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 and Moving Songs That Hype Up Cultural and School Festivals (101–110)

Oz.yama

yama『Oz.』MV

Oz.yama

Musician yama, known for hit songs like “Haru wo Tsugeru,” carries a mysterious aura, keeping their identity concealed.

Among their tracks, the perfect tearjerker for school and cultural festivals is “Oz.” Released in 2021, it was used as the ending theme for the anime Ranking of Kings.

The song is filled with sentimental feelings centered on the theme of “loneliness.” It features a band sound with resonant classical-style arrangements.

It’s a number that shines in memorable scenes and as an ending piece for performances.

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Spot the differenceSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki

This is a huge hit by the currently trending Masaki Suda.

It’s a clean, mellow track, yet full of charm that makes you lean in and listen.

Speaking of Masaki Suda, he’s practically the poster boy for good looks, so how about using it as BGM for a contest to decide “Mr.

[Your] High School”? It’s also very stylish and up-to-date as background music for hallways, entrances, or auditoriums.

Since the song is Masaki Suda’s “Machigai Sagashi” (Spot the Difference), it’s perfect for any class doing a “spot-the-difference” themed performance.

Given the song’s depth and versatility, it seems like a track that would work in just about any situation!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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Not fleetingSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Not Ephemeral” MV (Theme song for the film ‘Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween Arc -Decisive Battle-’)

Not fleetingSUPER BEAVER

A song that makes you genuinely want to cherish the time you have now: SUPER BEAVER’s “Hakanakunai.” Released in 2023, this track was chosen as the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween -Decisive Battle-.

The end of a life, of course, but also the end of our youth can leave us feeling sad, lonely, and in pain.

But precisely for that reason, rather than forcing ourselves to treat things as precious, the lyrics convey a sentiment that by living each moment to the fullest, we naturally come to cherish the present.

It’s a moving song that makes you truly want to turn the day of the school festival into a treasured page of your youth.

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In conclusion

We introduced moving songs that are perfect for school culture festivals.

If you listen closely to the lyrics, you’re sure to be moved to tears by the messages they carry—every one a masterpiece.

Be sure to use this as a reference when choosing songs for all kinds of occasions!