Today's recommended ballads: A carefully curated selection of heartwarming, gem-like masterpieces!
Thought-provoking, profound lyrics set to a smooth, mellow sound… Ballads have a mysterious charm that stirs the heart and brings tears to your eyes.
In this article, we’re introducing a selection of exquisite ballads we especially recommend today.
Even within the genre of ballads, themes and messages vary widely—sad love, feelings for someone dear who’s now far away, or regrets over words of gratitude left unsaid.
We’ll be updating this daily, so please find the one song that resonates with your feelings and take the time to listen closely.
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[Today's Recommended Ballads] A carefully selected collection of heartwarming gem tracks! (11–20)
Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro
It was released in 2003 as Naotaro Moriyama’s second single.
The song, which had been included with a band arrangement on his debut mini-album “Kawaita Uta wa Sakana no Esa ni Chodo Ii,” was reworked into a solo piano version and released as a single.
It has become a highly popular song for graduation ceremonies and a beloved “sakura” song.
It is also one of Naotaro Moriyama’s signature tracks.
broad daylightKing Gnu
King Gnu is a four-piece crossover band that continues to dominate the J-pop scene, drawing attention for their high musicality and performance skills while never ceasing to evolve.
Their second digital single, “Hakujitsu,” was written as the theme song for the TV drama Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer and is the track that brought the King Gnu name to widespread recognition.
With its intricate melody and rhythm and dual vocals, it requires considerable practice to sing at karaoke.
Precisely because of that, if you can pull it off, it’s sure to earn you instant respect—a modern ballad well worth the challenge.
parabolaOfisharu Higedan Dism
When it comes to ballads by Official HIGE DANDism, Pretender is famous, but Parabola is also highly recommended! Released in 2020 and featured in a Calpis Water commercial, many people will probably recognize the chorus.
Its warm lyrics cheer on and watch over young people as they set out on their life journeys.
When you’re working hard or feeling lost, it would be great to hear this song at karaoke, wouldn’t it?
Song of the Actor DogSARD UNDERGROUND
A noble and poignant ballad that weaves a sorrow-tinged tale.
Based on the true story of a stray dog who found success as an actor at a film studio, SARD UNDERGROUND portrays it with warmth and compassion.
Centering on a single dog whose fate shifts from stray to performer, the song tenderly sings of the bonds formed with the studio staff and the love he continued to believe in even after being abandoned for human convenience, set to a gentle, heartrending melody.
Released in September 2023, this piece is a track that firmly embodies SARD UNDERGROUND’s musicality and a message of animal welfare.
It is a gem that resonates deeply in the heart when the desire to cherish the ones you love grows strong.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
When we think of ballads, they often end up being sad or love songs, but Sazanka is a positive ballad that leaves you feeling refreshed after listening.
Released in 2018, it was also NHK’s theme song for that year’s Pyeongchang Olympics and Paralympics, serving as an anthem to cheer on hardworking athletes.
It’s a song I hope you’ll listen to when you’re feeling down—gentle, encouraging, and one that makes you feel ready to try again tomorrow.
Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman
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.
[Today's Recommended Ballads] Carefully Selected Gem-like Tracks That Resonate with the Heart (21–30)
March 9Remioromen
Even though it varies from place to place across the country, somehow “March 9th” feels like graduation day, doesn’t it? Thinking that, every single lyric hits with a bittersweet ring.
Of course, it’s totally fine if March 9th is some other kind of anniversary too.
The vocals sound like they’re belting but held back just enough, which makes it all the more tear-jerking.
The part in the lyrics that goes like, even if things don’t go the way you want, it’s probably something trivial… that really gets me!