetings and partings, will likely prompt many listeners to reflect on their own lives.
It’s an emotional number, with a voice that conveys strength within softness and resonates deeply in the heart.
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
This is the first digital single by actor-singer Masaki Suda, known for his delicate yet powerful vocals and acting.
Released in May 2019, the song was used as the theme for the TV drama Perfect World.
Written and composed by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, it explores the search for “mistakes” and “right answers” in life, expressing a mindset that finds value in small everyday moments.
Suda’s vocals, carried by an arrangement centered on piano and strings, deepen the song’s worldview.
It’s a moving ballad that fits perfectly when you want to feel the imperfect nature of human relationships and the bonds with someone important.
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze
Released digitally in March 2024 as the theme song for the film “April, Come She Will,” this piece is a ballad where Fujii Kaze’s gentle, embracing voice and piano performance resonate deeply.
With lyrics centered on life’s changes and growth, and the complexity of love, it’s a song that feels profoundly comforting to listeners.
It also perfectly matches the world of the film, which is based on Genki Kawamura’s novel, making it highly recommended to enjoy alongside the movie.
It’s an emotional track that showcases Fujii Kaze’s delicate sensibility.