[2026] Tearjerker Songs That Bring the House Down at School Culture Festivals
The school cultural festival, held once a year, is always a fun event.
From exhibitions and food stalls to volunteer performances on stage, there are all kinds of activities.
Amid all that, music plays an important role.
Whether it’s band performances, singing, dance routines, background music at the venue, or a theme song, music adds color to every moment.
In this article, we’ll spotlight tear-jerking, deeply moving songs from among our recommended tracks for cultural and school festivals.
Be sure to check out this playlist of masterpieces that will bring back memories of school life and the bonds with friends—and might just move you to tears!
- An uplifting, moving song to liven up the school festival—one that will be etched into your memories.
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- Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
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- [Youth Anthems] A curated selection of popular and latest songs to hype up your school cultural festival
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [For School Culture Festivals] A Selection of Hype Dance Tracks [2026]
- Youthful songs recommended as theme songs and openings for cultural and school festivals
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- [April 2026] Trending songs: A roundup of the hottest, viral tracks right now
- [Culture and School Festival Songs] A curated selection of popular and hit songs to brighten up your venues and events!
- [Guaranteed to resonate!] Youth songs that strike a chord with teens. Recommended coming-of-age tracks.
[2026] Moving, Tearjerker Songs That Fire Up at Culture and School Festivals (71–80)
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
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!
Love SongGReeeeN
A moving song that gently embraces the journey of life spent side by side and the vow of eternal love.
GReeeeN’s vocals are light yet powerful, and the catchy melody resonates in the heart.
While expressing the pure feeling of finding happiness simply by having the other person by your side—even amid uncertainties and doubts about life’s choices—it portrays a form of love where tears and laughter, joys and sorrows are shared as you walk together.
Released in May 2007, the track was used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Uta Sta!!” and Fuji TV’s “Ken Shimura no Daijoubuda II,” garnering significant attention.
Play this tear-jerking song at a school or cultural festival, and it will etch an even more vivid page of youth into your memories.
skyBE:FIRST
This is a heartwarming cheer song by BE:FIRST that drew attention as their first venture into choral music.
The piece was created as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the 92nd NHK All-Japan School Chorus Competition, to be held in 2025.
Produced by SKY-HI, its lyrics gently speak to the hearts of those in a sensitive stage of life, saying “It’s okay,” and are filled with a kindness that fosters self-affirmation.
When you’re lacking confidence and feeling lonely, listening to it will clear your heart like the sky after the rain.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who needs the courage to take one more step.
Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK’s moving rock ballad “Wasted Nights.” It’s an empowering song that rallies our hearts like a fanfare.
A piece that gives us courage in any situation, it’s sure to send a powerful cheer our way at every moment of school festivals and cultural festivals.
A March for Youchesu maika
An uplifting anthem overflowing with the vibrant spirit of youth! Its positive message and emotionally resonant sound leave a strong impression.
It’s a warm song that gently supports those feeling lost or anxious, telling them, “It’s okay to move at your own pace.” Often performed on stages at school and cultural festivals, it’s cherished as a song that deepens bonds among friends and nurtures care for one another.
It will surely become a reliable ally for everyone striving to face forward and move ahead.
markHatsuboshi Gakuen
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!
We areONE OK ROCK
An empowering anthem that stands by the anxieties and struggles of young people, powerfully singing the importance of living true to yourself! Taka from ONE OK ROCK delivers an emotionally rich vocal performance, and the fusion with the emotive melody creates a soul-stirring sound that leaves a lasting impression.
Featured on the album “Ambitions” and released in January 2017, this track was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song and deeply moved many viewers.
It’s a warm song that supports and encourages not only students in the midst of their youth, but also those who feel unable to face societal pressures and surrounding prejudice, and those on the verge of losing their sense of self.