[2026] Tearjerker Songs That Bring the House Down at School Culture Festivals
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!
- An uplifting, moving song to liven up the school festival—one that will be etched into your memories.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Popular band songs that hype up cultural and school festivals & recommended latest hit songs
- Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [Uplifting Songs] A curated selection of popular and latest tracks to energize your school cultural festivals!
- A friendship song that fires up the culture festival/school festival
- [Youth Anthems] A curated selection of popular and latest songs to hype up your school cultural festival
- [For School Culture Festivals] A Selection of Hype Dance Tracks [2026]
- Youthful songs recommended as theme songs and openings for cultural and school festivals
- Fun and exciting! Dance songs that hype up cultural and school festivals [2026]
- [March 2026] Trending Songs: A roundup of the hottest viral tracks right now
- [Culture and School Festival Songs] A curated selection of popular and hit songs to brighten up your venues and events!
- [Guaranteed to resonate!] Youth songs that strike a chord with teens. Recommended coming-of-age tracks.
[2026] Emotionally Stirring and Tearjerker Songs That Hype Up Cultural and School Festivals (21–30)
Blue BenchSasuke
The debut single of Sasuke, a male duo that got their start with street performances.
Despite being indie at the time, their popularity rose rapidly through word of mouth, and they became known nationwide.
As a bittersweet breakup song, it gained support especially among younger listeners, became a staple for middle and high school chorus competitions, and was even included in music textbooks in 2008.
In 2011, it was covered by Tegomass, the vocal duo of Yuya Tegoshi and Takahisa Masuda from Johnny’s, right? If you’re a student thinking about performing at a school festival, doing a cover of Sasuke’s “Aoi Bench” would be a great idea.
wishsumika
Sumika is a popular band with many tie-ins, from commercials and TV dramas to anime.
Their pop songs are all moving, turning everyday life into something more dramatic.
Their 2019 release Negai is one such track, with lyrics carried by a warm, appealing vocal delivery.
At school cultural festivals and campus festivals, its beautiful melody will gently reach your heart, making the culmination of time spent with dear friends feel even more emotional.
I long to see you now.MISIA
How about a heartrending, tear-jerking love ballad that resonates in your heart? This is one of the signature songs by MISIA, a female singer from Nagasaki Prefecture.
It was released in 2009 as her 23rd single.
Chosen as the theme song for the drama “JIN,” it became a hot topic.
Her beautiful, soaring vocals and the grand sound arrangement are sure to bring tears to your eyes.
It’s perfect as background music for moving moments at school festivals and cultural festivals.
It might also be great to belt out live on stage.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
A song by MONGOL800, a rock band from Okinawa affectionately known as Monpachi.
Although it was not released as a single, it’s included on the album “MESSAGE” and can truly be called one of their signature masterpieces.
It’s famous for being used as a soundtrack in TV dramas and commercials, and for being covered by many different artists.
Its straightforward message and unadorned vocals really hit home.
It’s perfect for cultural festivals—cover it with your band or play it as background music to get everyone excited!
Highlight (feat. ROCK KIDS 802)berii guddoman
The youth anthem delivered by Berry Goodman truly shines even brighter at events like school and cultural festivals.
Celebrating the importance of continuing to take on challenges without fearing failure, this song was released in August 2017 and included on the album “SING SING SING 5.” Born from a collaboration with a popular FM802 program, its music video features scenes of interactions with students.
It was also used in a commercial for a stationery brand, giving a push to those chasing their dreams.
It’s the perfect track for everyone walking toward their goals together with their friends.
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
What supports our busy school lives—filled with love, club activities, and studying—is “Seishun to Isshun” (“Youth and a Moment”).
Known for their pop yet bittersweet songs, the rock band Macaroni Enpitsu included it on their 2019 mini album “season.” Hattori’s emotional vocals are enough to bring you to tears.
With its simple band arrangement, it’s perfect for performances at school festivals.
Many teens will relate to the realistic message centered on the theme of “youth.” It’s a memorial song that captures school life spent with your precious friends.
Carrying nostalgic oldiesAKASAKI
This is a work released by singer-songwriter AKASAKI in October 2025.
It portrays a girl who keeps running forward with her memories, suffused with nostalgia for days gone by.
The lyrics delicately capture the flow of time and a wistful, nostalgic feeling that stirs up the “back then” everyone carries.
It may resonate especially with those who treasure their youthful memories.
Why not let this emotional pop tune take you back to the past?