Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

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.

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.

AnswerIkuta Rira

Lila Ikuta 'Answer' Official Music Video

A moving ballad by Lila Ikuta that weaves delicate emotional expression with a powerful message, portraying the search for answers to forge one’s own future.

It beautifully captures the protagonist’s emotional journey—from anxious nights curled up in tears to the resolve to carve out a path with their own hands.

Released in March 2021, the song was also featured in a Tokyo Marine Nichido Anshin Life commercial.

It gently encourages people who, despite feeling anxiety and loneliness in their daily lives, choose to face forward and overcome them.

It’s also recommended when you want to convey your feelings at karaoke.

I wish I were the one you liked.Te ga kuriimu pan

I wish I were the one you love / Hands Like Cream Bread (Wishing I’m her / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

A heart-stirring ballad by Tegami Cream Pan, where earnest feelings and a bittersweet mood are woven together through a clear, transparent vocal.

It gently portrays a woman who carries deep feelings for someone important yet struggles to express them.

Featuring an evocative piano melody, the song was released in April 2023.

Showcasing her delicate expressive power to the fullest, this piece speaks on behalf of girls in love.

It’s a must-listen for those who keep their feelings for a crush to themselves or find it hard to be honest about their emotions toward someone dear.

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.

AzaleaYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Azalea

A song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the theme for the Netflix drama “Sayonara no Tsuzuki.” Reflecting the story of meeting a stranger who has inherited the heart of a lost lover, it portrays the sorrow of losing someone beloved and the hope that life carries on nonetheless.

Blending delicate piano melodies with electronic elements in a modern ballad style, it was released in November 2024.

In step with the drama’s narrative, it centers on themes of inherited memories and unwavering love, resonating with the sentiment embodied in the white azalea’s language of flowers: “fulfilled love.” It is a gentle companion for those who have lost someone dear or wish to heal the pain of heartbreak.

Versailles – Versailles –ayaka

Ayaka / Versailles – Versailles – Animation Lyric Video

The theme song of the theatrical anime The Rose of Versailles captivates with its sweeping, moving melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Ayaka’s powerful yet delicate vocals elegantly express the emotions of characters who confront fate in pursuit of love and freedom.

Written specifically as the theme for The Rose of Versailles, released in January 2025, the song masterfully captures the film’s world through music.

The dazzling orchestral arrangement and crystalline vocals weave a harmony that further elevates the movie’s majestic atmosphere.

It’s a perfect choice for singing with thoughts of someone dear, or when you want to perform with heartfelt emotion in a calm, intimate mood.