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

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

Released in 2014 as Motohiro Hata’s 17th single.

It was selected as the theme song for Toho’s 3DCG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” and became Hata’s biggest hit, charting on Oricon for 64 weeks.

Together with the film’s success, it has become a beloved classic ballad across all ages.

Finale.eill

eill | Finale. (Official Music Video)

Released in September 2022 as the theme song for the film “The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbye,” this piece is a moving ballad whose bittersweet yet powerful melody resonates deeply.

eill’s clear, luminous vocals gently embrace profound love and precious feelings for the other person.

The grand sound, synchronized with the story’s worldview, is sure to leave a lasting echo in the listener’s heart.

Choose this song when you want to sing with thoughts of someone special or convey the emotions you keep inside—your feelings will surely reach their heart.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

“Sakuharu” Piano Ver. Yuuri × tuki.

A song where Yuuri’s warm yet heartrending vocals resonate with the heart.

It delicately depicts the complex emotions of those facing graduation.

From everyday, ordinary scenes swell feelings of gratitude toward family and friends, evoking a tightening, moving sensation in the chest.

Released in February 2021 as a digital-only single, the piece was reportedly created in response to an email from a fan.

Recommended for anyone who wants to solidify their resolve to take a new step forward while embraced by the gentle spring air.

Also perfect as background music for graduation ceremonies and farewell parties.

I wish I were the one you liked.Te ga kuriimu pan

I wish I were the one you love / Hands Like Cream Bread (Wishing I’m her / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

A heart-stirring ballad by Tegami Cream Pan, where earnest feelings and a bittersweet mood are woven together through a clear, transparent vocal.

It gently portrays a woman who carries deep feelings for someone important yet struggles to express them.

Featuring an evocative piano melody, the song was released in April 2023.

Showcasing her delicate expressive power to the fullest, this piece speaks on behalf of girls in love.

It’s a must-listen for those who keep their feelings for a crush to themselves or find it hard to be honest about their emotions toward someone dear.

blue skyMarushii

Marcy – Blue Sky (Official Music Video)

An emotional rock ballad that portrays the hope that if you keep moving forward despite doubts and inner conflict, your heart will one day clear.

Created by Marcy, it was released in June 2025 as the theme song for the film “Youth Gestalt Collapse.” Vocalist-guitarist Ukyo Yoshida immersed himself in the script and drew on his own experiences during production, resulting in a piece that stands by the characters with complex emotions and resonates gently with listeners.

When you feel like you’re losing yourself, it’s sure to give you a gentle push forward.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

It was released in 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s seventh digital-only single.

The song is also included on her sixth album, Fantôme, released the same year, and was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Toto Nee-chan.

It’s a soothing track with gentle, warm lyrics and sound, written in memory of her late mother, Keiko Fuji.

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)

A poignant longing wrapped in kindness strikes the heart in this ballad by BE:FIRST.

While yearning for closeness with a loved one, the vivid lyrics portray a man’s struggle to keep his distance because of mental illness, along with the feelings that remain unchanged.

The richly expressive vocals of all the members and the melody beautifully color the story’s world.

Included on the single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, the song was also selected as the theme for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered that February.

This piece invites deep reflection on the meaning of continuing to care for someone important and on human connection.

It is recommended for those wrestling with feelings for someone they love, or for anyone seeking a touching ballad that resonates with the heart.