Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

Sandaime J Soul Brothershanabi

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / Fireworks ~Short Version~

Released in 2012 as the seventh single, Hanabi was selected as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Onegai! Ranking” in August 2012.

The song surpassed 750,000 downloads as a single track and was certified Triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

It’s a piece that conveys both the beauty and ephemerality of fireworks.

tomorrowNoda Megumi

Manami Noda – Tomorrow (Official Music Video) [Thursday Theater: Theme Song of “My Treasure”]

A ballad that portrays a bittersweet state of mind with a voice where gentleness and strength coexist.

The delicate conflict of trying to move forward to protect what’s precious is expressed with nuance.

Woven with a tender, translucent vocal, the melody sinks deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released by Emi Noda in October 2024 as the theme song for the drama “My Treasure,” the track features a sound marked by evocative piano and strings.

It’s a song that gently gives a push to those who, despite their doubts, choose to face forward and live on.

Perfect for moments when you want to convey your feelings to someone important through song, or when you need to rouse your own spirits.

A Gentle BallAimer

Aimer “Gentle Ball” Lyrics/English/Indonesian | NHK “Minna no Uta” | 25th single “SCOPE”

Set at a starlit nighttime ball, this enchanting work spins a fantastical tale.

Aimer’s husky voice blends exquisitely with the classical waltz motif, vividly portraying mysterious scenes unfolding in the stillness of the night.

Beautiful like a fairy tale yet tinged with a certain wistfulness, its world seems to mirror the feelings of a girl wavering on the boundary between dreams and reality.

Included on the single “SCOPE,” released in February 2025, and broadcast around the same time on NHK’s Minna no Uta, this piece is made all the more magical by arrangements from Ryota Nakano and Yusuke Tanaka.

It’s a song that will stay close to your heart—whether you’re spending time with friends after school in an empty classroom or lost in thought while gazing up at the night sky.

YC&K

C&K – Y

It’s a truly heartbreaking ballad about losing someone you love.

It’s a song by the male duo C&K, released in 2017 as their 15th single.

Just reading the cinematic lyrics is enough to make you cry.

If you’re a high school student, I hope you experience a wonderful love with no regrets.

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366 daysHY

HY 366 Days LIVE

It’s a song included on HY’s fifth album after their indie debut, “HeartY,” released in 2008.

It was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama and Toho-distributed film “Akai Ito” (Red Thread), and it’s a classic that has been covered by many artists.

HY is a band very popular among high school students and has many fans.

The lyrics are deeply moving.

Question 1Ao

ao – Q.1 (Official Video)

This song delicately captures the doubts and expectations of high school students.

It has also drawn attention as the theme song for Recruit’s “High School Ring.” Imbued with a message of turning anxiety and hope into hope, it vividly expresses the emotions of its generation.

Released in February 2023, the track portrays the resolve to take a step toward the future and the inner conflicts of facing oneself.

The music video is said to depict a contrast between the self on social media and the inner self—one person versus the crowd.

This work conveys the importance of finding your place amid uncertainty and moving forward for yourself.

It’s a highly recommended song for high school students who feel conflicted or anxious about the future.

Scooping up blueatarayo

ATARAYO – Scoop the Blue (Music Video)

A refreshing song that evokes a vivid page of youth—blue skies, gentle spring breezes, and a sparkling sun.

Atarayo’s delicate lyrics and a melody that brings back glittering youthful days resonate deeply.

Released in May 2022, the track was also used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s program “Zeroichi.” It quietly sings of attachment to things we don’t want to lose, and the strength to move forward nonetheless.

It’s perfect for the season when anxiety and anticipation mingle just before stepping into a new environment.

As you face parting with friends, why not listen while reflecting on the memories you’ve shared?