Heartwarming songs recommended for high school students

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9th (Music Video Short ver.)

Isn’t it practically the quintessential graduation song? But in fact, it’s also a love song.

For some, it’s about a beloved partner; for others, an unrequited crush—everyone has their own story.

What they share is the feeling of being grateful that that person was there.

This song conveys emotions that words alone can’t fully express.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

The hanamizuki (dogwood) flower’s meanings include permanence and “please accept my feelings.” Just as the lyrics wish for “the person I love and the one they love to last for 100 years,” it’s a bittersweet song in which a man with unrequited love wishes for the woman he loves to be eternally united with another man she loves.

Small AmbitionHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Tiny Ambition” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Tiny Ambition)

A song by First Star Academy that draws you in with its dynamic sound.

It’s a tie-in track for the game “Gakuen Idolmaster,” set at an idol training school, released in November 2024 and sung by Minami Juo-boshi.

The lyrics capture the feelings of holding small hopes and ambitions while striving toward the future.

With a symphonic style, it’s crafted to move listeners.

The way it builds toward the latter half really hits you in the feels.

planetariumOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium (Short Ver.)

I can’t hide my surprise at how the song conveys those emotions across its entirety without using any direct expressions like “sad” or “happy.” The only explicit word that clearly appears is “like,” and only once.

I’m also amazed that the emotions are depicted solely through description.

The unique poignancy that only she can evoke resonates deeply in my heart.

At any timeYugeda Kensuke

[Lyrics Video] Donnatokimo (Alto) — Vocals: Oita City Matsuoka Elementary School Music Club

Set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone, Kensuke Yugeda’s song expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten.

It warmly conveys precious memories with friends and heartfelt thanks to family and teachers.

Its tender, embracing tune resonates deeply with listeners and invites empathy.

The piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Yume o Tsunagou,” and it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Mr.

Yugeda, who holds school concerts nationwide, has performed over 2,000 times and continues composing with children in mind.

It is a song you’ll want to sing with care when expressing gratitude to important people, such as at a “Half-Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or end-of-year school events.

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.

homeKiyama Yusaku

If Tomorrow Comes by JUJU with JAY'ED

The importance of family and the love that cherishes everyday life come through as a story carried by Kiyama’s singing voice.

It’s a song that sends a gentle warmth flowing through your heart.

It has been covered by many different artists.