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

Lion HeartSMAP

Lion Heart – SMAP (cover)

This “Lion Heart” is SMAP’s 32nd single, released in 2000.

It was a surprise to learn that the lyrics were written by screenwriter Shinji Nojima.

The song was used as the theme for a drama starring SMAP’s Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and it seems this was because the drama was planned by Shinji Nojima.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

Superfly’s “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” is often mentioned both as a celebratory song and as a tune that resonates deeply with the heart.

It’s a moving piece you’ll want to dedicate to a lover, family member, or close friend.

Shiho Ochi’s expansive, powerful vocals perfectly match the lyrics, and the song is also known for giving listeners courage.

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utatane

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Spring Dayaimyon

Aimyon – Harunohi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is the theme song for the anime film Crayon Shin-chan: Honeymoon Hurricane ~The Lost Hiroshi~.

The lyrics are told from the perspective of Shin-chan’s father, Hiroshi Nohara, recounting episodes from when he was dating Shin-chan’s mother, Misae.

Listening to it makes me realize how deeply moving a love song can be when Aimyong writes it.

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utatane

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Thank youikimonogakari

Arigatou – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

Speaking of Ikimonogakari, they’re a band widely recognized by everyone from the young to the elderly.

They’ve appeared many times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Their song “Arigatou” can be called a quintessential medium-tempo ballad beloved throughout Japan.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

This song, released in 2004 as Yuzu’s 21st single, is also well-known for having been the theme song for NHK’s coverage of the Athens Olympics.

It serves as a cheer song for athletes striving for victory, and it’s sure to resonate with anyone involved in sports.

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Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

Words of encouragement that stay close to the heart resonate gently.

Very Goodman’s songs are an anthem for those who work hard without seeking the spotlight.

Like the soil that helps flowers bloom, they sing of the importance of those who support others.

Created for NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” this work—paired with hand-drawn animation—will be even more moving.

It’s a song we hope everyone striving day by day will hear.

It will give you the courage to believe in your own worth and keep moving forward.

A rose has bloomed.Maiku Maki

A rose has bloomed.

Mike Maki, a folk singer representative of the Showa era.

The song that led to his first appearance on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen was “Bara ga Saita” (Roses Bloomed).

It’s a piece that depicts roses.

Because the lyrics don’t delve too deeply, listeners can project various meanings onto the roses and empathize in different ways.

The melody is simple—just guitar—so it’s also recommended for anyone wanting to try singing with self-accompaniment.

By the way, an English version of the song has also been released, making it perfect for language study.

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