Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

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.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Himawari no Yakusoku – Motohiro Hata (Full)

Released in 2014 as the 14th single, it has been used across many forms of media, including Toho’s 3DCG animated film STAND BY ME Doraemon.

The vocals have been highly praised by many musicians for being both gentle and powerful.

It became the artist’s biggest hit and significantly increased their recognition.

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.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE delivers a deeply personal song written the day after a graduation ceremony.

It’s a heartwarming track that carefully weaves together the transience of youth and the preciousness of everyday life.

Set to a subtly wistful melody, it portrays time spent with friends in high school, the sadness of parting, and the difficulty of being honest with one’s feelings—beautifully capturing the complex emotions of adolescence that everyone experiences.

Released to the world in February 2018 as the B-side to the single “Love me, Love you,” it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s Craft Boss.

Embracing all who cherish everyday life, this work gently rekindles memories you want to keep tucked away in your heart.

It’s sure to resonate not only with high school students in the midst of their youth, but also with anyone who nostalgically looks back on their school days.

horizonback number

back number – Horizon

A gem of a ballad delivered by back number, a band that captures listeners’ hearts with poignant lyrics.

Beginning with a gentle piano melody, this song weaves a story about the pain of dreams and hopes suddenly collapsing, and the will to look forward and begin anew.

Many will find their own experiences reflected in the raw, urgent feelings—like a cry for one’s existence—born from unnoticed loneliness.

Created for high school students whose Inter-High was canceled, the song was released on YouTube in August 2020.

It’s a classic that quietly stays by your side when summer fun has passed and a faint loneliness sets in.

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.