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

366 daysHY

HY 366 Days LIVE

It’s a song included on HY’s fifth album after their indie debut, “HeartY,” released in 2008.

It was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama and Toho-distributed film “Akai Ito” (Red Thread), and it’s a classic that has been covered by many artists.

HY is a band very popular among high school students and has many fans.

The lyrics are deeply moving.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

Released in 2009 as JUJU’s ninth single.

The song was used in the commercial for “MTV meetalk with NEW NISSAN cube,” in which JUJU herself also appeared.

The ringtone version surpassed 100,000 downloads in four days.

It is one of JUJU’s signature songs—a ballad that has been covered by many artists, regardless of gender.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

A coming-of-age song that delivers the importance of embracing your true self on a refreshing melody.

The protagonist portrayed by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE carries a earnest resolve to keep looking forward while battling self-denial.

Gratitude and hope toward someone who accepts their true self gently envelop the listener, together with a melody that resonates in the heart.

Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-sai-sai,” it was performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.

It’s a track recommended for moments when you want to face yourself with a gentle gaze, or when you want to share your feelings with someone important.

Unrequited lovemiwa

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

It was released in 2012 as miwa’s eighth single.

It’s her first song performed on piano since her debut, and it reached No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The lyrics are filled with a painfully strong “love,” vividly expressing the feelings of a girl with a crush.

It’s a beautiful ballad I’d love people who have unrequited feelings for someone to listen to.

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono Gakari YELL 'Ikimono-gakari'

It was released in 2009 as Ikimonogakari’s 15th single.

Issued as a double A-side with “YELL/Joyful,” the song was featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta for August–September 2009 and was selected as the required piece for the Junior High School division of the 2009 NHK National School Music Competition.

Many people have sung it at choir contests, and it is also frequently performed at graduation ceremonies.

Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

It was released in 2008 as Angela Aki’s eighth single.

Starting in October 2008, it was used as the theme song for Japan Post Group’s commercials, and it is a rearranged version, for her own vocals, of “Tegami,” which was written as the set piece for the junior high division of the 2008 NHK National School Music Competition.

The lyrics reflect the complex, troubled feelings of a sensitive 15-year-old, making it a song many can relate to.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

It was released in 2004 as Sukima Switch’s second single.

It was used as an insert song for the film “Rough,” the theme song for the third night of Fuji TV’s four-night drama series “Sotsu Uta,” and as the ending theme on the final day of the 2006 broadcast of “Netto Koshien.” Covered by many artists, it is one of Sukima Switch’s signature songs.