Recommended ballads for women at karaoke! Be moved by timeless songs that touch the heart

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.

Do you want to sing a ballad with heartfelt emotion but aren’t sure which song to choose? There are many tracks with transparent, pure vocals and relatable lyrics, but that can make selecting one time-consuming.

Here, we introduce recommended ballad numbers that are perfect for singing with feeling.

Immerse yourself in a world woven from touching lyrics and beautiful melodies, and try expressing your feelings for someone special through song.

Recommended ballads for women (21–30)

It's nothing.Mone Kamishiraishi

“Nandemonaiya” Kamishiraishi Mone cover (live recording)

It's Nothing (Nandemonaiya) by Mone Kamishiraishi

Nandemonaiya, a ballad by Mone Kamishiraishi that was used as an insert song in Your Name and became a huge hit.

Created by RADWIMPS, the song also reflects their unique worldview.

If you focus on expressing the meaning of the lyrics through your singing, your voice should gain depth! If you’ve seen the film, try singing while fully immersing yourself in that world.

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First loveHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada “First Love” (Short Version)

First Love Utada Hikaru

As one of Japan’s leading singers, Hikaru Utada is now active overseas as well.

Her songs are popular across generations, making them easy to sing at karaoke.

Among her ballads, “Hatsukoi” has recently become a hit choice at karaoke.

Since it uses grooves and rhythms reminiscent of Western music, try singing it with attention not only to pitch but also to rhythm.

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Recommended ballads for women (31–40)

A Bouquet for YouHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

A Bouquet for You by Hikaru Utada

A song released by Hikaru Utada in 2014, which was also used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan.” It has a gentle melody, but the falsetto in the chorus might be a bit challenging.

It’s a very beautiful piece, so if you sing it cleanly, it will surely resonate with listeners.

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spring breezeRihwa

Theme song of the drama “Boku no Ita Jikan,” Rihwa’s “Harukaze” music video

Spring Breeze Rihwa

A number by Rihwa with a clear, soothing singing voice.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “The Hours of My Life” starring Haruma Miura.

You’ll definitely want to try singing it yourself—the gentle yet grand melody paired with that comforting voice is irresistible! If you sing with kindness and put your heart into it, you’ll surely bring out a beautiful tone and expressiveness like Rihwa’s.

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miracleUru

[Official] Uru “Kiseki” YouTube ver. Theme song for TBS Friday drama “Kounodori”

Miracle Uru

The 5th single “Kiseki,” used as the theme song for the second season of the TV drama “Kounodori: All About Life.” Released as a lead single from the first album “Monochrome,” its lyrics, which depict a vast, all-encompassing love that ties in with the drama’s story, are truly moving.

Although the song maintains a high register throughout, the restrained vocal style makes the high notes easier to hit, and the range isn’t very wide, so it’s relatively approachable.

It’s a heartfelt ballad that you’ll want to sing with Uru’s signature whispery tone in mind.

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HappinessChe’Nelle

Che’Nelle – Happiness ft. Nao Matsushita

HappinessChe'Nelle

Here’s a classic ballad from Che’Nelle, one of Japan’s most accomplished singers.

It’s a ballad brimming with warm, uplifting messages, delivered with a powerhouse vocal performance that rivals international artists.

She sings with such freedom and emotion that it makes you wish you could sing as powerfully as she does.

This is a song you’ll want to practice well and nail with style!

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GarnetHanako Oku

Hanako Oku / Garnet (Solo Performance) [Music Video]

Garnet Oku Hanako

Singer-songwriter Hanako Oku once paused her entertainment career due to the pandemic, but reassured fans by resuming activities in 2022.

Her 4th single, “Garnet,” a grand ballad arranged with piano and strings, was chosen as the theme song for the animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Its positive message carries a gentle warmth that soothes listeners even in karaoke.

With its clear, high-toned vocals that pierce the heart, it’s a karaoke song especially recommended for women.

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