Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

GraduationMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Graduation (Official Video)

Compared to adults, it seems high school students tend to date one person for a shorter period.

Since school is also a place to meet people, that makes sense.

This song poignantly tells us what happens to two people after a very fun romance ends and their feelings cool.

“Graduation” carries the meaning of graduating from being lovers—it’s kind of heartbreaking.

Heroineback number

back number “Heroine” Music Video

It’s a love song that portrays the ache of unrequited feelings.

A track by back number, it delicately captures winter scenery and the poignancy of a one-sided crush.

Released in January 2015, it was featured as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI.” Together with a commercial starring Suzu Hirose, it drew wide attention and resonated with many people.

The lyrics convey a warmth of the heart amid winter’s cold, paired with a gently soothing melody.

This piece will likely evoke empathy as a song that stands by the hearts of high school students struggling with love.

It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to in the winter season.

Unrequited lovemiwa

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

miwa is popular among junior high and high school students and is known for her cute singing voice.

Many of her songs are used as theme songs for TV dramas, and a lot of them are well-known hits.

Many people admire singing while playing the guitar like she does, and she has strong support among young people.

Recently, she has been in the spotlight for appearing in films, among other activities.

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

tuki. 'Sakura Kimi Watashi' Official Music Video

tuki.’s music stirs the hearts of high school students.

With lyrics themed around graduation and romance, it beautifully captures the fleeting nature of youth.

Released in January 2024, this song was also used as an insert track for an ABEMA dating reality show.

On YouTube, it has surpassed 10 million views in about 11 months, resonating with many listeners.

The cherry blossom–themed lyrics are especially striking, conveying the bittersweet feeling of farewells that come with the arrival of spring.

It’s recommended for those who want to reminisce about their high school days or who are facing complex emotions before parting with someone important.

A truly moving song.

Be My LastUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Be My Last

It’s a song that’s a bit mature for high schoolers, but many of the words in the lyrics fit them perfectly and are easy to relate to, so I’d recommend it to high school students as a breakup song.

Hikaru Utada’s wistful vocals suit the track so well, making it a truly heartrending piece.

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s not a song from the current high school generation, but it became famous again because an anime that used a cover of it as the ending theme was released in recent years and was also adapted into a live-action version.

Since it’s a song about farewells and memories with a childhood theme, it’s a perfect heartbreak song for high school students.

You are my friend.Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai – You Are My Friend

This is also a friendship song that was used as a TV drama’s theme song.

I think Ken Hirai has been releasing more and more truly excellent songs with great emotion lately.

It’s a very good ballad that gives you a warm, relaxed feeling.

I’d definitely like high school students to listen to it and calm their hearts.