[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 (11–20)

Kasane AiSoala

Soala – Kasaneai [Official Music Video]

Kasaneai Soala

A heart-stirring ballad by Soala that paints the ache of lost love in beautifully poignant words.

Wrapped in a clear, gentle voice, it tenderly holds the regret for a love that might have lasted if only they had met differently, and the feelings that will never again converge.

Released in January 2025 and included on the EP “Bluem,” the song also drew attention for its music video featuring model Suzuka Orita and actor Yusei Ito.

With a melody that sinks into the heart, it portrays memories of happy days and the fragile story of a love that ends in parting.

When you’re struggling in a relationship or want to sing while thinking of someone dear, this song is sure to speak for your feelings.

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At the star-street stationtuki.

tuki. “At the Station of the Starry Town” Official Music Video

At the starry town's station, tuki.

tuki.

’s music is characterized by a bittersweet world view and beautiful melodies.

This work portrays the importance of moving forward without being bound by the past and the bonds with a loved one.

Gentle acoustic guitar tones are layered with tuki.

’s emotionally rich vocals, resonating deeply with listeners.

It was released digitally on June 19, 2024, and was selected as an insert song for AbemaTV’s drama “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: Graduation Edition.” tuki.

’s songs have the power to evoke empathy across a wide range of ages.

It’s a track we especially recommend to those standing at a crossroads in love or life.

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Sentimental KissReira Shio

Reira Shio / Sentimental Kiss Acoustic ver. (full) [Official Music Video]

Sentimental Kiss Shio Reira

A gentle ballad by Reira Shio that delivers bittersweet feelings on a warm acoustic sound.

The lyrics delicately portray the distance between lovers after a breakup and the emotions wavering between heart and body, resonating deeply.

Her voice weaves memories of a feverish love and a faint lingering warmth with novel-like beauty, tenderly embracing the kind of heartache everyone has felt at least once.

Released in March 2022, the song was also used as background music for ABEMA’s dating show “He and the Wolf-chan Won’t Deceive.” It’s a track that will stay by your side on nights when you want to bask in memories of someone special, or when you need someone to hear the feelings you can’t hold inside.

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Say goodbye to the love I clung to.festival

Say goodbye to clinging love. / Matsuri (Good bye, toxic love) [Official Music Video]

Goodbye to the love I clung to. — Matsuri

A song by singer-songwriter Matsuri that delicately portrays a woman’s feelings as she tries to move forward after heartbreak.

Released in June 2022, it gently expresses—in down-to-earth words—the emotional state of someone bound by a past romance yet determined to take a new step.

With a sweet, bittersweet vocal and a melody that evokes deep empathy, it stands out as a memorable breakup song.

The music video, featuring actress Yū Miyazaki, known for her role in films such as “Ninkyō Gakuen,” also drew attention.

It’s a song that quietly stays close to those trying to overcome the pain of heartbreak or move forward while remembering someone dear.

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planetariumAi Otsuka

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium (Short Ver.)

Planetarium Ai Otsuka

It’s a popular ballad of hers released in 2005.

In her body of work, it became a hit following her debut song “Sakuranbo.” The heart-wrenching, bittersweet lyrics sung in her slightly lisping, sweet whisper captured fans’ hearts.

It also drew attention as a track that showed a different side of her, who is usually cheerful and lively.

She’s a cute Japanese songstress.

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Because you are hereUru

[Official] Uru “Because You Are Here” — Theme Song for TBS Sunday Theater ‘Ship of Theseus’

Uru because you are here

Speaking of Uru, she originally became known for uploading cover songs on YouTube and the like, right? Even back then, she had a strong reputation for her beautiful, crystal-clear voice and exceptional vocal ability, and many people likely feel soothed when they listen to that gorgeous singing.

Of course, her charm is fully on display in this song as well, and many listeners were probably captivated from the very first moment they heard it.

The track was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Theseus no Fune” (Ship of Theseus), and it may have been through this drama that many people first discovered her.

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[Songs I Want Women to Sing!] Popular Ballads Sung by Female Artists (21–30)

I wish I were the one you liked.My hands look like cream buns.

I wish I were the one you love / Hands Like Cream Bread (Wishing I’m her / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

I wish I were the one you liked—your hands are like cream bread buns.

A heart-stirring ballad by Tegami Cream Pan, where earnest feelings and a bittersweet mood are woven together through a clear, transparent vocal.

It gently portrays a woman who carries deep feelings for someone important yet struggles to express them.

Featuring an evocative piano melody, the song was released in April 2023.

Showcasing her delicate expressive power to the fullest, this piece speaks on behalf of girls in love.

It’s a must-listen for those who keep their feelings for a crush to themselves or find it hard to be honest about their emotions toward someone dear.

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