A selection of classic love ballads, from the latest hits to timeless favorites.

PretenderOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

A four-piece piano pop band, Official HIGE DANDism, has been taking the J-pop scene by storm with their sophisticated yet effortlessly accessible pop sensibilities, and this is their second single.

Written as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP: The Movie — Romance, it became so popular from 2019 to 2020 that there was hardly a day you wouldn’t hear it.

From its striking intro featuring guitar arpeggios to its sentimental lyrics depicting an unfulfilled romance, hooks abound throughout the track—surely a key factor in its massive success.

It’s a timeless ballad likely to go down in J-pop history, and the song that truly put Official HIGE DANDism on the map.

Love SongUru

[Official] Uru “Love Song” — Theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama series “My Fair Prince”

This is the 11th single by singer-songwriter Uru, whose transparent vocals and mysterious presence sparked buzz and led her to achieve the extraordinary feat of surpassing 140,000 YouTube subscribers even before her major-label debut.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Oshi no Oujisama” (My Dear Prince), the track is a ballad that masterfully contrasts a lively shuffle-beat rhythm with a rich, full-bodied piano sound.

Its straightforward message, carried by her deep, resonant voice, is sure to reach the depths of the heart alongside its gentle melody.

A heartwarming love ballad that helps you rediscover how much your special someone means to you.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

This is the fourth major-label single by singer-songwriter aiko, whose lyrics—featuring exquisitely detailed depictions that resonate with women and catchy phrases—have earned her widespread popularity.

The song was used as the ending theme for the music program CDTV and the variety show Jobireba!?, and is widely known as one of aiko’s signature tracks.

Only aiko could take a phrase like “beetle,” which doesn’t typically evoke love songs, and weave it into a story that makes perfect sense.

A masterpiece love ballad, its heartrending yet catchy melody has been cherished across generations.

KanadeSukima Switch

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

Known for numerous artist covers and multiple tie-ins, this is the second single by the musical duo Sukima Switch.

While it became a historically long-running hit for the duo, there’s an anecdote that, because of its immense popularity, they felt pressured to sing it at every live show.

The lyrics, which portray love for someone precious who is drifting away, gain even more poignancy when set to its beautifully wistful melody.

A signature song of Sukima Switch and a gem of a ballad, it conveys the loneliness of heartbreak through the ensemble as a whole.

First LoveHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – First Love

This is the third single by singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada, who made a major debut at the young age of 15 and immediately drew attention by achieving double million sales.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Majo no Jōken” (Forbidden Love), the track showcases an emotional expressiveness hard to believe from a teenager.

The lyrics, which evoke the bittersweet feelings right after a breakup and the determination to keep looking forward, likely resonated with many listeners regardless of age.

With a beautiful melody that colors its lyrical worldview, this ballad made a stunning impact on the J-pop scene.

Let's become a familyMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – Let’s Become a Family (Full ver.)

When it comes to ballads, they’re generally expected to be about love between a man and a woman or about breakups, but “Kazoku ni Narou yo” is themed around gratitude and respect for family and for the person you’re becoming family with.

It makes me think that the love we ultimately arrive at is our affection for family.

Masaharu Fukuyama’s slightly nasal low voice suits the song’s image perfectly.

Although it was released in 2011, it never feels dated, as you often hear it as background music in touching scenes in TV commercials and programs.

It’s a song I hope you’ll listen to with someone you love!

crescent moonAyaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka’s fourth single, which had already been distributed online across various Asian countries even before its release.

The song was used as the theme for the information program “Mirai Kansoku Tsunagaru TV @ Human,” and its title is also known for evoking the shape of a flip phone.

Carried by her soulful vocals, the poignant lyrics conjure images and loneliness of a long-distance relationship, the song’s central theme.

With a mystical atmosphere that evokes the moon and feels soothing, it’s a love ballad overflowing with powerful feelings for a partner.