Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

Released in 2009 as the ninth single, it was used widely in the media, including as the CM song for “MTV meetalk with NEW NISSAN cube.” It also became well-known to many people after the popular group Flower covered it.

Highly regarded among musicians, it has been covered by many artists, including Hideaki Tokunaga.

planetariumOtsuka Ai

Planetarium – Ai Otsuka (Full)

When you think of ballads, you picture a bittersweet, aching love, right? This song fits that image perfectly.

Both the melody and the lyrics are beautiful, with a fresh, innocent feel.

It’s the quintessential ballad—great whether you’re just listening or singing along.

SakuraCrystal Kay

Sakura

As her first single of 2016, Crystal Kay released her very first “sakura song.” The track portrays the tender, bittersweet romance between a high school boy and girl on the brink of graduation.

Its wistful, gentle melody slowly resonates in the listener’s heart.

Look Up at the Stars of the Night ~Our Song~yuzu

Yuzu “Look Up at the Stars in the Night Sky ~Our Song~” Recording Movie

This is a song by Yuzu released in 2017.

It also drew attention for being selected as the 2017 theme song for the Fuji TV variety show “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!!”.

I think the duo’s gentle vocals give many listeners energy and hope.

It’s the kind of song that makes you feel like you can keep going when you’re feeling down or have stumbled.

blue skyMarushii

Marcy – Blue Sky (Official Music Video)

An emotional rock ballad that portrays the hope that if you keep moving forward despite doubts and inner conflict, your heart will one day clear.

Created by Marcy, it was released in June 2025 as the theme song for the film “Youth Gestalt Collapse.” Vocalist-guitarist Ukyo Yoshida immersed himself in the script and drew on his own experiences during production, resulting in a piece that stands by the characters with complex emotions and resonates gently with listeners.

When you feel like you’re losing yourself, it’s sure to give you a gentle push forward.

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)

A poignant longing wrapped in kindness strikes the heart in this ballad by BE:FIRST.

While yearning for closeness with a loved one, the vivid lyrics portray a man’s struggle to keep his distance because of mental illness, along with the feelings that remain unchanged.

The richly expressive vocals of all the members and the melody beautifully color the story’s world.

Included on the single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, the song was also selected as the theme for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered that February.

This piece invites deep reflection on the meaning of continuing to care for someone important and on human connection.

It is recommended for those wrestling with feelings for someone they love, or for anyone seeking a touching ballad that resonates with the heart.

Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

SUPER BEAVER’s in-show song for NHK’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi” delivers a powerful rendition of aching, unrequited love that truly stirs the heart.

It’s a gem of a ballad where a melody that gently cradles a faint yearning blends beautifully with subtly warm lyrics.

First released digitally on March 7, 2025, and included on the single “Kataomoi / Namida no Shoutai,” out March 12, the track enriches the drama’s world alongside its main theme, “Namida no Shoutai.” With tender, emotional soundscapes and the band’s signature straightforward message, this heartwarming song keeps you company in those quiet moments when you secretly think of someone you love.