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

DREAMERIkuta Rira

DREAMER

This heartwarming song, set to a gentle acoustic tone, sings of a deep love for music and a passionate pursuit of dreams.

In Rira Ikuta’s true-to-herself words, it conveys a strong will to keep singing in her own way and gratitude toward the important people who support her.

Brimming with hope that shines like a starry sky, this work was included on the single “Hyakka Ryouran,” released in March 2025.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with friends while preparing for a school or cultural festival, as you cheer on each other’s dreams.

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

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

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.

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky

Ano Kami Hikōki Kumori Sora Watte is one of the signature songs by the folk duo 19, who disbanded in 2002.

Released in 1999 as their second single, the track became a long-running hit and even earned them a spot on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics, which feel like a letter recalling a time not so long ago and the friends you used to be with, evoke a tight, aching sense of poignancy.

Even if you haven’t heard it because it’s an older song, listening to it while thinking about the friends you’re with now will surely make your heart swell.

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astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Released in February 2001 by BUMP OF CHICKEN, one of Japan’s representative rock bands, this song is a masterpiece that contrasts childhood innocence with the person we’ve become as we grow up, portraying the act of facing life’s unanswerable questions.

Motoo Fujiwara’s delicate lyrics blend beautifully with the band’s rich, layered sound, resonating deeply with listeners.

It was also featured as an insert song in a Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama and achieved the band’s highest single sales.

With over 100 million streams and music video views, it has remained beloved by many for years.

It’s a perfect youth anthem you’ll want to sing along to with friends at school festivals and cultural events.

Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei - Aoi Shiori (Blue Bookmark)

A gem of a song created by Galileo Galilei, a band regarded as a one-of-a-kind presence in Japan’s music scene.

Its lyrics delicately capture the transience and beauty of youth, paired with a gentle melody that resonates with the heart.

Released in 2011, it was also used as the opening theme for the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” Written and composed by Yuuki Ozaki and arranged by the entire band, the song won the hearts of many music fans.

It’s perfect for revisiting friendships and school memories at cultural or school festivals, and is recommended for anyone who wants to share the bittersweet feelings of their youth.

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster

“Someday These Tears Will” – Little Glee Monster

An uplifting anthem with majestic choir and dramatic sound, powered by Little Glee Monster’s striking harmonies that truly move the heart.

It sings of the hope that the tears shed through effort and challenge will one day turn into a badge of honor, while its warm vocals gently but firmly embrace a heart burdened by doubt.

Included on the album “juice” and released in January 2018, the song was chosen as the support anthem for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It wraps you in a feeling of wanting to grow together with friends striving toward their dreams, encouraging one another along the way.

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

The song vividly depicting summer youth is loved as one of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature tracks.

Written as the theme for the film “Blue Summer: 30 Days of You and Me,” it was included on a single released in August 2018.

With a driving, exhilarating melody, it captures the energetic emotions of young people and weaves into its lyrics the hallmarks of summer and the preciousness of each fleeting moment of adolescence.

The track has resonated with many listeners, surpassing 500 million total streams.

It’s a wonderful song that colors a page of youth—one you’ll want to hum along to with friends at cultural and school festivals.