Beautiful tear-jerking songs / songs that make you cry your eyes out

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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

[2026] Tear‑Jerking, Heart‑Touching Songs That Hype Up School Culture Festivals (81–90)

OrangeSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

OrangeSPYAIR

A rousing anthem of youth that seeps into the heart with tenderness and poignancy, like a sunset melting into the horizon! This is a song by SPYAIR, released in February 2024 as the theme for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.

It expresses the bitterness and pain experienced amid friendship, dreams, and growth by likening them to the tang of a sweet-and-sour orange.

While carrying anxieties about the future, it’s infused with a resolute will to give someone a push forward and keep facing ahead oneself.

It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to cherish precious time with your teammates and renew your resolve to step onto the next stage.

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SignalWANIMA

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

SignalWANIMA

A single song packed with a passionate message for the school festival that colors a page of youth.

It’s a cheering anthem by WANIMA that brilliantly depicts the drive to move toward the future and the real, everyday struggles we face.

While carrying anxieties about an unseen future, it expresses, through powerful rock sounds, the feelings of young people determined to walk their own path.

Featured on the album “Everybody!!,” the track was also used in a Lotte Ice “Sou” commercial, generating a huge response.

In a special NHK program, the band performed with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds, and the moving stage left a lasting impression on many viewers.

With a sound that unites the entire venue, it’s perfect for club presentations and as a theme song for school festivals.

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bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

A gem of a song that captures a farewell and the hope that lingers deep in the heart.

Featured on CreepHyp’s album “Nakitakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” released in September 2018, it also drew attention as the campaign song for FM802 and TSUTAYA.

Set against a springtime scene of fluttering cherry blossoms, it portrays the resolve to move forward into the future while accepting a goodbye to someone dear, expressed through an emotional melody and Seikai Ozaki’s distinctive vocals.

Evoking the fragility and beauty of youth, this track is a powerful cheer song that gently gives you a push—perfect for school and cultural festivals.

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Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

Yattemiyou

Let's give it a tryWANIMA

“I’ll give you the courage to move forward!” This warm message resonates in this uplifting anthem.

Set to a bright and refreshing melody, it carries a positive spirit that says we can overcome difficulties together.

WANIMA’s powerful performance and the lyrics that gently nudge you to face forward are truly compelling.

Airing from January 2017 in au’s Santarō series commercials and included on the album “Everybody!!,” this song is a fantastic choice for school events—band performances at culture festivals or live shows, choir, sports days—any moment where you take on a challenge with friends and unite as one.

Sing it together and get fired up—it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory!

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Mela!Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Mela!' Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Mela!

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

It’s a coming-of-age anthem packed with a burning desire to become a hero.

Born from a pure wish to help the precious friends right in front of you, the song vividly portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they overcome doubt and inner conflict, believe in themselves, and take a step forward.

Included on the June 2020 album “SINGALONG,” it became a signature song for Ryokuoushoku Shakai.

In 2023, it turned into a massive hit, surpassing 300 million streams.

It’s the perfect track for school and culture festivals, giving you the courage to carve out your own story while holding onto your brightest memories.

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March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

March 9Remioromen

It’s a heartwarming song themed around graduation and new beginnings.

The lyrics, filled with the sorrow of parting from someone dear and the mix of hope and anxiety for a fresh start, are sure to resonate with many.

Released in March 2004, this song was originally created for a friend’s wedding.

It was later used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” gaining widespread popularity.

It’s a perfect piece to sing at school festivals or cultural events.

Looking back on memories with friends and singing it together will surely double the emotion.

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[2026] Tearjerker Songs That Bring the House Down at School Culture Festivals (91–100)

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

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.

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