Beautiful tear-jerking songs / songs that make you cry your eyes out

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

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

Last updated:2025/10/15

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] Top 1–10 Emotional Tearjerker Songs That Hype Up at School Culture Festivals

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

This is a cheer song written by Kenshi Yonezu as the opening theme for the anime “Medalist,” set in the world of figure skating.

Using imagery of a bow and arrow, it powerfully depicts young people who keep moving toward their dreams while overcoming setbacks.

It’s a perfect fit as a theme song or BGM for cultural festivals and school festivals.

It’s sure to resonate as encouragement for friends who keep taking on challenges, and as motivation for yourself.

The exhilarating melody and lyrics filled with determination to chase dreams will deepen the bonds with the companions striving alongside you.

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MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

MiracleGReeeeN

School festivals and sports days where everyone gathers, spends time preparing, and goes all out on the day—this is the essence of youth, isn’t it? Listening to this song with your friends at the end of it all will truly bring you to tears.

It’s a signature track by the popular music group GReeeeN, released in 2008.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama ROOKIES, which centers on a high school baseball team, it gained passionate support from baseball fans.

Its straightforward lyrics will add even more color to your wonderful memories.

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Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

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.

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together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

together; along with; bothWANIMA

A signature song by the three-piece punk rock band WANIMA, it’s a number that can energize anyone.

It’s included on their indie release “JUICE UP!!”.

After being featured in a Kao NIVEA commercial, it became widely known and was even performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen! Its message—never give up no matter how tough things get—resonates with all generations.

Perfect for a school festival: cover it with a band or have the whole class sing it—either way, it’s a song everyone can get excited about!

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futureKobukuro

Kobukuro “Mirai” film “orange” version

futureKobukuro

A heartwarming ballad dedicated to those who live life with all their might.

This gem of a song layers gentle compassion for others with wishes for the future.

Released in December 2015, it was written as the theme song for the film “orange” and was later used as a tie-in track for the anime series as well.

With Kobukuro’s signature powerful harmonies and a melody line that resonates deeply, this piece leaves a lasting impression.

Performed on a school festival stage, it will tenderly color the bonds with dear friends and the memories of student days.

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Love SongGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Love Song

Love SongGReeeeN

A moving song that gently embraces the journey of life spent side by side and the vow of eternal love.

GReeeeN’s vocals are light yet powerful, and the catchy melody resonates in the heart.

While expressing the pure feeling of finding happiness simply by having the other person by your side—even amid uncertainties and doubts about life’s choices—it portrays a form of love where tears and laughter, joys and sorrows are shared as you walk together.

Released in May 2007, the track was used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Uta Sta!!” and Fuji TV’s “Ken Shimura no Daijoubuda II,” garnering significant attention.

Play this tear-jerking song at a school or cultural festival, and it will etch an even more vivid page of youth into your memories.

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MagicMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Magic」Official Music Video

MagicMrs. GREEN APPLE

This is a bright, pop-sounding song that conveys the importance of enjoying each day with a positive attitude.

It gently embraces self-generated negative emotions and the tendency to shut yourself away out of fear of change, giving you the courage to move forward.

Written specifically as a campaign song for Coca-Cola, it ranked on the Billboard JAPAN streaming chart for 10 consecutive weeks.

With total streams surpassing 100 million plays, it has become one of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature tracks.

It’s the perfect song for those who want to get hyped with friends at school festivals and cultural events.

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