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)
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.
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.
Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (31–40)
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.
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.
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.