[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 (41–50)

The summer you gave meLeo Ieiri

Leo Ieiri – The Summer You Gave Me (Theme song for the Monday 9 p.m. drama “Koinaka”)

The Summer You Gave Me - Leo Ieiri

Leo Ieiri captivates with the contrast between her cool side and the gentle, wistful side she shows in ballads—it’s that gap in her vocals that draws you in.

This song falls into the latter category, where her poignant voice truly resonates.

It’s a heartbreaking ballad chosen as the theme song for the drama “Koinaka,” starring Sota Fukushi.

Of course, the lyrics themselves tell a sorrowful story, but what elevates it even further is Leo Ieiri’s voice.

The song works because of her solid expressive power, which holds its own and doesn’t get swallowed by the narrative of the lyrics.

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A Naked HeartAimyon

Naked Heart

Naked Heart Aimyon

This song was chosen as the theme for the drama “My Housekeeper Mr.

Nagisa,” and it expresses the pain of unrequited love and the bittersweet feelings of a woman who falls in love anyway.

Aimyon’s songs always carry a certain nostalgia, so they’re appreciated by people of all generations.

This track also sings about a woman’s feelings, but I think everyone has experienced the heartbreak of losing in love.

It’s a very gentle song that many can relate to, so women, please give it a try and sing it.

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May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

May it overflow with kindness — JUJU

“Yasashisa de Afureru You ni” by JUJU, which served as the theme song for the 2016 film “Evergreen Love (Herbarium),” is a love ballad about the happiness and love shared between a man and a woman.

The song conveys the message, “I want to wrap the precious person in my ordinary life with the love we call kindness,” and listening to it makes you feel happy, thinking, “I want to meet someone who makes me feel this way.” JUJU’s clear vocals are beautifully complemented by the lovely melody.

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dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Hanamizuki Hitoto Yo

This masterpiece, which can be considered Yo Hitoto’s signature song, became such a massive hit that it was later adapted into a film inspired by the track.

At first glance, the lyrics might seem like a love song, but it’s also said to be a requiem for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

It’s a song imbued with very deep emotions.

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BloomSuperfly

Superfly『Bloom』(Music Video)

BloomSuperfly

This is Superfly’s 23rd single.

It can be considered an answer song to the signature track “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo,” and it’s a number made impactful by its grand orchestral sound.

The contrast between the A-melody, featuring only vocals and piano, and the richly arranged chorus creates dynamic expression, making it a challenging song to sing with proper nuance.

But if you can pull it off, it’s sure to captivate others at karaoke—a perfect karaoke pick for female singers.

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threadMiyuki Nakajima

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

Thread by Miyuki Nakajima

This song, released in 1998, was originally written in 1992 to celebrate the marriage of Zenji Nakayama, the fourth Shinbashira of Tenrikyo.

No matter when I listen to it, its lyrics and melody move me to tears.

It continues to be covered by many artists today, and it will likely remain a song passed down for years to come.

It’s a song that teaches us the wonder of meeting others.

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Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Mai Kuraki

Mai Kuraki “Togetsukyo ~Kimi Omou~” Music Video (Short Ver.)

Togetsukyo ~Thinking of You~ Mai Kuraki

Mai Kuraki has performed many theme songs for the anime Detective Conan, and there may be many people who strongly associate her with Conan.

Her clean, mature vocals are captivating, and she has created numerous ballads over the years.

However, this song differs a bit from her previous ballads; as you’ll hear, it’s crafted with a distinctly traditional Japanese sound! Matching the atmosphere of the track, her vocal tone also differs from her past songs, making this a piece where you can feel another side of her appeal.

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