Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
What comes to mind when you hear the word “youth”? For some, it’s the club activities or studies you poured your heart into; for others, the friends you spent joyful days with, or a straightforward, mutual romance—the images differ from person to person.
In this article, we’ll introduce many songs themed around different scenes of youth.
Among them, we’ve especially picked tracks that can overflow the feelings you’ve kept in your heart and move you to tears.
Be sure to listen while reading the lyrics!
- [Guaranteed to resonate!] Youth songs that strike a chord with teens. Recommended coming-of-age tracks.
- [For adults too] Youth songs that let you look back on your memories
- A collection of songs you’ll want to listen to when retiring from your school club [Youth]
- Club Activity Youth Songs: Motivational Anthems and Timeless Tracks of Memories with Teammates
- A classic, bittersweet youth song. Recommended popular tracks.
- A youth song with great lyrics. A lovely message that stays with your heart.
- [A moving friendship song] For dear friends and best friends. Songs of friendship that make you feel the bond.
- [Clubs, Friendship, Romance] Youth songs middle schoolers should listen to
- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
- A poignant masterpiece that sings of adolescence. Popular songs you’ll want to hear during your teenage years.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Popular Youth Songs Ranking [2026]
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits
Tear-jerking youth songs: Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (51–60)
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE
A signature song by DREAMS COME TRUE, an artist universally loved by people of all ages for their exceptional musical sensibility and powerful performances.
It’s a coming-of-age anthem packed with the message to rise again no matter how many times you fall—guaranteed to move you to tears.
sunflowerAdo
It takes courage to be honest with your feelings, doesn’t it? That’s why I’d like to introduce a cheering song that gives you a gentle push: “Himawari” (Sunflower).
This track by Ado was created as the theme song for the drama “18/40: Dreams and Love, Together.” It’s a warm ballad that portrays a woman who thinks of herself as timid mustering the courage to take a step forward.
It’s also sprinkled with summery imagery, so keep an ear out for that as you listen.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad that gently embraces the doubts and struggles of adolescence.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” the piece sings, like a letter to a loved one, of the beauty of being true to yourself.
The grand performance delivered by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE together with a thousand 18-year-olds brilliantly captured the interplay of youthful radiance and anxiety.
It is a song that stands by the feelings of those who, on the verge of losing their sense of self, long for someone who will accept their true selves.
Its tender melody is one that brings tears to your eyes.
Loved oneFOMARE
This is a popular song by FOMARE, known as a leading band in the youth punk scene.
Its poignant lyrics and melody really resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in October 2022, the song was reportedly created as an expression of gratitude toward live houses and supporters.
The lyrics depict bonds with loved ones and the importance of everyday life, and as you listen, you can’t help but feel your heart swell.
It’s especially moving in graduation or retirement scenes, when memories can come flooding back all at once.
This track strongly shakes the hearts of young people and also went viral on TikTok.
It’s a soul-stirring piece that adults nostalgic for their youth should definitely hear.
FlowerORANGE RANGE
A signature song by ORANGE RANGE, an artist who has gained popularity with a distinctive husky voice that resonates with listeners and songs that convey sincere feelings.
It’s a youthful number that describes the miracle of meeting one’s destined person—a classic guaranteed to make you cry.