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

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

Even if you can’t be the main character, you are wonderful just for trying—this heartwarming number sings that message.

It’s a track by BERRY GOODMAN, released digitally in December 2024, written specifically for NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Based on the words of Tomoshige Yamashita, the honorary manager of the Seiryo High School baseball team, it was created as a cheer song for people who keep striving, and it resonated deeply with many listeners.

It might be the perfect song to send when you want to encourage someone.

March 9Remioromen

[Vietsub] Sangatsu Kokonoka – March 9th

It was released in 2004 as Remioromen’s third single.

The song was originally written to celebrate the wedding of a mutual friend of the three band members, and it was later featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” Because it’s often sung at elementary and junior high school graduation ceremonies and in choirs, many people want to sing it at their own graduation ceremonies as well.

fireworksSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / Fireworks ~Short Version~

It’s a song included on Sandaime J Soul Brothers’ seventh single, “0 ~ZERO~,” released in 2012.

As the lead track, it had a music video produced by Mika Ninagawa.

Thanks to the song’s success, the group made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and won the Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Moon CryingKōda Kumi

Koda Kumi / “Moon Crying” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

It’s a song included on Kumi Koda’s 40th single, “MOON,” released in 2008.

Chosen as the theme song for the ABC/TV Asahi drama “Puzzle,” it was born from the feeling she had while looking at the moon—that the moon is always watching over us—which overlapped with the important people who support her.

It has become one of Kumi Koda’s signature songs.

pupilŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Hitomi (Music Video Short ver.)

It’s Sakurako Ohara’s second solo single, released in 2015.

The song was chosen as the support anthem for the 93rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, and it was the first track for which Sakurako Ohara wrote the lyrics.

It’s an uplifting ballad that encourages people striving toward their dreams, with Ohara’s clear, pure vocals giving listeners strength.

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.

Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “May I Call It Magic?” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

It was released in 2016 as Ken Hirai’s 40th single.

The song was used in a TV commercial for Panasonic’s LUMIX GX7 Mark II digital single-lens reflex camera featuring Haruka Ayase, and it showcases Hirai’s signature falsetto beautifully.

It’s a simple, ballad-style track composed only of Hirai’s vocals and acoustic guitar by Ryosuke Nagaoka.