[Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists

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.

Playlist

[Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	tomorrowEmi Noda		A ballad depicting heartrending emotions, the struggle to move forward
2	I stillmilet		Milet’s movie theme song, a love ballad portraying eternal love
3	First LoveHikaru Utada		Hikaru Utada’s classic, a moving ballad
4	Versailles – Versailles –Ayaka		The opening theme of The Rose of Versailles, Ayaka’s moving song
5	AnswerLila Ikuta		A Song of the Heart That Opens the Path to the Future
6	So it wasn’t me, huh.Lilia.		A heart-stirring song that sings of the regret and lingering feelings of a teasing, ambiguous love.
7	Imo-rai Imotuki.		A delicate love song that portrays the subtleties of romance
8	Unrequited lovemiwa		A heartwarming ballad that portrays a bittersweet love
9	PrologueUru		Uru’s music, with her distinctive voice, heals the heart.
10	guidelinesUru		Theme song of “Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni” features a gentle, transparent vocal tone.
11	Letter to TomorrowAoi Teshima		Theme song of a Monday 9 PM drama, a beautiful falsetto songstress
12	Starry NightYuka		Yuka’s starry-sky ballad sings of love
13	bow knotAimer		A one-of-a-kind singing voice, a song produced by Yojiro Noda
14	Please forget it.Yorushika		Precious memories and love I wish I could forget
15	Kasane AiSoala		Portraying a lost love with a wistful singing voice
16	At the star-street stationtuki.		Depicting a poignant worldview and the importance of moving forward
17	Sentimental KissReira Shio		A bittersweet, heartwarming ballad that weaves memories of love
18	Say goodbye to the love I clung to.festival		A woman's heartfelt song about moving forward after heartbreak
19	planetariumAi Otsuka		A poignant ballad sung with a sweet voice
20	Because you are hereUru		Music that heals with Uru’s beautiful singing voice
21	I wish I were the one you liked.My hands look like cream buns.		A heart-stirring ballad that sings of a wistful unrequited love.
22	HappinessChe’Nelle		A timeless song that heals the heart with its transparent singing voice
23	hanatabamilet		Milet, with her husky singing voice, is performing the drama’s theme song.
24	moonlightChihiro Onitsuka		I’m moved by Chihiro Onitsuka’s heartrending singing voice.
25	Goodbye, my beloved.Hana*Hana		A moving song filled with feelings for someone special
26	youHikaru Utada		Hikaru Utada’s heartwarming song filled with love
27	A Bouquet for YouHikaru Utada		Hikaru Utada, NHK morning drama theme song ballad
28	NautilusYorushika		Masterpieces by Yorushika—drama theme songs
29	Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa		Comforting songs by ReoNa that gently stay by your heart
