Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

Night journeyYorushika

Yorushika – Night Journey (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

On quiet nights, memories of days gone by sometimes drift through your mind, don’t they? There’s a song by Yorushika that gently stays by your side in those wistful moments.

Conjuring scenes like swaying on a night train, the track depicts an inner journey of facing forward even while carrying past pain and farewells.

Suis’s clear, translucent voice conveys the stillness and solitude of the night—and the faint hope beyond—seeping deeply into the heart.

Released in March 2020, the song was featured as an insert track in the animated feature film “A Whisker Away.” Why not give it a listen when you want to take your time and sit with the sorrow of heartbreak?

MAYBETomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – MAYBE (Music Video)

Sung by singer-songwriter Ai Tomioka, this is a love ballad filled with hope for the future.

It expresses a heartfelt wish to stay with the person by your side now, even if the future is uncertain.

Released in November 2024, the song was reportedly created in response to fans asking for “a warm song.” Perhaps because of that background, the entire track feels wrapped in kindness.

Ai Tomioka’s clear, translucent voice gently stays close to hearts swaying between anxiety and expectation.

globeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter whose immense presence has been indispensable to any discussion of J-POP since 2010.

Released in July 2023 as his 14th single, this song was written over the course of four years as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s film The Boy and the Heron (original title: How Do You Live?).

From the beginning of life to the profound sense of loss in parting from someone dear, its lyrics evoke an epic journey, reflecting a vision of hope that looks beyond sorrow toward the future.

It is a moving number that stays close to hearts sunk in the pain of despair and gives the strength to walk forward once again.

Dinner Songtuki.

tuki. “Banquet Song” Official Music Video

Woven into song with the ache of bittersweet love, tuki.’s music resonates across genders and generations.

This work carefully portrays the inner conflicts born from repeated partings and renewals with a loved one, gently expressing affection and gratitude toward the other person.

Released in September 2023, it also drew attention with an acoustic version featuring Yuuri in December of the same year.

The stirring vocals and melody are perfect for karaoke; performing it at school festivals or gatherings with friends—any moment when you want to share feelings—will surely strike a deep chord with listeners.

Its warm atmosphere and clear, transparent vocal quality will gently envelop the room.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

Wherever you are／ONE OK ROCK（Cover）

It’s included on their fourth original album released in 2010.

After being used in NTT Docomo’s 2016 commercial song “Family” version, it gained attention and became a long-running hit, staying in the Top 20 for over four months.

It has also been highly regarded overseas, including being featured in a Taiwanese TV drama.

We againSG

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

A ballad wrapped in warm kindness, with a melody and lyrics that portray life’s important milestones and resonate deeply.

It weaves the universal themes of “farewell” and “reunion” together with everyday memories, overflowing with a gentle empathy that stays close to the listener’s heart.

SG’s expansive, expressive vocals deliver these feelings with care.

Released in April 2021, the song was also featured from November 2024 as the Calorie Mate exam-season support commercial song.

A wind ensemble version in collaboration with the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Orchestra has also generated buzz.

It’s a perfect track for soothing a work-weary heart or when you want a boost to keep going tomorrow.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

A masterful song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that captivates with its grand rock ballad sound and heartfelt lyrics.

It gently asks what it means to live true to yourself, and how your own existence becomes visible through differences with others.

Its warm perspective resonates deeply, standing by those who, despite anxiety and loneliness, strive to move forward step by step.

Released in January 2019, it stirred the hearts of many as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

From November 2022, an orchestral arrangement was also featured in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s CalorieMate “Support for Exam Takers” commercial series, showcasing a new charm.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life, when you feel you might lose your way, or when you want to encourage someone dear to you.