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

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.

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!

Friendswacci

wacci 'Friends' Short Ver.

This warm, gently drawn song about everyday life with friends is a single released by wacci in March 2020.

It was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Uchi Tama?! Have you seen my Tama?” and was written and composed by guitarist Keiji Muranaka.

The lyrics shine a light on the small, ordinary moments of each day and the unchanging routines, carefully weaving bonds with friends and brimming with a kindness that resonates in the heart.

The melody is lively and pleasant, striking a perfect balance with the slightly bittersweet lyrics to create a superb track.

It also works wonderfully as a theme song for school or cultural festivals—an uplifting, heartwarming anthem that colors a page of youth spent with friends.

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.

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.

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

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.

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.