30	EndlessTOMOO		A pure love song, TOMOO’s ballad
31	Finale.eill		A moving love song for a movie theme
32	KissHugaiko		The theme song of Hana Yori Dango F, a heartrending love song
33	Love is…Miliyah Kato		An inspiring classic that vows eternal love
34	EverythingMISIA		The classic song 'Everything' by MISIA, a masterpiece that sings of love.
35	GarnetHanako Oku		A theme song that resonates with the heart of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
36	OrionMika Nakashima		A poignant ballad singer with moving vocals and lyrics
37	Shape of LoveMISIA feat.HIDE(GReeeeN)		A moving theme song sung by MISIA
38	Unrequited loveAimer		Aimer’s unrequited love song captivates with her gentle singing voice.
39	crescent moonAyaka		Ayaka’s moving, gospel-style masterpiece
40	PreciousYuna Ito		Umizaru theme song, a grand and moving love song
41	Unchanging ThingsHanako Oku		Hanako Oku's heartrending singing voice resonates in the heart.
42	Love StoryNamie Amuro		90s Amurer, Namie Amuro's famous song
43	The summer you gave meLeo Ieiri		A song featuring Leo Ieiri’s poignant, heart-wrenching vocals
44	A Naked HeartAimyon		A love song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love
45	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A heartwarming classic that sings of love and kindness
46	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto		Hitoto Yo’s masterpiece, a requiem of deep sentiment
47	BloomSuperfly		Superfly’s moving classic, a response song of love
48	threadMiyuki Nakajima		A moving classic that celebrates the wonder of encounters
49	Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Mai Kuraki		Mai Kuraki, the songstress of Detective Conan theme songs
50	YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)Miliyah Kato		Hit ballads by Miliyah Kato and HY
51	wedgeHanako Oku		Piano ballad by Okuda Hanako: the pain of a broken heart
52	StoryAI		AI’s 12th work: a song with a heartfelt, resonant singing voice
53	tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa		A bittersweet tale of cigarettes and heartbreak
54	beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko		Myself, loving like a rhinoceros beetle
55	petalHanako Oku		Oku Hanako's singing voice captivates as a movie theme song
56	LONELYMiliyah Kato feat. LANA		A poignant song about loneliness by Miliyah Kato and LANA
57	I want to see you.Chikaco Sawada		Chikaco Sawada’s signature songs: lyrics and emotions that resonate with the heart
58	Song for…HY		An inspiring song by the Okinawan band HY
59	Things that have formKo Shibasaki		Ko Shibasaki’s “Katachi Aru Mono” is moving.
60	Stop this nightJUJU		JUJU's drama theme song filled with melancholy, with heartrending lyrics
61	Snow BlossomMika Nakashima		Mika Nakashima’s signature song, a masterpiece with a fragile, ephemeral worldview
62	youHY		HY’s signature song “Anata” is a heartwarming ballad.
63	TokyoJUJU		JUJU’s stylishly captivating movie theme song
64	I fell in loveaiko		A heartwarming masterpiece: the theme song by aiko for A Silent Voice
65	Your SongRei Yasuda		A song that portrays a woman's emotions, tinged with sorrow yet filled with hope
66	Good-bye DaysYUI		Singing of the warmth of pure love before parting
67	PIECE OF MY WISHMiki Imai		Miki Imai’s ballads heal the heart.
68	unlastingLiSA		The Vocal Prowess and Allure of the Captivating Songstress LiSA
69	Merry XmasBoA		BoA’s classic hit that gained popularity as a Christmas song
70	passwordAyaka		Movie theme song: lyrics of love and hope resonate in the heart
71	Letter ~Dear fifteen-year-old you~Angela Aki		Angela Aki’s graduation song resonates with the heart.
72	Tell memilet		milet’s commanding husky voice is captivating.
73	366 daysHY		HY’s heartbreak song, a timeless track that resonates with the heart
74	dilemmaspeena		Girls rock band speeна
75	KanadeJUJU		A bittersweet love story about a long-distance relationship
76	ENDLESS STORYREIEA starring YUNA ITO		The theme song of the movie “NANA,” a classic released under the name REIRA
77	Where the Wind GoesAdo (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)		The moving ending theme song of the movie “RED.”
78	Ghost in the FlowersYorushika		Yorushika’s “Ghost in a Flower” sings of memories of summer.
79	WAY TO LOVEMiho Karasawa		A timeless love song that resonates with the heart
80	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE		An inspiring masterpiece at the end of summer
81	MarigoldAimyon		Aimyon's bittersweet summer love songs are popular
82	for a long timeKiroro		An emotional love song by Kiroro, filled with bittersweet feelings.
83	flameLiSA		The theme song of Demon Slayer features a captivatingly beautiful melody.
84	If only you were here so I could hold you.miwa		miwa’s singing voice is captivating and purifies the heart.
85	UninstallChiaki Ishikawa		A song that resonates in the heart of the anime song diva
86	season (best time for something, especially when a food is at its peak), in vogueRingo Sheena		The allure and expressiveness of Ringo Sheena’s music
87	Home Sweet HomeYU-KI		Debut single and theme song for the NARUTO movie
88	Deep RiverHikaru Utada		Hikaru Utada “Deep River”: a masterpiece portraying life and death
89	AitaiMiliyah Kato		A famous song by Miliyah Kato that portrays a heartrending love
90	setting sunTokyo Incidents		I get a sense of a mature woman from Shiina Ringo’s songs.
