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)
Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken
A hugely popular love song by Ken Hirai, one of Japan’s leading artists, known for his gentle high-toned voice and vibrato that soothe listeners’ hearts.
Overflowing with feelings for a lover, this track is a coming-of-age number that’s sure to bring tears.
cherry blossomKawaguchi Kyogo
A signature song by Kyogo Kawaguchi, an artist loved regardless of gender for his naturally captivating voice and exceptional expressiveness that draws listeners into the world of his music.
It’s a ballad imbued with the feeling of always staying by a loved one’s side, making it a tear-jerking anthem of youth.
Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (31–40)
Love is…Kato Miria
A signature song by Miliyah Kato, an artist immensely popular among women, known for weaving love songs with her distinctive husky voice that resonates with many listeners.
It’s a love song filled with hopes for a bright future with the one you love—a tear-jerking coming-of-age anthem.
bouquetback number
A smash hit song by the artist back number, who has gained popularity for an emotionally charged, powerful husky voice and songs that express aching romance.
Filled with a straightforward love for a partner, it’s a coming-of-age anthem that’s sure to bring tears.
HEART BEATYOASOBI
This song centers on the heartbeat and growth of Japan’s youth.
Released in December 2023 as the theme song for NHK’s special program “YOASOBI 18-sai,” its lyrics weave in self-growth and self-awareness, and the more you listen, the more it grabs your heart.
Reflecting the feelings and dreams of a thousand 18-year-olds, it truly embodies youth itself.
It’s a must-listen not only for the younger generation facing both anxiety and hope for the future, but also for adults who want to look back on their former selves.
CorrectRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS delivers a tender melody with a profound message that resonates deeply during graduation season.
The warm soundscape woven by piano tones and a student choir gently embraces moments of looking back on youthful days.
The lyrics, which depict the search for the right answers in life and the journey to find one’s true self, strike a universal chord that anyone can relate to.
Released for streaming in January 2024 and followed by a limited-production CD in February, this work was born from encounters with the younger generation and takes on a new challenge by incorporating a student choir.
It is a heartwarming song that stands beside young people leaving their schools and those facing turning points in life.
planetariumOtsuka Ai
Ai Otsuka is an artist loved across generations for her soaring, far-reaching vocals and unmistakable musical sensibility.
This smash-hit ballad beautifully captures the heartache of a woman in unrequited love—a coming-of-age song that’s guaranteed to make you cry.