Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks

proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

This is a heartwarming song themed around parting with friends and embarking on new journeys.

Released in September 2011, it was created as the required piece for the junior high school division of the NHK National School Music Competition that year.

It is also included on flumpool’s third original album, “experience.” The song was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, where it captured the hearts of many.

With lyrics that sing of hope for the future and bonds between friends, it especially resonates with students.

It is a song that many facing changes such as graduation or advancing to a new school can deeply relate to.

While expressing the loneliness of parting with friends, it also conveys a mutual respect for each other’s dreams, making it a piece that offers comfort to listeners.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Michi (Short Ver.)

A smash-hit coming-of-age song by EXILE, an artist whose beautiful high-tone vocals that soothe listeners’ hearts and overwhelming dance performances have continued to be loved across generations.

The track captures the feelings of setting off on one’s own path, making it a tear-jerking youth number.

blue skyMarushii

Marcy – Blue Sky (Official Music Video)

An emotional rock ballad that portrays the hope that if you keep moving forward despite doubts and inner conflict, your heart will one day clear.

Created by Marcy, it was released in June 2025 as the theme song for the film “Youth Gestalt Collapse.” Vocalist-guitarist Ukyo Yoshida immersed himself in the script and drew on his own experiences during production, resulting in a piece that stands by the characters with complex emotions and resonates gently with listeners.

When you feel like you’re losing yourself, it’s sure to give you a gentle push forward.

Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke

Rainy Amusement Park

This is a ballad that poignantly depicts memories of a couple’s date at an amusement park and their bittersweet parting.

It weaves together contrasting scenes: a past moment of riding a carousel in the rain, and the present, where the narrator catches sight of a former lover with shorter hair, looking happy.

The lingering attachment the protagonist still feels, along with a quiet resolve to face forward and live on, gently presses on the heart.

A warm sound centered on acoustic guitar and piano highlights the story-rich lyrics.

Included on Sasuke’s album “Smile,” the piece was released in October 2004, reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts, sold over 450,000 copies, and was certified Platinum.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a rainy day, especially when you’re trying to heal the pain of a broken heart.

Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

A heartwarming coming-of-age story by Mafumafu that vividly captures the emotion of spring as cherry blossoms dance in the air.

The song’s structure is striking, beginning with gentle piano melodies and unfolding into an exhilarating, fast-paced rhythm.

It delicately weaves universal themes of school-day memories, friendship, and farewells, highlighted by a warm vocal delivery that feels close to the listener’s heart.

Included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” released in October 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the website Shonen Janmaga Gakuen.

It’s a track to listen to when you want to feel the tender memories of student days, the arrival of spring, or when you’re going through a parting from someone important.

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

This is a moving song created by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for the anime Medalist, which portrays both the brilliance and setbacks of figure skating.

Like a bow dancing across the ice and an arrow aiming beyond, it depicts the passion of young people who drive forward powerfully toward their dreams.

It sings of how, when two souls—teacher and student, supporter and challenger—become one, they can break their limits and reach new heights.

Released in January 2025, it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Medalist, capturing viewers’ hearts.

It also drew major attention for featuring Yuzuru Hanyu in its music video.

spring skySuzuki Suzuki

【Graduation】Spring Sky – Suzuki Suzuki【Official Music Video】

“Haruzora,” Suzuki Suzuki’s 2022 graduation song that looks back on the many days of youth with deep emotion.

The lyrics express gratitude to the friends who were there through both fun and difficult times, and the wish to stay close even as our paths diverge.

The beautiful harmonies of the brother duo Suzuki Suzuki are sure to bring tears.

How about singing it at karaoke while reminiscing about all the memories you shared with friends? It’s a song that resonates with many who ran full speed through their youth.

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