Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

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.

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

Even if you can’t be the main character, you are wonderful just for trying—this heartwarming number sings that message.

It’s a track by BERRY GOODMAN, released digitally in December 2024, written specifically for NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Based on the words of Tomoshige Yamashita, the honorary manager of the Seiryo High School baseball team, it was created as a cheer song for people who keep striving, and it resonated deeply with many listeners.

It might be the perfect song to send when you want to encourage someone.

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

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.

Beautiful DaysHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / Beautiful Days (Lyric Video)

A gentle anthem that accompanies the making of precious adolescent memories.

Dai Hirai’s acoustic melodies and warm vocals give a push to young people taking their first steps toward the future.

Riding on a calm yet powerful sound, it sings of hope in the darkness, the value of seemingly uneventful days, and the anticipation of a new departure.

Since its release in March 2025, the piece has drawn attention with a confirmed tie-in to an animated production.

The album “Life is Beautiful,” which also features a collaboration with Taro Hakase, reached No.

1 overall on iTunes.

It’s a song that supports students preparing and practicing for their school festivals, resonating with their hearts and helping them reaffirm the bonds with their cherished friends.

DREAMERIkuta Rira

DREAMER

A gem of a mid-tempo ballad whose burning passion and single-minded pursuit of a dream strikes straight to the heart.

Lila Ikuta returns to her roots as an artist, expressing her love for music and her determination in unembellished, down-to-earth words.

Written as an insert song for the drama “Paripi Kōmei” and later self-covered for release in March 2025 as part of the album Hyakka Ryoran, the track weaves the struggles and growth of those who love music into a gently enveloping melody, letting their powerful longing for their dreams resonate deeply.

It’s a song of support that gives a push to students immersed in practice and warmly stands by their efforts—one we hope you’ll play during training scenes for sports days and athletic festivals.