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

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

A song that celebrates the brilliance of youth and the courage to take on challenges, it delivers a moving, unforgettable experience at school festivals and cultural events.

Released by Sukima Switch in July 2005, the track gained wide popularity as the theme for NTT DoCoMo Kansai’s commercials and as an insert song in the film “Rough.” The lyrics depict young people facing adversity, and the message “If you’re afraid, nothing will be born” is sure to give a push to anyone trying to take a new step.

Sing it together with friends at your school festival, and it will surely become an unforgettable memory.

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Maplesupittsu

Spitz / Kaede

Maplesupittsu

At school festivals, there’s often some kind of awards ceremony at the end.

You decide by everyone’s votes which stage dance performance or class project was the best, right? How about using Spitz’s “Kaede” as the BGM for that ceremony? It was also used for Kirin’s “Gogo no Kocha” and as the opening theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV, so I think everyone has heard it at least once.

Since it’s a song everyone knows, it’s easy to create a moving atmosphere.

If you’re unsure, give it a try!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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[2026] Tearjerker and Moving Songs That Hype Up Cultural and School Festivals (101–110)

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

A Nogizaka46 song where wistfulness and freshness coexist.

Released in November 2016, this track is also known as Nanami Hashimoto’s graduation single.

Its lyrics delicately depict the moment of parting, and the clear, beautiful melody resonates deeply.

The final conversation exchanged beneath the elevated tracks—it feels as if the scene is unfolding right before your eyes.

The song is imbued with the courage to say goodbye and the strength to take a new step forward.

Singing it at the end of a school or cultural festival can prompt reflections on the bonds with friends and memories of student days.

The piece was also performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, moving the hearts of many.

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GarnetOku Hanako

Hanako Oku / Garnet (Solo Performance) [Music Video]

GarnetOku Hanako

This is a signature song by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku that vividly depicts the transience of youth and the poignancy of first love.

Released in July 2006 as the theme song for the film “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” it was written and composed by Oku herself.

The delicate melodies spun through her piano-and-vocal performance and the relatable lyrics touched the hearts of many.

A gem of a ballad about feelings that remain unchanged even across time, it’s perfect as a theme song for school festivals and cultural events.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when reflecting on friendships and memories from your school days—one that’s sure to move you and resonate deeply in your heart.

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One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi

For many people, this is the song that comes to mind when they think of Masayoshi Yamazaki.

Released in 1997, “One more time, One more chance” is a timeless classic that has been covered by famous artists and was featured as the theme song for the film “5 Centimeters per Second.” Its sweet, gentle vocals and lyrics that depict wandering in search of a loved one seep deep into the heart.

If you want to create a quietly reflective mood, this is the one to choose.

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If I could become a constellationkessoku bando

[Lyric Video] Kessoku Band “If We Could Become Constellations” / In-episode song from TV anime “Bocchi the Rock!” Episode 12

If I could become a constellationkessoku bando

Kessoku Band has captured the hearts of many music fans, transcending its origins as a fictional band from the anime Bocchi the Rock!.

Their songs, characterized by youthful pop-rock, symbolically express the wish to become stars in the night sky and constellations.

Released in December 2022, this track was used as an insert song in the anime and has been highly praised by fans.

It is also included on the album “Kessoku Band,” whose high quality faithfully reflects the anime’s world.

When you want to look back on bonds with friends and school memories at a culture festival or school festival, listening to this song is sure to give you a moving experience.

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horizonback number

back number – Horizon

horizonback number

The song that celebrates the days you worked hard alongside classmates and club members is “Suiheisen” (Horizon).

It was released in 2021 by the rock band back number, known for their popular songs that portray realistic views on love.

Since it was created for high school students aiming for the Inter-High, it’s a perfect fit for students.

Its warm, mid-tempo band sound is moving and brings tears to the eyes.

It’s a message song that cheers on each student as the protagonist of their own school life.

If you want to convey your feelings to the entire student body through a band performance or singing, be sure to give it a listen.

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