91	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		Tota-san’s heartrending singing voice is memorable.
92	sayonaraMirei Touyama		Mirei Touyama’s beautiful singing voice and emotional expression
93	HitotsuboshiKOH+		The theme song by KOH+ for the film “Silent Parade.”
94	To You at DawnTohru		A film song that resonates in the heart with Tomobi’s/Tomei’s singing voice
95	First loveHikaru Utada		Hikaru Utada: The Allure of a Formidable Artist
96	I knewRosalina		Rosalina’s new song is sentimental and captivating.
97	Song of LoveKumi Koda		The appeal of Kumi Koda’s signature song “Ai no Uta”
98	Reason(s) to hold handsKana Nishino		Kana Nishino's songs resonate with women's hearts.
99	Moon DropsRUI		Ko Shibasaki's song under the name RUI, 'Tsuki no Shizuku,' is gaining attention.
100	far; distant; by farAimer		Theme song for the Takagi-san movie expresses nostalgia and poignancy
101	Marunouchi SadisticRingo Sheena		Shiina Ringo’s “Marunouchi Sadistic” is cool.
102	Love fallsMiliyah Kato		A songstress popular among high school girls, a moving piece that resonates with the heart
103	FarewellSuperfly		Superfly, a Western-style J-pop act, with a moving ballad
104	If you call it loveUru		To recreate Uru’s delicate whisper-like voice, diaphragmatic breathing and a conversational singing style are essential.
105	AlgernonYorushika		A duo band rich in literary flair, Yorushika's iconic song
106	It’s nothing.Mone Kamishiraishi		The theme song of “Your Name” is popular at karaoke.
107	Over The DistanceHitomi Yaida		Hitomi Yaida passionately performs a heartbreaking long-distance love song
108	Watarase BridgeChisato Moritaka		Chisato Moritaka’s poignant romantic ballad masterpiece
109	remainingKayoko Yoshizawa		A songstress with a captivating voice and tantalizing lyrics
110	No-sideYumi Matsutoya		No-side, the moving song after the match ends
111	Love SongGO!GO!7188		A classic song by a Japanese-style alternative rock band
112	maybeYOASOBI		A moving song by YOASOBI themed around heartbreak
113	Savoring youthLilas Ikuta feat. ano		A collaboration song by Lila Ikuta and ano portrays youth.
114	VoyageAyumi Hamasaki		We walk the journey of life alongside our memories.
115	CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Namie Amuro		Namie Amuro’s classic is beloved at weddings.
116	confessionMariya Takeuchi		A masterpiece depicting reunion and wavering hearts, a massive hit.
117	A flower of no colorHikaru Utada		Hikaru Utada’s moving theme song
118	Spring Notesmiwa		“Harunoto,” a song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of youth
119	STRASMika Nakashima		Mika Nakashima’s Captivating Voice and the Masterpiece “STARS”
120	Secret of my heartMai Kuraki		A smash-hit song by a supremely talented songstress
121	Let It Go ~As I Am~Takako Matsu		The positive hope embedded in Elsa’s song
122	lensLila Ikuta		Lila Ikuta’s ballad expresses a heartrending love.
123	zuttoMariko Nagai		90s hit song, memorable for its overalls outfit
124	Kiss me and hold meMISIA		A heartfelt slow ballad from the debut album
125	I miss you. (I want to see you.)My hands look like cream buns.		Cream Pan's 'I Want to See You' — a song that resonates with the heart
