[2026] Tearjerker Songs That Bring the House Down at School Culture Festivals

Because I’ve always loved you.neguse.

Neguse. “Because I’ve Always Loved You” Official Music Video

A song brimming with the passion and emotion of youth has arrived from Neguse.

Released digitally in June 2024, this track was written as both a summer high school baseball cheer song and the theme for Nettou Koshien.

It powerfully portrays high school players striving for Koshien, weaving in rap and choral elements.

The lyrics, infused with the sentiment “I can keep going because I love it,” are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

Heard during high school baseball broadcasts and related programs, this track is set to become an essential song that colors the summer Koshien season.

It’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants to relive memories of their youth and feel the bonds with their cherished teammates.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

It was played as the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics coverage.

Many people will recognize it the moment they hear it and think, “Oh, that song.” It was used in so many moving scenes that just hearing it can make you tear up reflexively.

How about using it as background music when introducing cultural club activities? Photo club and calligraphy club exhibitions can sometimes feel a bit plain, but with this song playing, it’s sure to stir emotions.

It could also work when the karate or kendo clubs demonstrate their martial arts.

In any case, this is one track you absolutely should have on your smartphone!

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

A love song titled after the astronomical unit “light-year,” marked by a catchy melody and bittersweet lyrics.

It expresses unwavering feelings that transcend time and distance through Omoinotake’s groovy sound and Reo Fujii’s expansive vocals.

Released in February 2024 as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Eye Love You,” the track became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million streams.

It was also selected as the entrance march for the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament and included on the album “Pieces,” making it a signature song for the band.

With its mid-tempo, approachable melody line and invigorating arrangement unique to a full band, it’s an ideal choice to perform at school culture festivals and campus band shows.

markHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sign” (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Shirube)

It’s a school anthem filled with hope that pushes open the door to youth.

It’s a song by Hatsuboshi Academy from the idol-training game “Gakuen Idolmaster,” released in May 2025.

The lyrics celebrate bonds with friends and signposts to the future, carried by fresh, pleasant vocals.

It truly feels like a Hatsuboshi Academy anthem.

It’s the perfect cheering song for when you want to make a fresh start or cherish time spent with your friends!

winding roadNovelbright

Novelbright – Winding Road [Official Music Video]

An uplifting coming-of-age anthem that depicts the journey from boyhood to adulthood along the winding road of life, set to a sweeping melody.

The track brings out Novelbright’s appeal to the fullest, portraying the anxieties and inner conflicts of everyday life, as well as the strength to overcome them.

Yudai Takenaka’s expansive vocals and the invigorating sound unique to a rock band resonate deeply.

Released for streaming in January 2025, the song was chosen as the theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Courtroom Dragon,” and its music video—directed by Hiroshi Tamaki—also became a hot topic.

It’s the perfect song for those moments when you strive to achieve something together with friends, like in club activities, cultural festivals, or school festivals.

DREAMERIkuta Rira

DREAMER

This heartwarming song, set to a gentle acoustic tone, sings of a deep love for music and a passionate pursuit of dreams.

In Rira Ikuta’s true-to-herself words, it conveys a strong will to keep singing in her own way and gratitude toward the important people who support her.

Brimming with hope that shines like a starry sky, this work was included on the single “Hyakka Ryouran,” released in March 2025.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with friends while preparing for a school or cultural festival, as you cheer on each other’s dreams.

Fanfaresumika

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

An uplifting anthem that strikes a chord with its driving melody and bright lyrics! It’s a song that encourages a brave first step—from darkness into light, breaking out of your shell.

The invigorating sound alone gives you energy, and the storytelling—accepting your own weaknesses while stepping into a new world—is memorable.

This refreshing track, woven by sumika’s band sound, was released as a double A-side single in August 2018 and also drew attention as the opening theme for the animated film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” It’s perfect for school festival dances, choirs, or band performances, and is sure to gently embrace the entire venue!