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

After-schoolDaisycall

After School / Daisycall (Official Music Video)

This song captures the bittersweetness of youth and the emotions of love.

Featured on Daisycall’s first EP, “After School,” it was released in April 2023.

Its driving melody and energetic, sing-along-ready lyrics leave a strong impression.

The words evoke memories of school days and a nostalgia for lost time, resonating with many listeners.

It’s a popular track at live shows for the way it brings performers and audience together, and it’s been a hot topic among fans of youth punk.

Highly recommended for high school students and anyone who feels nostalgic about their student days.

Love and romanceNovelbright

Novelbright – Love and Romance [Official Music Video]

Novelbright’s heartwarming love song is attracting attention.

With lyrics overflowing with feelings for a lover and a refreshing melody, it’s a captivating track that resonates with listeners.

Released digitally in April 2022, it was later included on the album “Assort.” Centered on pop rock, the song is notable for its clear, expansive vocals.

It carefully depicts the deep affection one feels for a partner in everyday life and the inner changes brought about by their presence.

It’s a song that lifts your spirits—even on a dreary Monday, just thinking of your loved one makes your heart leap—and fills you with a positive outlook.

It’s moving in the way it celebrates the feeling of being in love.

It’s nothing.RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS / Nandemonaiya (theme song of the film “Your Name.”) cover by Yuto Uno

RADWIMPS’s “Nandemonaiya” was also used in the film Your Name and is likely listened to around the world.

RADWIMPS themselves are popular not only in Japan but worldwide, and can be considered one of the bands Japan is proud of.

NAOHY

SOLIDEMO / NAO（HY cover）

HY is often sung at karaoke.

Among their songs, ‘NAO’ is about unrequited love and conveys a deep sense of heartache.

I think it’s a song that resonates with people going through the pain of unrequited love.

Ballads sung by Nakasone are exceptional.

Loved oneFOMARE

FOMARE “The One I Love” Official Music Video

This song sings about the irreplaceable everyday moments and feelings for a loved one.

It features FOMARE’s distinctive, powerful vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics, making it a memorable track.

Released in 2022, it was used as the spring commercial song for Universal Studios Japan that same year.

Included on the album “midori,” it is one of FOMARE’s signature songs, beloved by many fans.

The track gives listeners the courage to look forward and keep walking while holding onto nostalgia for the everyday life we’ve lost and feelings for someone dear.

For high school students, it may be a song that stays close during graduation and the season of farewells.

You’ll surely relate to it and be moved.

Welcome back.Tani Yuuki

Welcome Back – Tani Yuuki [MV]

This song portrays feelings for a cherished person far away.

Tani Yuuki’s delicate vocals gently wrap the aching tenderness.

Included on the album “Memories,” it was released digitally in November 2022.

The music video tells a story of a married couple and their child through puppet animation, featuring striking visuals such as a giant tree stump and a carved wooden robot.

It carries a powerful message that hearts remain connected even when apart, making it a recommended track for anyone longing to reunite with someone dear.

Its warmth of affection is truly moving.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Himawari no Yakusoku – Motohiro Hata (Full)

Motohiro Hata’s “Himawari no Yakusoku” became the theme song for a Doraemon movie and is a song known by everyone, from small children to adults, across all ages and genders.

It’s often sung at karaoke and ranks on the charts.

Motohiro Hata’s delicate singing voice can truly be described as one of a kind.