126	Flower of loveAimyon		Aimyon’s “Ai no Hana” warms the heart
127	Gentle WordsKumi Koda		Kumi Koda has an alluringly mature singing voice and vibe.
128	The BeginningAyaka		Ayaka’s powerful ballad “Living for Tomorrow”
129	Last sceneIkimonogakari		A coming-of-age song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and personal growth
130	heartAimyon		Aimyon, known for her relatable lyrics, and her love songs
131	DearestAyumi Hamasaki		Ayumi Hamasaki’s classic song “Dearest” became a big hit.
132	I’m proudTomomi Kahala		A classic by Tomomi Kahala, produced by Tetsuya Komuro
133	butterfly effectEmi Noda		An inspiring song where the butterfly’s message delivers hope and courage
134	To youKotone		16-year-old Kotone delivers an inspiring debut single, “To You.”
135	Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE		The charm of the masterpiece “A Gentle Kiss”
136	Poem of TruthDo As Infinity		Do As Infinity’s classic song “Sora”
137	waltzLeo Ieiri		Leo Ieiri’s poignant breakup song, elegantly depicted.
138	I love youTakasuzu		A beautiful songstress who sings heartrending love songs
139	landlord; owner (of a rented property)Yo Hitoto		The moving song “Ooki-na Ie (Home)” by Yo Hitoto, expressing her feelings for her father
140	Goldfish FireworksAi Otsuka		Her bright ballad, quiet and enchanting
141	KiraraShizuka Kudo		Shizuka Kudo, formerly of Onyanko Club, her classic hit
142	Embraced by loveSuperfly		Ochi Shiho's deep singing voice captivates the heart.
143	It’ll get stained.Chatmonchy		Representative and captivating songs by Chatmonchy
144	contrailYumi Arai		A moving masterpiece by Yumi Arai/Matsutoya that resonates with the heart
145	Poem of the Wandering Starssuis from Yorushika		A Train Bound for the Moon: Gen Z’s Determination and Hope
146	HERONamie Amuro		Namie Amuro’s Rio Olympics theme song
147	SAKURAIkimonogakari		A classic cherry blossom song, with Yoshioka’s vocals leaving a strong impression.
148	aimlesslyAimer		My heart is soothed by the gentle song from the anime’s ending theme.
149	dearestKOH+		A beautifully emotional ballad sung by Kou Shibasaki
150	JupiterAyaka Hirahara		Ayaka Hirahara's 'Jupiter' is moving.
151	Shall we break up?Miyuhan		A soul-stirring song that sings of the resolve to part and the emotions that waver.
152	Excessive WealthRingo Sheena		Sheena Ringo’s moving hymn to life, ‘Excessive Wealth’
153	ElfAdo		An elf’s solitude and resolve to be true to oneself
154	AldebaranAI		A theme song that delivers hope with an AI singing voice
155	Because I Want to See You ~Missing You~Seiko Matsuda		Seiko Matsuda’s beautiful singing voice and aching love
156	a hair’s breadthUru		Uru’s singing voice and the song “Kami Hitoe” are captivating.
157	HomeAyaka		Ayaka’s moving song “Home” that you’ll want to listen to in the morning
158	WildflowerSuperfly		Songs included on Superfly’s “Mind Travel”
159	Days of JewelsAina the End		Aina The End’s moving ballad
160	treasure holderAina the End		An inspiring theme song by Aina that resonates with the heart
161	19 memoriesMiliyah Kato		A life-sized masterpiece at 19, embraced by peers of the same generation
162	Melancholy Cherry Blossomsbeautiful night		A youth song by Atarayo that portrays a spring departure
163	That’s all there is to it.Marcy		Stirring the heart with a passionate love song
164	Love PhotosAi Otsuka		Ai Otsuka’s heartrending ballad, a song of pure love
165	Decembermilet		A ballad song in which milet sings of love and gratitude to her mother
166	Together…MAX		The famous song by the sexy dance-vocal group MAX
167	PasswordAina the End		A bittersweet song of growth, Aina’s heart-resonating track
168	Legendary GirlArisa Mizuki		Alisa Mizuki’s debut song that sings about the feelings of a mature-seeming girl
169	more and moreRyoko Shinohara		Ryoko Shinohara’s classic song produced by Tetsuya Komuro
170	One heartMISIA		The slow ballad that is the theme song of the movie Dragon Head