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

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: To You, Fifteen” 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.

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.