[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)

Secret of my heartMai Kuraki

Mai Kuraki 'Secret of my heart'

Secret of my heart Mai Kuraki

This is her smash hit released in 2000, which drew attention to her looks and musical talent.

There was a time when she was compared to Hikaru Utada, but both are Japanese divas with their own unique worlds.

Her soft, beautiful voice captivated listeners.

Although this was her third single, it’s surprising that she was still in high school when she debuted.

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[Songs We Want Women to Sing!] Popular Ballads Sung by Female Artists (121–130)

Let It Go ~As I Am~Takako Matsu

Takako Matsu – Let It Go ~Ari no mama de~ (From “Frozen”)

Let It Go ~Ari no Mama de~ Takako Matsu

It’s a song sung by Elsa, a character from Disney’s blockbuster film Frozen.

This uplifting song carries the message, “From now on, I’ll live as my true self,” offering encouragement and support to listeners.

Takako Matsu’s voice has been highly praised worldwide for its beauty, and in this song as well, her singing is wonderful—expressing delicacy and grace while also conveying inner strength.

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lensLila Ikuta

Rira Ikuta “Lens” Official Music Video

Rira Ikuta lens

A ballad written under her solo name by singer-songwriter Lila Ikuta, who also performs as the vocalist of YOASOBI.

It’s the theme song for the TV drama “Is Love Sustainable? ~A Father and Daughter’s Marriage March~,” and it’s filled with feelings for someone dear.

The delicate lyrics portray the joy and flutter of a one-sided love, along with its bittersweetness, making it a heartwarming love song that gently envelops the listener.

Picture someone special to you, and try singing it tenderly and with a free, expansive voice!

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zuttoMariko Nagai

ZUTTO – Mariko Nagai

Zutto by Mariko Nagai

This is her biggest hit song, released in 1990.

It gained popularity partly because it was used as the ending theme for the variety show “Ho-chan’s Yamada Katsu Tenai TV.” Her simple, unadorned singing voice matched the song and felt soothing, didn’t it? Singing in overalls became her trademark, and many people imitated her.

It’s a comforting ballad that showcases her uniquely personal style.

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Kiss me and hold meMISIA

Kiss Me and Hold Me (from THE SUPER TOUR OF MISIA Live Ver.)

Kiss me and hold me, MISIA

A song included on MISIA’s first album, “Mother Father Brother Sister,” released on June 24, 1998.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to alone at midnight while thinking of someone special.

A beautiful slow ballad with simple guitar accompaniment and vocals.

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I miss you. (I want to see you.)My hands look like cream buns.

I Want to See You / Hands Like Cream Bread (I want to see you / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

I want to see you—your hands are like cream-filled buns.

Singer-songwriter Tegakurimpan gained attention by uploading self-performed cover videos of various artists’ songs as well as original pieces on social media.

Released on December 29, 2021, “Aitai na” features a clear, airy voice and a melody that feels wonderfully soothing.

Its lyrics, which portray the sentimental emotions of unrequited love, are likely to resonate with many listeners.

With a simple arrangement of just piano and strings, it’s a ballad that lets you fully immerse yourself in its world even when singing it at karaoke.

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Flower of loveAimyon

ai no hana

Flower of Love Aimyon

Aimyon, who has crafted numerous iconic ballads, wrote “Ai no Hana” as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Ranman.

In this piece, she compares love to a flower and portrays the way it blooms beautifully.

Listen while paying attention to its lovely imagery.

It’s also a song about love for someone you can no longer meet, so those who have had a similar experience will surely relate.

Its gentle, triple-meter sound soothes and warms the listener’s heart.

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