[Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists

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.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

Many women say they love singing ballads, don’t they?

At karaoke, there are times when you don’t just want to hype up the room with upbeat tracks—you also want to deliver something tender and heartfelt.

So in this article, we’re introducing ballad songs by Japan’s leading female artists!

We’ve picked a wide range: from universally known masterpieces and timeless staples to the latest hits.

If you’re thinking, “I want to know popular ballads I can sing at karaoke,” or “I’m looking for Japanese ballads sung by women,” be sure to check this out.

Each track is unique yet soothing and moving—songs that heal our hearts and leave a lasting impression.

[Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads sung by female artists (61–70)

I fell in loveaiko

aiko - “Koi wo Shita no wa” music video

I fell in love with Aiko.

This song was chosen as the theme for the anime film A Silent Voice.

It’s a work by aiko, a singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture, released in 2016 as her 36th single.

The lyrics, which seem to encourage a downcast lover, convey a sense of pure love and warm the heart.

Perhaps aiko’s gentle voice is part of the reason why.

Think of the person who is that presence for you, and try singing it slowly and tenderly.

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Your SongRei Yasuda

Rei Yasuda 'Kimi no Uta' Video Clip – TV Anime 'Natsume's Book of Friends Roku' Ending Theme

Your Song - Rei Yasuda

This song, resonating with her gentle voice, is a heartrending piece where a woman’s real emotions are laid bare in the lyrics.

Yet the melody carries a ray of light that feels uniquely feminine.

Being alone is lonely, but it’s okay to have nights when you let the tears flow.

Please listen to this song and have a good cry.

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Good-bye DaysYUI

YUI – Goodbye Days (Official MV)

Good-bye DaysYUI

The lyrics that suddenly start with “So” leave a strong impression.

To bring out that nuance, try diving into the song from the intro’s distorted guitar and then begin singing.

According to YUI, this song, themed around pure love, aims to express an “uncool kind of kindness.” While facing a fated parting, the lyrics overflow with a strong yet gentle love, resonating with delicate beauty.

If you take your time and sing with rich expression, the warmth this song holds will surely be conveyed to those who listen.

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PIECE OF MY WISHMiki Imai

Miki Imai – PIECE OF MY WISH

PIECE OF MY WISH Imai Miki

Speaking of ballads, Miki Imai comes to mind—she’s sung so many of them.

This song gives me hope when things are so tough I can’t even get back on my feet.

It gives me courage and lifts me up.

Her voice is so soft and soothing that it feels healing—truly a wonderful voice.

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unlastingLiSA

LiSA 『unlasting』 -MUSiC CLiP YouTube EDIT ver.-

unlastingLiSA

She can handle intense songs, powerful songs, and even such heartrending ballads with ease.

Her clear voice and piercing vocal strength captivate listeners in an instant.

With her outstanding looks, LiSA is highly supported by both men and women, and she’s sure to soar even further as a diva.

Her soft ballads aren’t just gentle—they also convey a certain inner strength unique to women.

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Merry XmasBoA

BoA / Meri Kuri

MeriKuri, BoA

This is the 15th single by BoA, a South Korean female singer who debuted in Japan in 2001 and gained popularity as a pioneer of K-pop there.

The song was also used in a commercial, and the excellent idea of using an abbreviation for “Merry Christmas,” which was popular among younger people at the time, as the title likely contributed to its big success.

The catchy waltz-time melody and beat that evoke snowy scenery will have you unconsciously swaying as you listen.

It’s a number you’ll want a woman to sing at karaoke during the Christmas season.

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passwordAyaka

Ayaka / “Aikotoba” Music Video

Password Ayaka

A beautiful ballad sung by Ayaka that became the theme song for the film “The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps.” In the movie, the image of a mother who continues to protect her child—believing in a miracle while the child remains unconscious—left a deep impression, didn’t it? “Aikotoba” is a song themed around an eternal love that conquers everything, and its lyrics—crafted as Ayaka faced the story head-on—truly resonate with listeners.

It’s a song imbued with deep, boundless, unconditional love that dispels anxiety; please try singing it with great care.

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