Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

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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Araki Jakkan

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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.

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?

Blue BenchSasuke

Blue Bench / Sasuke

He sings about how he still loves his ex-girlfriend and regrets not expressing his feelings more when they were together.

The way it pierces the heart so directly makes it a song that truly represents a page of youth.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9th (Music Video Short ver.)

Isn’t it practically the quintessential graduation song? But in fact, it’s also a love song.

For some, it’s about a beloved partner; for others, an unrequited crush—everyone has their own story.

What they share is the feeling of being grateful that that person was there.

This song conveys emotions that words alone can’t fully express.

Words of FarewellŌhashi Torio

Ohashi Trio / Words of Gift

Kazoku Kain-tai’s classic graduation song “Okuru Kotoba” is covered by Chiba-born singer-songwriter Ohashi Trio.

It’s included on his 2010 cover album “FAKE BOOK.” Unlike the original, this version has a jazzy, stylish vibe that feels just right.

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GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.