[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 Performed by Female Artists (111–120)

Savoring youthLilas Ikuta feat. ano

Savoring Youth (feat. ano)

Celebrating Youth - Ikuta Lila feat. ano

This collaborative song by Lila Ikuta and ano is used as the theme for the latter chapter of the film Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction.

Its emotionally rich lyrics stand out, and it’s a mid-tempo ballad with a coming-of-age theme.

While portraying young people facing real-world hardships and feelings of powerlessness, the lyrics deliver an uplifting message that truly resonates.

Released on March 20, 2024, the track quickly drew attention and has become popular across various music streaming services.

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VoyageAyumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki / Voyage (Short Ver.)

Voyage Ayumi Hamasaki

The “Voyage” in the title refers to a journey on land.

When we look back, the memories we see are always beautiful and unfading, and together with the memories we build with our loved ones, this is an anthem to walking the path of life—the voyage toward happiness.

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CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Namie Amuro

CAN YOU CELEBRATE? – Namie Amuro (Full)

Can You Celebrate? Namie Amuro

Namie Amuro, known as one of the iconic divas of the Heisei-era J-pop scene, remains as popular and influential as ever even after her retirement in 2018.

Her single “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?”, written as the theme song for the TV drama Virgin Road, is still beloved today as a classic wedding song.

Its arrangement, which balances grandeur with pop appeal, suits any moment of a wedding—the grand stage of life.

With its many sections and dynamic development, it’s also fun to sing at karaoke.

It’s a ballad especially fitting for women of the generation who likely listened to it in real time.

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confessionMariya Takeuchi

Confession – Mariya Takeuchi

Confession Mariya Takeuchi

Released in 1990 as the 19th single, it became a major hit after being chosen as the theme song for the TV drama Tuesday Suspense Theater.

The song portrays the wavering heart of a woman whose ex-boyfriend confesses his love to her again over the phone.

The ringing phone sound at the beginning of the track really evokes the era.

With its simple, beautiful melody and universal lyrics, this song is loved by a wide range of listeners.

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A flower of no colorHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada “A Flower of No Particular Color”

A Colorless Flower - Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada’s songs, with their translucent vocals and profound lyrics, resonate deeply in the heart.

This piece was written as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.

m.

drama “Kimi ga Kokoro wo Kureta kara” (Because You Gave Me Your Heart).

It is included on the album SCIENCE FICTION and was released digitally on February 12, 2024.

The lyrics convey the purity of love, the loneliness of a future where we can no longer be together, and the importance of believing in oneself.

Deeply intertwined with the feelings and circumstances of the drama’s protagonists, it’s a richly layered track that invites individual interpretation.

Why not listen to it while thinking of someone dear to you?

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Spring Notesmiwa

miwa “Harunoot” Music Video

Haru no Oto miwa

How about soothing your soul with the youth-themed song “Harunoto”? This piece was written by miwa as the ending theme for the anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky.” The lyrics portray the frustrating feeling of being aware of each other yet unable to confess your feelings.

Listening to this song might be a nice way to reflect on memories of your youth and past romances.

Because it sings about universal themes, it’s something people of all generations can relate to.

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STRASMika Nakashima

Mika Nakashima 'STARS' MUSIC VIDEO Shorts ver.

STRAS Mika Nakashima

Mika Nakashima is a singer who continues to captivate fans with a uniquely distinctive yet translucent voice you can’t forget once you hear it.

Her debut single “STARS,” chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “A Love Song Covered in Scars,” which also marked her acting debut, is a number notable for its stylish ensemble.

Its message, like a hand to hold when your heart is about to break, pairs with a beautiful melody that may soothe the soul.

Though challenging—especially with the falsetto in the chorus—it’s a ballad that’s sure to bring the house down when performed at karaoke.

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