[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 We Want Women to Sing!] Popular Ballads Sung by Female Artists (91–100)

sayonaraMirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama 'sayonara' Music Video

Goodbye, Mirei Touyama

Mirei Toyama is not only a singer-songwriter but also an accomplished dancer.

Her beautiful singing voice was nurtured while she participated in a gospel team in the United States.

She’s attracting attention as a highly skilled artist who draws on her experience performing abroad.

This song, a poignant love ballad depicting a woman’s heartbreak, carries a range of emotions—lingering attachment, regret, and love for the ex—riding on her beautiful voice and piercing straight into our hearts as listeners.

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HitotsuboshiKOH+

KOH⁺ “One-star” (Inspire Movie for the film Silent Parade)

Hitotsuboshi KOH+

This is the theme song of the 2022 film Silent Parade from the Galileo series.

It was released as a track by KOH+, the unit formed by Masaharu Fukuyama and Kou Shibasaki for the drama series.

KOH+ has many songs that are popular for karaoke, such as “KISS Shite” and “Saiai.” This song is a bittersweet love ballad that expresses feelings for a loved one, featuring a melody with a hint of tension that leaves a strong impression.

Try singing it as if savoring each and every lyric.

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To You at DawnTohru

Tomei – To You at Dawn [Official Music Video] (Inspiration Song for the film “A Different Country’s Diary”)

To You at Dawn – TOMEI

A song that portrays heartwarming kindness and human connections.

Even while touching on themes of loneliness and solitude, TOMEI’s clear, airy vocals gently envelop lyrics filled with empathy and tenderness.

Paired with the unadorned tones of an acoustic guitar, it creates a warm atmosphere that feels close to the listener’s heart.

Released on June 7, 2024, this piece was written as an inspire song for the film “A Different Country’s Diary” and is also used in the film’s main trailer.

It beautifully captures the film’s worldview, which centers on human relationships and the struggles of adulthood, resulting in a track that truly resonates.

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First loveHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada “First Love” (Short Version)

First Love Utada Hikaru

When she debuted, she was seen as Keiko Fuji’s daughter, but now Hikaru Utada stands as an unshakably accomplished artist.

I feel that her deep musical background shines through—not only is she a diva, but she also writes her own songs with conviction and has the expressive power to sing them.

This song became the image song for the drama “Hana Nochi Hare: Hanadan Next Season.”

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I knewRosalina

Rosalina 'I knew' Official Lyric Video

I knew Rozarina

Singer-songwriter Rosalina, whose stage name comes from the relaxing herb “rosalina.” Her digital-only single I knew, released on April 19, 2023, was written as an insert song for the TV drama unknown.

Its distinctive groove and melodic lines are challenging, but if you can nail it at karaoke, you’re sure to turn heads.

With sentimental lyrics that resonate, it’s a number we especially recommend for women to sing.

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Song of LoveKumi Koda

Kumi Koda / “Ai no Uta” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

Love Song - Koda Kumi

Kumi Koda, loved by everyone regardless of gender for her uniquely “sexy-cool” style.

“Ai no Uta” is her 37th single, released in 2007, and it won a Japan Record Awards Gold Prize.

She also performed it at the 58th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a classic ballad sung from a woman’s perspective and one of her signature songs.

Her sexy yet heartrending vocals pair perfectly with lyrics that portray a relationship that’s more than friends but not quite lovers.

It’s an absolute must-recommend for anyone who wants to sing a quintessential ballad at karaoke.

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Reason(s) to hold handsKana Nishino

Kana Nishino “The Reason to Hold Hands” MV (Short Ver.)

Reason to Hold Hands - Kana Nishino

Kana Nishino’s songs often have lyrics that speak directly to the heart, and I think many women can relate to them.

In this song, her beautiful voice overlaps with a message asking us to cherish the warmth of simply holding hands—an ordinary act for lovers.

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