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

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

This is the 21st track, released as the final single by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, also known by their nickname “Fanmon.” It made headlines because Sanma Akashiya appears on the cover! Apparently, when Fanmon appeared as guests on Sanma’s show “Sanma no Manma,” he expressed his desire to be on the jacket, and that wish was granted.

At school festivals, there are often moments to thank teachers and upperclassmen—why not play “Arigatou” as background music to express your gratitude?

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Don’t give upZARD

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)

Don't give upZARD

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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[2026] Moving and Tear-Jerking Songs That Hype Up Culture and School Festivals (31–40)

YELLikimonogakari

YELL – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

YELLikimonogakari

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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My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

My friend — now and forever...Ketsumeishi

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.

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Taki no namida pin ku

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

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

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

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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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Stand by Me Doraemon theme song: “Himawari no Yakusoku” (Promise of a Sunflower)

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

It was the theme song for the animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” This movie really made us cry, didn’t it? And the song “Himawari no Yakusoku” helped bring those tears on.

Since it’s such a moving song, how about using it as BGM for the closing ceremony or break-up gathering at a school festival? It’s sure to gently embrace those feelings—the slight sadness of returning to ordinary school life tomorrow while holding onto the fun memories of the festival.

It’s also great as background music for a classroom “good job” party where everyone toasts with juice!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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SOSNanatsukaze

Nanatsukaze – Save Our Sound

SOSNanatsukaze

It’s a track that resonates like a prayer to a heart on the verge of being crushed by resignation and nihilism.

This work was released in August 2025 by Nanatsukaze, a unit formed by EDM trackmaker PIKASONIC and singer-songwriter nakotanmaru.

Its nostalgic arrangement stands out, and the vocals, which gradually build in intensity over a driving sound, really hit home.

If you listen on a night of inescapable loneliness, you may find this piece feels like a ray of light.

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