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

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9th (Music Video Short ver.)

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!

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Hitoto Yo, a singer-songwriter popular with both men and women.

Her smash single Hanamizuki is also widely recognized as a classic medium-tempo ballad.

It was also used as the theme song for Tuesday Suspense Theater.

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer [Live ver.]

This “Utautai no Ballad” is Kazuyoshi Saito’s 17th single, released in 1997.

Maybe because the lyrics are written from the perspective of someone who sings, it feels very real.

The melody is also incredibly good and really hits home.

Saito has many great songs, but this one leaves the strongest impression.

SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata “SMILE ~Like a Clear Blue Sky~” Commercial Broadcasters Official Special Movie (Joint Commercial Broadcasters Project ‘Let’s Do It Together’ Support Song)

This song was created as a support anthem for the “Let’s Do It Together Project,” a collaboration among commercial TV networks leading up to the big event of 2020, the Tokyo Olympics.

While it conveys the determination and attitude of uniting Japan’s feelings as one, it is also a very gentle piece that softly stays close to everyone’s heart.

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utatane

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Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

This piece makes abundant use of the sanshin, an instrument that evokes Okinawa.

With a very relaxed rhythm and sparse notes, it conveys a strong sense of space.

The performance is meticulous, the kind that naturally conjures up scenes when you close your eyes.

Although it’s also used in commercials, why not take the time to listen to it closely again?

Wine Red Heartanzenchitai

A Wine-Red Heart (Wine Red no Kokoro) — Anzen Chitai

This is a ballad by Anzen Chitai that has become a song long remembered in Japan thanks to its truly skilled vocals and urban sound.

The refreshing sound lifts your spirits, making it perfect for children as well.

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.”

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Araki Jakkan

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