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

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

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.

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mutō

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

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

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!

Stand by MeSaucy Dog

Saucy dog - Stand By Me

Saucy Dog is a rock band that has won overwhelming support from young people with songs that portray bittersweet love.

Their 2019 release “Stand By Me” is a moving track we especially want teens to hear.

The simple performance unique to a three-piece band hits you right in the heart.

Shinya Ishihara’s emotional vocals swelling toward the chorus will bring you to tears.

Since it’s a song about a best friend, try listening while thinking of your classmates or teammates.

It’s a perfect number for the closing ceremony of a school festival or as the final song in a band set.

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mutō

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KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

A long-selling song by Sukima Switch, the two-member music unit consisting of vocalist Takuya Ohashi and pianist Shintaro Tokita.

It’s been tied in with many films, TV dramas, and commercials, so you’ve probably heard it at least once.

They say they created the track with the image of a woman leaving a man.

The lyrics tell a story, and the poignant melody, the vocalist’s voice, and the piano come together to make it a moving masterpiece.

Let’s get everyone pumped at the school festival by singing it together or doing it at karaoke!

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miyabi

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365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

Paper Airplane of 365 Days – AKB48 (Full)

It became a massive cross-generational hit after being chosen as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Asa ga Kita.” It’s quite rare for an idol group’s song to be used as a morning drama theme just as it is, isn’t it? The lyrics—“Life is like a paper airplane; it rises and falls, but keeps on flying”—are like a pep talk that resonates with listeners, which may be one reason for its popularity.

It could be fun for a usually boisterous group of friends to surprise everyone by performing a serious chorus.

You could also ask someone experienced in sign language to create choreography and “sing in sign language” as one of your acts.

It’s a recommended song when you want to add variety and pacing to a school culture festival.

SunMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Sun

This work from My Hair is Bad is a moving, tear-jerking masterpiece perfect for school festivals and cultural events.

The lyrics are filled with sun-like brilliance and energy, expressing the excitement of a new beginning in life.

Vivid depictions—like muddy school grounds and the sound of the brass band—bring scenes of school life to mind.

Released digitally in March 2024, it was selected as the official theme song for MBS’s “96th Senbatsu.” Recommended for those who want to look back on bonds with friends and memories of youth, as well as those about to take a new step forward.

With My Hair is Bad’s powerful performance and heartfelt lyrics, it’s sure to liven up any school festival.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

Sazanka, a ballad by the four-piece band SEKAI NO OWARI.

Its striking lyrics and gentle melody will surely be a reliable companion at cultural and school festivals.

For example, on a morning that feels a little different on the day of the festival, or on a night after the wrap-up party when everything seems unusually quiet—this song may resonate even more in slightly sentimental moments.

Let this song make your special day even more special.

I hope it becomes a song that, whenever you hear it, brings back memories of those days.

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Murakami Shinpei

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