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 Down the House at School Cultural Festivals (11–20)

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster

“Someday These Tears Will” – Little Glee Monster

Someday, these tearsLittle 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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

HarukaYOASOBI

A moving work from YOASOBI—known for their gentle, warm vocals and story-rich songs—that poignantly depicts parting from a loved one.

From the unique perspective of a moon prince who has become a mug and watches over a girl through half her life, the song tenderly weaves themes of family and friendship bonds, the joy of growth, and the sorrow of farewell.

Released in December 2020, the piece was featured as the image song for “Art Aquarium Exhibition 2021: Hakata—Festival of Goldfish” and in a Takara Tomy commercial.

Its warm narrative carried by a simple melody will be there to comfort you when you want to look back on memories with your companions, or when you need courage before saying goodbye to someone important.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

one’s true feelingssumika

A cheering song that stays close to the days of youth and gently wraps the bonds among friends! This is a track by sumika, released in January 2021 as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

With a refreshing touch, it portrays young people who, even while carrying setbacks and regrets, encourage one another and strive forward together.

Included on the album “AMUSIC” and featured in a TV commercial for Aisin Corporation, this song warmly supports not only students devoted to sports, but everyone who throws themselves wholeheartedly into something—be it a school festival, a club activity, or any passionate pursuit.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

peace signYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

peace signYonezu Kenshi

A high-velocity guitar rock tune that conveys a powerful determination to move forward while grappling with the anxieties and conflicts unique to adolescence.

It’s a rousing anthem in which Kenshi Yonezu channels memories and yearnings from his childhood into music.

Released in June 2017, the song was written specifically as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia.

Its message and worldview align perfectly with the tone of the original work, earning it the No.

1 spot on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100.

It’s also an ideal song to perform with friends on stage at school or cultural festivals.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster – The World Is Smiling at You / THE FIRST TAKE

The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster

This song gently sings about the importance of looking forward.

Little Glee Monster’s overwhelming vocal power resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in August 2018 as their 12th single, it was also used as Coca-Cola’s image song that same year.

The winter version was featured in TV commercials for the “Coca-Cola Winter Campaign.” The music video, shot in Okinawa, is also memorable.

If you sing it with friends at a school or cultural festival, it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.

Even when things are tough, this is a song that gives you the courage to believe the world is smiling at you.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Anytime Anywheremilet

milet “Anytime Anywhere” MUSIC VIDEO (TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” ending theme)

Anytime Anywheremilet

The ending theme for the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, delivered by milet—known for her moving vocals and profound lyrics.

Weaving together themes of past and present, life and death, this piece expresses the bond with a loved one and leaves a deep emotional impact on listeners.

Released in September 2023, the song is included on milet’s third album, “5am.” While she is well known for her tie-ins with dramas and anime, this work also matches the anime’s world perfectly.

When you want to reflect on friendship and youth at a school festival or cultural festival, listening to this song will surely make your feelings for someone special overflow.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

[2026] Emotionally Stirring and Tearjerker Songs That Hype Up Cultural and School Festivals (21–30)

Someday, in a world of nothingnessmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu “Someday, In a World With Nothing” MV

Someday, in a world of nothingnessmakaroni enpitsu

Released in September 2025, this track is a long-awaited fan favorite: a band-arranged reconstruction of a 2017 solo acoustic performance first shared on social media.

The lyrics, which express pure feelings and prayers for others in an unadorned world, cut straight to the heart.

And the beautiful melody born from the original acoustic style rides a guitar-rock sound that surges in the chorus, highlighting the warmth of the words.

It’s an emotional pop tune you’ll want to play on nights when you’re thinking of someone dear.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem