Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

GloriousBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Glorious -Special Movie-

A ballad with a gently stirring melody and a warm message that affirms even the effort itself—the very “footsteps” you leave behind.

Released for streaming in November 2023, it was written as the support song for the 102nd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Also included on the album “2:BE,” it has become beloved not only by fans but by many listeners.

The lyrics honor both winners and those who fall short, carrying a quiet strength that gives listeners a gentle push forward.

It’s a song especially worth hearing for anyone who has been running full-tilt—through club activities, exam prep, and more.

SparkleRADWIMPS

Sparkle / RADWIMPS (Cover)

It’s a 2016 track by RADWIMPS, a four-member rock band led by Yojiro Noda.

It became popular for being featured in the blockbuster film “Your Name.” Listening to it together with the movie is so moving it gives you goosebumps.

Bunny GirlAKASAKI

[AKASAKI] Bunny Girl (Lyric Video)

AKASAKI’s hit song “Bunny Girl.” Thanks to its explosive popularity on TikTok and Instagram, I think any high school student would know it.

While the track is great for hyping up a crowd, it’s also exceptionally easy to sing.

The main reason is its vocal range: mid1 C to mid2 E.

For a recent Japanese pop song, that’s remarkably narrow, making key adjustments easy and allowing anyone—regardless of gender—to sing it.

Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Happy Endingback number

Happy End – back number (Full)

A three-piece rock band, back number’s poignant 2016 number.

It became a hot topic as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” I bet many fans would say this is their favorite song.

If you watch it together with the music video featuring Erika Karata, it’s a real tearjerker.

StoryAI

AI – Story

A song released in 2005 by singer-songwriter AI that was also chosen as the theme song for the film Big Hero 6.

More than ten years have passed since its release, but AI’s powerful vocals and gentle R&B sound make it a soulful track that never feels dated no matter when you listen to it.

futureKobukuro

Kobukuro “Mirai” film “orange” version

This is a song written specifically as the theme for the film “Orange.” With the star-studded pairing of Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya, many people likely went to theaters to see it.

The song is about the future, and it’s characterized by the two singers’ heartrending harmonies.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This song became a hot topic as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan.” It’s about sending a bouquet to a beloved person, and I think just listening to it warms the heart.

Hikaru Utada’s poignant vocals and the wistful melody make it a very comforting track.