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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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.

[Today's Recommended Ballads] Carefully Selected Gem-like Tracks That Resonate with the Heart (21–30)

I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki "I Love You" with lyrics

I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka

It’s been more than 20 years since Yutaka Ozaki passed away, but listening to this song makes me feel once again that music never dies.

The straightforward title is used in the chorus, and I can’t help but hum along.

Kobukuro’s performance of it on a music show is still fresh in my memory.

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RAINGLAY

GLAY / RAIN

RAINGLAY

GLAY’s debut single.

It’s a ballad, reportedly produced by YOSHIKI of X JAPAN.

In the latter half of the track, a piano comes in, and it’s said to be played by YOSHIKI.

The song is a ballad featuring both Japanese and English lyrics.

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[Today's Recommended Ballads] Carefully selected gems that touch the heart! (31–40)

The beauties of nature — flowers, birds, wind, and the moon (a poetic expression appreciating nature’s elegance)Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Flowers, Birds, Wind, Moon”

The beauties of nature — flowers, birds, wind, and the moon (a poetic expression appreciating nature’s elegance)Ketsumeishi

Watch “The beauties of nature — flowers, birds, wind, and the moon (a poetic expression appreciating nature’s elegance) Ketsumeishi” on YouTube.

It’s a song that feels as if it sings of Japanese wabi-sabi.

The chorus line, “It has meaning precisely because it was born when there was nothing,” is especially memorable.

This sensibility feels distinctly Japanese.

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In conclusion

Have you found the perfect ballad for how you feel today? When you’re carrying feelings like “pain,” “heartache,” or “emptiness,” a gentle ballad that quietly wraps around you can become your ally. We’ll keep updating songs daily, so whenever you want to discover a gem of a track to share this very moment with, please make good use of this playlist!