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 (21–30)
StoryAI
AI’s biggest hit song by an artist whose overwhelmingly powerful vocals and exceptional musical sensibility are recognized by all, earning acclaim not only in Japan but overseas as well.
It’s a ballad that expresses the desire to support and be supported alongside someone special, a coming-of-age song that moves listeners to tears.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
A signature song by [Alexandros], an artist who continues to lead Japan’s music scene with a beautiful high-tone voice that heals many hearts and driving, fast-paced melodies.
It’s an encouraging anthem for those chasing their dreams—a youthful number that brings listeners to tears.
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
Macaroni Enpitsu is a rock band immensely popular among younger generations, and among their songs is one that’s perfect for marking graduation.
Set to a driving, emotional sound, it sings of the irreplaceable value of days that might seem boring.
The song suggests that those ordinary moments were, in hindsight, shining treasures.
Released in March 2019 as a McDonald’s commercial tune, it was also included on the mini-album “season.” Because youth vanishes in a flash once it’s gone, its message—to love every bit of it—stirs a sentimental feeling in those on the brink of graduation.
Layer it over photos of memories with friends, and this piercing rock tune will remind you of how precious those taken-for-granted days truly were.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
It’s a song brimming with the feeling of spring.
Included on the album “Zankyō Reference,” it features ONE OK ROCK’s powerful sound and lyrics that resonate deeply.
The title is made from the initials of vocalist Taka’s friends, and the song sings of friendship, youth, and hope for the future.
It’s loved not only as a graduation song, but also as an encouraging anthem that gently pushes those taking a leap into a new environment.
It’s a track we especially recommend to anyone starting a new chapter in the spring season.
We againSG
Sogyoung, a singer who’s gained popularity mainly on social media like YouTube and TikTok.
Known for his strong vocals and creative concepts, his go-to graduation song is “Bokura Mata” (“We, Again”).
On TikTok, it’s been used in countless videos themed around school life.
His gentle, conversational singing over a light, R&B-style beat leaves a lasting impression.
The lyrics, which bring to mind days spent with a beloved partner or friends at school, offer encouragement for tomorrow.
Even when you part ways with someone important, this song reminds you that the relationship doesn’t have to end.
Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora
It’s a classic youth anthem by Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora.
The song captures the bittersweet feelings of graduation season, and the music video set in a fishing port is also striking.
The lyrics convey the sweet-and-sour ache of a one-sided crush from student days, along with the tension of the important milestone that is graduation.
With the expressive vocals and strong emotion of the selected members, this work beautifully portrays the unique poignancy of adolescence.
Released in January 2024 as their second single, it’s also the first to introduce a selection system.
Depicting the inner conflicts of youth on the brink of graduation, this song carries a message meant for all young people facing that season.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
This song is distinguished by lyrics that resonate with the heart and a warm melody.
Released in June 2004, it became well-loved as NHK’s theme song for the Athens Olympics.
Its lyrics about effort and hope speak to many people, offering words of encouragement.
It’s a track that gives you the courage to move forward in tough or frustrating times.
It’s also perfect for moments when you’re stepping into a new environment or saying goodbye to dear friends.
It will surely stay close to your heart.
Wrapped in Yuzu’s gentle vocals, why not look back on the path you’ve walked so far?