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

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO

This is a renowned song that powerfully portrays a protagonist, burning with passion, dashing toward the future while pursuing their true self.

It resonates with the message that there’s no need to imitate anyone else, and that it’s important to let your own unique flower bloom.

The track is filled with courage and determination, urging listeners to take a step toward hope by overcoming the sorrow and pain they carry.

Released as Sambomaster’s single in August 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan.” As a song that supports the story of high school students striving toward their dreams, it deeply moved many viewers.

It’s a piece that strongly pushes the backs of those devoted to lessons and practice, and those facing hardships, giving them the courage to take a step forward.

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

A heartwarming friendship song from DREAMS COME TRUE, filled with hopeful cheers and a powerful anthem.

Released in January 2025, the track features an energetic, vibrant rhythm that blends ’80s disco sounds with modern Latin grooves.

It carries messages of friendship, the courage to take on challenges, and encouragement for those stepping into something new.

Created as the theme song for the “Osaka-Kansai Expo Commemorative ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025,” this lively tune is perfect for singing and dancing with friends at school or cultural festivals.

It’s also ideal for choral or dance performances practiced with friends, as well as background music for video projects.

Enjoy this uplifting cheer song that adds color to cherished memories with your friends.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A song that delicately portrays the brilliance and bitterness of youth, along with the struggles of growing up, was released by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in April 2024.

It gently embraces moments where the transience of life, the passage of time, hope, and anxiety intersect.

This work is a message song that emphasizes the importance of accepting your past self and finding the courage to move toward the future.

It was chosen as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery” and received high acclaim, including winning the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.

With Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s refreshing pop melodies and profound lyrics in perfect harmony, this piece will gently encourage young people who want to create memories at school festivals and cultural events.

FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!（MV）

This is a heartwarming song that gently celebrates the beauty and importance of friendship.

It carefully portrays the bond with close friends who understand each other the moment they meet, the awkwardness of reconnecting after a long time, and the feelings toward a tie that never changes.

Featuring a groovy rhythm and light, breezy vocals, this piece was specially written by imase for “Everyone’s Concert,” a collaboration project between the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation.

Released in February 2025, it was accompanied by a special video featuring over 100 performers.

It’s the perfect track to color those irreplaceable moments spent with cherished friends—whether as BGM for club activities and cultural festival prep, or as a message song dedicated to your friends.

paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call

suis from Yorushika × Evan Call “Paper Airplane” [Theme song for the anime ‘Dragonite and the Mailman’]

A heartwarming tale of friendship woven from grand orchestration and crystal-clear vocals.

This work, a collaboration between YORUSHIKA’s suis and Evan Call, beautifully portrays the wish to entrust precious feelings to a letter and deliver them to someone dear.

The melody builds gradually from a gentle introduction, like the climax of a film.

Chosen as the theme song for the animated feature “Kairyu and the Postman,” released in February 2025, it further elevates the story’s emotional impact.

It’s a song you’ll want to hum with friends as you prepare for a school cultural festival.

It will help create moments when everyone connects heart to heart, while cherishing the wonders of friendship and the memories you hold dear.

Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala

Yosugala – Kono Yubi Tomare

This song by yosugala delivers a powerful message centered on encouragement and compassion for those facing hardship.

It reaches out to anyone feeling defeat or loneliness, expressing—through an emotional melody—the importance of extending a hand and continuing to believe in their inner light.

Created by members of the band AliA, the piece premiered at the hall concert “progress the night -LINE CUBE SHIBUYA-” held in February 2025 and was released in March of the same year.

As a heartwarming anthem that supports friends practicing for school festivals and cultural events, and companions walking together toward their goals, it is sure to resonate with many people.

I am the strongest.Ado

[Ado] I’m the Strongest (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

A rousing anthem that powerfully sings of one’s dreams and hopes! Riding on a melody created by Motoki Omori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, Ado’s commanding vocals surge forward, carrying heartfelt wishes from deep within.

Messages like “overcoming fear and moving ahead” and “a shining future with your companions” resound alongside an aggressive rock sound, gently giving listeners a push from behind.

Featured as an insert song in the June 2022 film ONE PIECE FILM RED, this track brought theaters to life and reached No.

2 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100.

It’s sure to instantly ignite the atmosphere at sports days and school festivals as well.