[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 (141–150)

KiraraShizuka Kudo

Shizuka Kudo Kirara

Kirara Kudo Shizuka

Shizuka Kudo is a singer with a background as a former member of Onyanko Club, who showcases her multifaceted talents not only in music but also as an actor, TV personality, jewelry designer, and painter.

Her 32nd single, Kirara, used as an insert song for the TV drama God, Please Give Me More Time, also drew attention for being composed by Ryuichi Kawamura of LUNA SEA.

Its somewhat mysterious ensemble and brief yet beautiful lyrics, combined with her distinctive voice, make it utterly captivating.

Because both the melody and tempo are quite relaxed, be careful not to rush the rhythm when singing it at karaoke.

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Embraced by loveSuperfly

Superfly “Embraced by Love” Music Video

Embraced by love, Superfly

A wonderful ballad by Shiho Ochi, a Japanese songstress with a soulful voice.

Overflowing with love and sent with heartfelt devotion to someone dear, it’s deeply moving.

It’s a popular choice for weddings, and her deep, powerful voice and soaring, expansive singing style continue to captivate listeners.

A ballad that fills you with happiness.

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It'll get stained.Chatmonchy

Chatmonchy - Somaru yo (Live)

I'll be dyed, Chatmonchy

This is a track by Chatmonchy, who disbanded in 2018 after completing their run.

When you think of Chatmonchy, you think of technical, quirky songs and pop numbers—they offered so much musical fun.

One of their charms is vocalist Eriko Hashimoto’s voice: cute yet powerful.

Every song feels like it has to be sung by her.

In “Somaruyo,” her distinctive high notes and the poignant, tear-inducing quality that rides on them are especially striking.

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contrailYumi Arai

Contrail (Vapour Trail) – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya)

Hikoukigumo Arai Yumi

From the Arai Yumi era to the Matsutoya Yumi era, her name has always been famous as one of Japan’s leading divas.

The song she sings is a masterpiece that stirs countless feelings in its listeners.

It’s heartrending, yet somehow makes you look up at the sky and teaches you hope for tomorrow and the preciousness of life—and because it’s sung by her, that sense of importance reaches so many people.

It’s that kind of ballad.

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Poem of the Wandering Starssuis from Yorushika

The music video for Hoshimeguru Uta sung by Yorushika’s suis has been released! You’re sure to be captivated by her breathtakingly clear vocals. Kyocera Original Animation Part 3: “Is Now Included in the Future?” Special Movie.

Yorushika - Star-wandering Poem suis

The song by Yorushika’s suis beautifully portrays delicate emotions.

On a train bound for the moon, the protagonist faces themselves and tries to take a new step forward.

Released digitally on February 23, 2024 as the theme song for the anime “Do We Enter the Future Now?”, the track expresses the struggles and resolve of Gen Z, carrying a message meant to give courage to listeners.

It’s a perfect song for university students or job-hunters who feel uncertain about the future.

Suis’s clear, transparent vocals seem to resonate deep in the heart.

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HERONamie Amuro

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)

HERO Namie Amuro

Released on July 27, 2016, this is Namie Amuro’s 45th single.

It was selected as the NHK broadcast theme song for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics.

It’s a medium-tempo ballad that lets you feel there’s always someone gently supporting you, no matter the time.

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SAKURAIkimonogakari

Ikimono Gakari – Sakura [Karaoke]

SAKURA Ikimonogakari

It was released in 2006 as Ikimono-gakari’s major-label debut single.

There are countless songs in Japan themed around cherry blossoms, but this one by Ikimono-gakari stands apart from the rest.

Yoshioka’s powerful vocals make a particularly strong impression.

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