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

Someday, in a world of nothingnessmakaroni enpitsu

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

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.

My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

People grow through repeated meetings and farewells, yet it’s not uncommon for friends from high school or college to remain lifelong companions.

Ketsumeishi’s “Tomo yo ~Kono saki mo zutto…~” may use familiar words, but it’s a heartfelt song that says, “Let’s stay friends forever.” From childhood to adolescence, then youth and adulthood, it’s something anyone—girls and boys alike—can relate to.

If you’re making a movie to remember your school’s cultural festival or campus festival, this song is perfect.

The music video featuring the comedy trio Dachou Club also became a hot topic for being a real tearjerker.

Give it a watch if you get the chance.

Don’t give upZARD

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)

Even after ZARD’s Izumi Sakai passed away at the young age of 40, the song “Makenaide” remains etched in everyone’s hearts.

Released in 1993 as their sixth single, it became a massive hit after being featured in the Fuji TV drama “Reiko Shiratori desu no!” For ZARD, it set their highest sales record and was their first million-selling track.

Sakai’s delicate yet resolute vocals make it an uplifting song.

How about playing it as background music for karaoke or performances at your school festival?

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YELLikimonogakari

YELL – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

Ikimono-gakari’s 15th double A-side single, beloved across generations.

It’s also known for being selected as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, so many people may have sung it during their school days.

Yoshiki Mizuno, the member who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, is said to have created the song while recalling himself at age 15, when he was struggling with various thoughts.

It’s a masterpiece distinguished by vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s overwhelmingly powerful yet clear voice.

Highly recommended for various scenes at school festivals as well!

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Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is an evocative duet that overlays memories of the past with present emotions shared with a dear friend.

Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda blend their voices to portray the innocence of a youth that remains unforgettable even in adulthood, as well as the way relationships change amid days of missing each other.

Included on the October 2017 album “BOOTLEG,” the song carries a wish to remain unchanged even while being swept up in daily life.

It’s truly a perfect track for school and cultural festivals, where friendship and bonds are key themes.

Beyond the Night SkySMAP

Beyond the Night Sky – SMAP

Thanks to Fuji TV’s popular show “National Hamonep League,” whose “Youth A Cappella Koshien” segment sparked the trend, a cappella choruses are booming.

It seems many people tried chorus for the first time after watching this program.

So how about taking on the challenge of singing SMAP’s million-selling “Yozora no Mukō” in a cappella? If you ask for help, your music teacher or the choir club advisor will surely lend a hand.

The lyrics, which poignantly capture the hazy feelings unique to youth, are outstanding.

Cover versions by Shikao Suga, who wrote the lyrics, and Yuka Kawamura, who composed the music, could also offer hints for your a cappella arrangement.

With a superb chorus, step into the spotlight at your school festival!

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

Spitz is a rock band loved across generations for their friendly melodies and the one-of-a-kind lyrics penned by Masamune Kusano.

“Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (I Should Be Able to Fly) is their eighth single, released in 1994.

Although it didn’t attract much attention at first, it returned to the spotlight when it was chosen as the theme song for the 1996 Fuji TV drama Hakusen Nagashi, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon singles chart and becoming a million-selling hit.

Thanks to its association with a school drama, it’s also popular as a graduation song.

It’s a great recommendation as BGM for exhibits and food stalls at school festivals.

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