[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 Want Women to Sing!] Popular Ballads Sung by Female Artists (1–10)

Unrequited lovemiwa

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

Unrequited Love miwa

A ballad that portrays a heartrending love, seeping into the heart with its translucent vocals and the warm sound of the piano.

Included on the March 2012 album “guitarium,” it was selected as the ending theme for the music information program “saku saku” in February 2012.

The lyrics delicately express the feelings of a secret, unspoken crush and the bittersweet pain of being unable to get closer the more you care.

With a heartwarming melody that gently embraces the frustration of being unable to confess and the anxiety that everyone experiences when they fall in love, this song offers solace and support.

It’s a track we especially recommend to those who are keeping their feelings for someone special tucked away in their hearts.

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PrologueUru

[Official] Uru “Prologue” YouTube ver. — Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Chugakusei Nikki (Junior High School Diary)”

Prologue Uru

This song by Uru was the theme for the drama “Chuugaku Seinikki” (Junior High School Diary).

She gained attention starting in 2013 by posting various cover songs on YouTube and made her debut in 2016.

Her distinctive, whisper-like voice is very striking and colors any song in her own style.

Her singing, which seems to sink into the listener’s heart, brings comfort to those who hear it.

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guidelinesUru

[Official] Uru “Kokoroe” Official Audio (Short ver.) — Theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m. drama “Kazama Kojin: Kyōjō 0”

Guidelines Uru

This is Uru’s fifth digital-only single, released in May 2023.

It was selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.

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drama “Kazama Kimichika: Kyōjō 0.” It’s a beautiful ballad that lets you fully savor Uru’s gentle high-tone voice—remarkably clear yet warm and soft.

Coupled with production that gives the vocals a slightly deeper reverb, the song superbly conveys its world.

There aren’t many singers who can express a song with such warm high notes, are there?

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[Songs We Want Women to Sing!] Popular Ballads Sung by Female Artists (11–20)

Letter to TomorrowAoi Teshima

[Official] Aoi Teshima – Letter to Tomorrow (Theme Song for the Monday 9 PM Drama ‘Someday I Will Surely Cry When I Remember This Love’)

Letter to Tomorrow by Aoi Teshima

When it comes to divas with beautiful falsetto, it has to be her.

This song also became the theme for the Monday 9 p.

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drama ‘Someday When I Recall This Love, I Will Surely Cry,’ and gained popularity.

Her gentle voice, which makes you close your eyes and get lost in the music, soothes everyone.

A heartrending ballad loved by a wide range of generations, regardless of age or gender.

It’s like a self-cheering song entrusted to a letter.

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Starry NightYuka

Yuka – Starry Night (Official Music Video)

Hoshizukiyo by Kaoru

This is a ballad with a romantic atmosphere, where Yuka’s voice resonates deeply in the heart.

The aching wish to reunite with a loved one is beautifully expressed alongside imagery of a starry sky.

It began airing on January 17, 2023 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Hoshi Furu Yoru ni” (“On a Starry Night”), and also drew attention for being produced by Toru of ONE OK ROCK.

Released digitally on February 8, 2023, it is included on Yuka’s first album, “brighter.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on nights under the stars as you think of someone special, and it’s perfect for reflecting on memories with a partner or friends.

Wrapped in Yuka’s clear, transparent vocals, this track offers a heartwarming moment.

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bow knotAimer

Aimer “Chouchou Musubi” (produced and written by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS)

Butterfly Knot Aimer

Many people may have discovered Aimer—an enchanting singer with a uniquely beautiful and distinctive voice—through this very song.

The track is included on her album “daydream,” which features contributions and production from a number of popular artists.

In that sense, Aimer is a singer endorsed by fellow artists.

Needless to say, her voice is stunning, and this particular song was created by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS, with her vocals further elevating his signature lyrical style.

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Please forget it.Yorushika

Yorushika – Please Forget (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Please forget Yorushika

A delicate ballad by Yorushika that portrays a heartrending form of love in which one wishes for precious, cherished memories to be forgotten.

It gently depicts scenes and landscapes from days spent together, interwoven with beautiful imagery like loquat trees and coastal vistas.

The conflicting emotions—hoping the other person will forget and move forward, while secretly wishing not to be forgotten—are conveyed through Suis’s translucent vocals.

Released in July 2024 and written as the theme song for the drama “GO HOME: Metropolitan Police Department Unidentified Persons Consultation Office,” this piece offers quiet comfort to anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.

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