Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

This work beautifully portrays graduation as a milestone in life.

Motohiro Hata’s clear, translucent voice captures both the sadness of parting and the hope of a new beginning in full.

Released in March 2019, it garnered attention as the theme song for a SoftBank TV commercial.

While cherishing past memories, this piece gives you the courage to take a step toward the future.

It’s a song I hope those embarking on a new chapter will listen to as spring arrives.

Its heartfelt melody and lyrics will surely give you a gentle push forward.

Question 1Ao

ao – Q.1 (Official Video)

This song delicately captures the doubts and expectations of high school students.

It has also drawn attention as the theme song for Recruit’s “High School Ring.” Imbued with a message of turning anxiety and hope into hope, it vividly expresses the emotions of its generation.

Released in February 2023, the track portrays the resolve to take a step toward the future and the inner conflicts of facing oneself.

The music video is said to depict a contrast between the self on social media and the inner self—one person versus the crowd.

This work conveys the importance of finding your place amid uncertainty and moving forward for yourself.

It’s a highly recommended song for high school students who feel conflicted or anxious about the future.

Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sakura Photograph” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Sakura Photograph)

It’s a moving ballad perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

Released in April 2025, this song is the theme for the season event “Sakura-Mau Start Line” in the game Gakuen Idolmaster.

The gentle harmonies of the trio—Liliya Katsuragi, Sayaka Shiun, and Saki Hanami—leave a lasting impression.

It’s as if the tender melody rides the spring breeze and soars into the sky.

The lyrics, which portray meetings, farewells, and irreplaceable friendship, will especially resonate with those graduating from school.

Be sure to give it a listen during cherry blossom season.

DREAMERIkuta Rira

DREAMER

A gem of a mid-tempo ballad whose burning passion and single-minded pursuit of a dream strikes straight to the heart.

Lila Ikuta returns to her roots as an artist, expressing her love for music and her determination in unembellished, down-to-earth words.

Written as an insert song for the drama “Paripi Kōmei” and later self-covered for release in March 2025 as part of the album Hyakka Ryoran, the track weaves the struggles and growth of those who love music into a gently enveloping melody, letting their powerful longing for their dreams resonate deeply.

It’s a song of support that gives a push to students immersed in practice and warmly stands by their efforts—one we hope you’ll play during training scenes for sports days and athletic festivals.

Beautiful DaysHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / Beautiful Days (Lyric Video)

A gentle anthem that accompanies the making of precious adolescent memories.

Dai Hirai’s acoustic melodies and warm vocals give a push to young people taking their first steps toward the future.

Riding on a calm yet powerful sound, it sings of hope in the darkness, the value of seemingly uneventful days, and the anticipation of a new departure.

Since its release in March 2025, the piece has drawn attention with a confirmed tie-in to an animated production.

The album “Life is Beautiful,” which also features a collaboration with Taro Hakase, reached No.

1 overall on iTunes.

It’s a song that supports students preparing and practicing for their school festivals, resonating with their hearts and helping them reaffirm the bonds with their cherished friends.

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]

A poignant ballad by Takaya Kawasaki that tenderly portrays the feelings of someone unable to confess their love.

The timid protagonist is likened to a rabbit, and the story is warmly expressed alongside the springtime atmosphere of graduation.

With its beautiful melody and distinctive husky vocals, the song delicately weaves in pure emotions for the person they care about.

Released as a digital single in January 2021, it is also included on the album “Nukumori.” It drew attention with the simultaneous release of its music video and an acoustic live performance.

Recommended as a youthful spring song for those harboring feelings for someone dear.

A Gentle BallAimer

Aimer “Gentle Ball” Lyrics/English/Indonesian | NHK “Minna no Uta” | 25th single “SCOPE”

Set at a starlit nighttime ball, this enchanting work spins a fantastical tale.

Aimer’s husky voice blends exquisitely with the classical waltz motif, vividly portraying mysterious scenes unfolding in the stillness of the night.

Beautiful like a fairy tale yet tinged with a certain wistfulness, its world seems to mirror the feelings of a girl wavering on the boundary between dreams and reality.

Included on the single “SCOPE,” released in February 2025, and broadcast around the same time on NHK’s Minna no Uta, this piece is made all the more magical by arrangements from Ryota Nakano and Yusuke Tanaka.

It’s a song that will stay close to your heart—whether you’re spending time with friends after school in an empty classroom or lost in thought while gazing up at the night sky.