Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

Class journalmurasaki ima

Murasaki Ima – Class Diary / Murasaki Ima – School Diary (MUSIC VIDEO) / TV Anime “Blue Exorcist: The Shimane Illuminati Saga” Ending Theme

Set in the universal setting of schools and classrooms, this moving number portrays the imperfections and kindness of friends.

Its theme, gently illuminating those who carry wounds, leaves a strong impression.

A grand ballad highlighted by gospel and choral elements, it shines with a quiet, fragile melody line and dramatic development.

Released in January 2024, it was chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Blue Exorcist: The Blue Night Saga – The Shimane Illuminati Arc.

It is also included on the album eMulsion, released in March 2025.

Highly recommended for those who want to feel the urgency of adolescence or who are carrying unbearable emotions.

Blue JeansHANA

HANA / Blue Jeans -Music Video-

It’s a mid-tempo ballad that sings of the bittersweetness of being in love and the down-to-earth longing to see the person you like.

The lyrics cleverly and stylishly overlay complicated feelings of love onto worn-in jeans and sneakers.

It portrays the emotions of nights when you feel insecure and lack confidence—something many high school students will surely relate to.

The song is by HANA, a girl group born from an audition program, and it was released as their second single in July 2025.

Their debut track, ROSE, even hit No.

1 on the Billboard JAPAN HOT 100, showing no signs of their momentum slowing down.

This release also features a collaboration with the casual brand DIESEL, and its visuals drew considerable attention.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to on your way to school or on nights when you’re feeling a bit sentimental.

May it be filled with kindnessFlower

Flower “So That It Overflows With Kindness” [Movie “Evergreen Love (A Herb Book): I Picked Up a Fateful Love” Theme Song ver.]

This is a cover song by Flower released in 2016.

They’re a group that’s especially popular among high school students.

The poignant melody and lyrics are striking, and I think many people feel a sense of warmth when they listen to this song.

It’s one of those tracks you find yourself wanting to listen to on a whim.

bowknotAimer

Aimer “Chouchou Musubi” (produced and written by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS)

This is Aimer’s 11th single, released in 2016.

Many people are likely captivated by Aimer’s clear, transparent vocals.

It’s a heartrending ballad that warms your heart just by listening.

Many listeners may also find her distinctive voice soothing.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

Released in 2004 as their second single, it was featured across many forms of media, including the film “Rough.” It stayed on the Oricon charts for 38 consecutive weeks, becoming a significant long-running hit.

Thanks to its high acclaim, many musicians have covered it for over a decade.

It’s a very moving song that brings listeners to tears.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi

Letter to Tomorrow – Aoi Teshima (Full) Theme song for the getsu9 drama “Someday I Will Surely Cry When I Remember This Love” cover

This is Aoi Teshima’s fifth single, released in 2016.

It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Someday, I Will Remember This Love and Surely Cry.” Many people are likely soothed by Teshima’s distinctive singing voice.

It’s a heartwarming song.

lemonYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

Released in 2018 as their eighth single, it was featured in the TBS television drama “Unnatural.” The music video was directed by Tomokazu Yamada, known for his work with Wednesday Campanella and Sakanaction.

It has a very dark atmosphere, yet the song is deeply moving.