[Karaoke] Classic and Popular Ballad Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
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.

We’re introducing classic and popular ballad songs that are perfect for karaoke!

If you’re looking to sing ballads at karaoke, we’ve gathered a list of popular picks just for you.

When you sing ballads at karaoke, putting your emotions into the performance or choosing highly relatable songs can create a different kind of excitement than upbeat tracks.

It’s also fun to talk about the lyrics and what the song is trying to convey.

In this article, we’ll showcase popular karaoke ballads—from timeless classics to the latest hits.

Find the perfect song for you and give it a try!

Best Ballads to Sing at Karaoke [Ranks 1–20] (1–10)

366 daysHY

HY – “366 Days” Live Music Video

366 Days HY

One of HY’s classic heartbreak songs, “366 Days,” is a karaoke favorite not only among HY fans but especially popular with women.

Although it was released in 2008, it gained support from younger generations after Moka Kamishiraishi covered it in a 2019 “Kirin Gogo no Koucha” (Afternoon Tea) commercial.

It’s a recommended number for women who want to sing a romantic ballad.

The key isn’t very high, and if you sing it with emotion, it will resonate with listeners.

Give it a try.

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KanadeSukima Switch

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

Kanade Sukima Switch

From pop-sense-packed up-tempo tunes to lyrical ballads, the duo Sukima Switch—whose broad musical expression has influenced countless artists—released this track as their second single.

A signature song with numerous tie-ins across films, TV dramas, and commercials, it’s a massive hit that, despite being released in 2004, has surpassed 100 million total streams.

While the melody is intricate, the relaxed tempo makes it easy to sing.

Karaoke even includes a cover by a female artist, so it’s recommended not only for men but for women as well.

A quintessential 2000s ballad whose bittersweet lyrics vividly evoke poignant scenes.

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I love youback number

back number – I Love You

I Love You back number

With its characteristically gentle, poetic lyrics and a beautiful, floating melody, “I Love You” is quintessential back number.

Even if you’re not sure what you can do, the message of overcoming a long journey and still wanting to go see “you” is deeply moving—a heartwarming love song.

It may be hard to sing a falsetto as clear as Iyori Shimizu’s, but try aiming for a soft head voice.

Since it’s also the theme song for the NHK morning drama ‘Soar!’ (Maiagare!), it should appeal to a wide range of ages.

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Ballad Songs You Want to Sing at Karaoke: Best Ranking [1st–20th] (11–20)

forget-me-notAwesome City Club

Awesome City Club / Wasurena (MUSIC VIDEO)

Wasurena Awesome City Club

It’s a song packed with urban charm.

Released digitally in January 2021 as an inspiration track for the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” it fully showcases the appeal of dual male-female vocals.

The lyrics, which look back on past love while conveying hope for the future, leave a strong impression.

Included on the album “Grower,” it became a massive hit with over 300 million streams.

Brimming with Awesome City Club’s polished sound and metropolitan vibe, this track is perfect for reflecting on memories with someone special or taking a new step forward.

Sing it at karaoke and it’s sure to spark a wave of shared feeling.

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Gray and BlueKenshi Yonezu + Masaki Suda

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

Gray and Blue Kenshi Yonezu + Masaki Suda

If you’re looking for a ballad that two men can duet, “Gray and Blue” is a great choice.

The song is a collaboration between Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda, and thanks to their huge popularity as an artist and an actor, it’s very well-known.

The melody is relaxed, making it easy to harmonize.

The lyrics express the bond between close friends, so it’s also recommended as a song that lets you feel your friendship.

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I LOVE YOUYutaka Ozaki

I LOVE YOU - Yutaka Ozaki (I LOVE YOU sung by a woman) COVER by Uru

I LOVE YOU by Yutaka Ozaki

“I love you” is Yutaka Ozaki’s most iconic song and one of Japan’s finest love songs.

It remains highly popular and has been covered by many artists.

As a perennial karaoke favorite that often ranks near the top, it might even spark some competition over who gets to sing it.

It’s a classic ballad that expresses sincere, straightforward love.

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KissHugaiko

aiko- 『KissHug』music video

KissHugaiko

KissHug is a love song that portrays straightforward love, and it was also used as an insert song in Boys Over Flowers: Final.

When it comes to aiko, Kabutomushi is her most famous song, but if you’re looking for a ballad that women can sing, this track is highly recommended too! There are probably many women who are still hung up on a love that ended without a confession.

You know you have to move on yourself… but there are some loves you just can’t forget.

This song affirms those feelings of yours—though it’s bittersweet, it’s a number that brings out the strength and beauty of women.

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