Recommended ballad songs for junior high school students. Famous and popular J-Pop songs.

soupFujihara Sakura

Sakura Fujiwara – “Soup” (short ver.)

This is a song written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama, who starred in the Fuji TV drama “Love Song,” where it served as the theme song.

I think Sakura Fujiwara’s distinct, gently enveloping voice is soothing.

It’s a track that somehow leaves your heart feeling warm after you listen to it.

like; to like; fond ofNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Suki' MV (short ver.)

People who have a partner or are in love will likely find this song very relatable.

It’s a track by Kana Nishino, who is especially popular among high school students.

Since it straightforwardly sings about the feeling of love, I think it’s a perfect song for the youthful romances of high school.

tomorrowNoda Megumi

Manami Noda – Tomorrow (Official Music Video) [Thursday Theater: Theme Song of “My Treasure”]

A ballad that portrays a bittersweet state of mind with a voice where gentleness and strength coexist.

The delicate conflict of trying to move forward to protect what’s precious is expressed with nuance.

Woven with a tender, translucent vocal, the melody sinks deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released by Emi Noda in October 2024 as the theme song for the drama “My Treasure,” the track features a sound marked by evocative piano and strings.

It’s a song that gently gives a push to those who, despite their doubts, choose to face forward and live on.

Perfect for moments when you want to convey your feelings to someone important through song, or when you need to rouse your own spirits.

Beautiful worldAimer

Aimer “Beautiful World” Lyric Video

Singer-songwriter Aimer, known for her distinctive vocal style, has won widespread popularity.

In the Japanese music scene, isn’t she the queen of ballads? From her ballads, the song I especially recommend for middle schoolers is “Utsukushii Sekai” (“Beautiful World”).

It’s a classic J-pop ballad without complex melodic leaps, and the overall range is relatively narrow.

If you try to imitate Aimer’s vocal production, you might run out of breath, so try singing in your own natural style while focusing on keeping your pitch steady.

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Ryo

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SakuraCrystal Kay

Sakura

As her first single of 2016, Crystal Kay released her very first “sakura song.” The track portrays the tender, bittersweet romance between a high school boy and girl on the brink of graduation.

Its wistful, gentle melody slowly resonates in the listener’s heart.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

MONGOL800 / A Small Love Song

The classic song “Chiisana Koi no Uta” is still loved by many people today.

Although it’s an older track released in 2001, it’s a curious song that continues to be highly popular among younger generations.

I think many current junior high school students also know this song.

The opening part sits very low in the register, so many people may feel it’s difficult.

However, that low delivery is primarily a vocal choice to make it sound good; if you’re aiming for a high score in karaoke, songs like this one with lots of low notes can actually be easier to sing.

Find the key that suits you and give it a try.

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Ryo

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SunnyThe Back Horn

THE BACK HORN “Sunny” Music Video

As you move through junior high and high school, I think you start becoming more aware of those around you.

There will be times when you can’t accept society’s rules or can’t reconcile things with yourself, and times when you can’t make good use of time alone.

I hope you listen to this song during your school years and remember it from time to time after you become an adult.