Today's recommended ballads: A carefully curated selection of heartwarming, gem-like masterpieces!

The Narrow Road to the Deep NorthAtsumi Jirō

Jiro Atsumi / The Narrow Road to the Deep North

Literally, it’s a song based on Matsuo Basho’s haiku, starting from Edo and featuring the haiku he composed in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture.

About forty years ago, Jiro Atsumi also scored a massive hit with the bright, lilting “Yume Oizake,” with its ♪ A–na–ta, na–ze na–ze refrain, but this one is quite a somber piece.

A Fine Day to Set Out – WestwardOnitsuka Chihiro

Chihiro Onitsuka – Setting Off on a Good Day, Westward

Beloved as a classic travel song and covered by many singers, Momoe Yamaguchi’s famous piece “Ii Hi Tabidachi” is often heard in JR commercials and at train stations—so for many people, trains bring this song to mind.

While the original has the feel of a journey northward tinged with hidden sorrow rather than a straightforward “travel song,” Chihiro Onitsuka’s cover, “Ii Hi Tabidachi — Nishi e,” features newly written lyrics as a JR West campaign song, tailored to western Japan.

Both Momoe Yamaguchi and Shinji Tanimura, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, have praised her vocals, and you may sense a different kind of travel sentiment from the original.

A lonely travelerElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – Lonely Traveler [Official Video]

This song is recommended for people who love traveling and those who enjoy setting off on a whim without even choosing a destination.

It’s a track by the rock band Elephant Kashimashi, known for hits like “Koyoi no Tsuki no Youni,” released in 1996 as their 11th single.

The masculine vocals of Miyamoto riding over a shoulder-swaying rhythm—simply irresistible.

Rather than a boisterous trip with friends, it’s perfect for a quiet journey enjoyed alone.

Let the wind guide you and savor some carefree time.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Bon voyageMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda Bon Voyage

This song is the B-side to the single “Rock’n Rouge,” released in 1984.

The lyrics are super cute, capturing the heart-pounding excitement of going on a first trip with her boyfriend.

She asks things like, “What should we do when we have to write our names at the guesthouse?” It’s an innocent, swoon-worthy song.

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

When it comes to classic spring songs, many people probably think of this one.

It was released in 2003 as the second single.

Originally, it was a message song written for Naotaro Moriyama’s friend.

It is especially popular as a graduation song.

It was used as the ending theme for the travel program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

The Travelers’ Melancholyeastern youth

Included on the album “The Wind Blows from the Other Side of the Earth.” It’s a mid-tempo rock song that quietly sings about travelers parting ways and each walking their own separate paths and times.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Michi (Short Ver.)

EXILE is a dance and vocal unit that represents Japan.

They sing many ballads, all characterized by beautiful vocal harmonies, which is one reason they’re popular with people of all genders.

“MichI” (“Road”) is also a very lovely song.