Moving songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits

Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Que Sera Sera” Official Music Video

An anthem brimming with kindness and vitality has been born.

This song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is a warm work that gently nudges those taking a new step forward.

With a refreshing melody and a comfortable rhythm, it sings of self-affirmation and the courage to take on challenges.

While acknowledging the hardships and anxieties of life, it conveys—filled with deep affection—the importance of keeping your head up and continuing to move forward.

Released in April 2023 as the theme song for the TV drama “At Least on Sunday Nights,” it went on to win the Japan Record Award that same year.

It is a heartwarming track that stands by those starting a new chapter, those at a crossroads, and everyone who lives each day to the fullest.

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.

Ten Thousand Cheers, A Thousand ChantsRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Banzai Thousand Chants [Official Live Video from “ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019”]

RADWIMPS delivered a cheer song created together with 18-year-olds.

Filled with both anxiety and hope for an unseen future, this piece—woven with Yojiro Noda’s resonant words and melodies—gently gives a push to those about to take a new step forward.

It was first performed on a special NHK program in October 2018 and later included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION released that December.

The stage, shared with 1,000 18-year-olds gathered from across the country, became a moving moment born from the real voices of youth.

It’s a song we hope not only students striving toward their dreams, but everyone starting a new chapter will listen to.

It will fill you with the courage to face forward and begin walking.

Flower of loveaimyon

Aimyon – Flower of Love [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This song features a melody and lyrics full of gentleness that wrap around the heart like soft spring sunlight.

Its warm atmosphere, singing of love for a cherished person and the preciousness of life, deeply resonates with listeners.

Centered on acoustic guitar, the arrangement is enriched by harmonies from piano, glockenspiel, and strings, further enhancing the song’s world.

Released in June 2023 and written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Ranman,” it was also selected as the entrance march for the 96th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in March 2024.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side when you want to share a moment with someone special or take a new step forward.

Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

A heartwarming coming-of-age story by Mafumafu that vividly captures the emotion of spring as cherry blossoms dance in the air.

The song’s structure is striking, beginning with gentle piano melodies and unfolding into an exhilarating, fast-paced rhythm.

It delicately weaves universal themes of school-day memories, friendship, and farewells, highlighted by a warm vocal delivery that feels close to the listener’s heart.

Included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” released in October 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the website Shonen Janmaga Gakuen.

It’s a track to listen to when you want to feel the tender memories of student days, the arrival of spring, or when you’re going through a parting from someone important.

Everyone, everyone is shining.Yugeda Kensuke

Everyone, everyone is shining (unison chorus)

Riding on a cherry-blossom-colored breeze, this heartwarming song by Kensuke Yugeda gently sings of the hopeful arrival of spring.

It carries a message of encouragement for children taking their first steps forward, conveying a sense of anticipation for a shining future.

Its melody, expressing both endearing freshness and the courage to walk toward one’s dreams, tenderly nestles against the listener’s heart.

The piece is included on the album “Shiawase ni Naare” and is a beloved song performed at entrance ceremonies and welcome events for new students in elementary schools across Japan.

Since June 2018, it has been passed down in schools nationwide, and through more than 2,000 school concerts, Mr.

Yugeda has delivered it directly to children.

It is a springtime song brimming with joy, one we hope new students, teachers, and families will listen to.

periodIshizaki Hyuui

Huwie Ishizaki – Period

A warm, tender ballad by Huwie Ishizaki whose gentle voice wraps the bittersweet end of a romance and gives you a push toward the future.

The song is included on the best-of album “Huwie Best,” released in March 2018, and beautifully portrays both a break with the past and the resolve for a new beginning, imbued with the feeling of spring.

Set to a calm melody, it carefully weaves the emotions of accepting the end of love, and the music video drew attention for Masaki Suda’s delicate performance.

It’s a song that stays close to those facing complex feelings before starting a new chapter in life, or those trying to move forward while confronting something important.