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

Be blueNEW!Penthouse

Penthouse – Be Blue [Official Music Video]

This song, created by the band Penthouse—garnering attention for their unique “city soul” style—powerfully propels those setting off on new journeys or reaching pivotal milestones.

Released in February 2026, it was selected as the broadcast theme for the 6th National Intercollegiate Mixed-Gender Ekiden Relay.

Its refined sound blends with the driving energy of rock, and the impassioned twin vocals strike straight at the heart.

Regardless of the outcome, it carries a message affirming the value of continuing to challenge oneself in the present, bringing listeners to tears.

It’s a moving number we hope everyone will listen to together—at the finale or the after-party—as the culmination of the days spent racing alongside friends to prepare for the school or cultural festival.

Dear, boyNEW!Hump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

It’s a high-velocity rock tune that makes you notice the beauty of the sky you happen to look up at just when you’re about to give up on your dreams.

This song, the major-label debut by the girls’ rock band Hump Back, is a passionate message number that vocalist Momoko Hayashi rewrote for her high school bandmates, based on notes she took in her teens.

It powerfully sings of the feelings of growing through detours, giving listeners the courage to start walking forward again.

Released as a single in June 2018, it was chosen as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02.” It’s perfect for students who live each day earnestly despite their anxieties, and if you perform it on a school festival stage, it’s sure to move the audience to tears!

STARSNEW!Snow Man

Snow Man ‘STARS’ Music Video

Snow Man, a male idol group active in many fields, released their digital single “STARS” in February 2026.

Chosen as the theme song for TBS Sports 2026, it added color to broadcasts such as the Winter Olympics.

With its energetic beat and liberating melody, the track carries a powerful message for those pursuing their dreams.

Its uplifting feel, which supports those who push forward beyond frustration and anxiety, makes it perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.

Play it right before competitions where teammates give their all, or during entrance scenes, and it will serve as an anthem that inspires students.

GloriousNEW!BE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Glorious -Special Movie-

BE:FIRST’s songs, praised for their beautiful harmonies and moving messages, are perfect for the finale of school or cultural festivals.

Released digitally in November 2023, the track was chosen as the support song for the 102nd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Created with contributions from member LEO and producer SKY-HI, it’s infused with a warm spirit that affirms not only the winners but also the hard work and doubts that arise in the process of taking on a challenge.

The song was later included on the album “2:BE,” among others.

It’s a ballad that stands beside the passion and inner conflicts of creating something together with your peers, and listening to it with friends who have strived alongside you is sure to fill your heart with emotion.

It’s a song that will add color to memories that last a lifetime.

NonfictionsNEW!Da-iCE

Da-iCE / “Nonfictions” Music Video

This is a song I’d recommend to everyone sprinting through the brilliant moments of youth with all their might.

Performed by the five-member dance and vocal group Da-iCE, it was chosen as the theme song for the 2025 “Netto Koshien.” When part of the track was unveiled in June of the same year, it became a hot topic.

Selected from multiple candidates by members Taiki Kudo and Sota Hanamura, the piece blends a thrilling, fast-paced, dramatic melody with a heart-wrenching poignancy that can bring tears to your eyes.

Why not use the freely released brass band score to light up the finale of your school festival with a live wind ensemble performance? The precious memories of deepening bonds—even as you clash with your friends—are sure to shine even brighter.

silhouetteNEW!KANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

An explosive, youth-charged rock number is perfect for school festivals! KANA-BOON’s signature song “Silhouette” is their fifth major single, released in November 2014.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden, it created a huge buzz both in Japan and abroad.

Riding on driving guitar riffs and a powerful band sound, the song emotionally sings of memories of the past and the resolve to protect what’s precious.

Packed with the conflicts and hopes felt in the process of growing up, it’s perfect for moments that celebrate irreplaceable bonds with friends.

Be sure to include it as a moving BGM to color a page of your youth.

Us Again (Brass Band ver.)NEW!SG

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

It’s SG’s singing voice that warmly embraces the days we spent with our classmates.

Released in November 2024, this work is a reimagined version of a smash-hit signature song, created in collaboration with the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble.

It was selected as the tie-in song for the 11th installment of the CalorieMate Exam Takers Support commercial.

Rather than dwelling only on parting, it carries a forward-looking message that believes in meeting again in the future—perfect for the grand finale of youth that is the school festival.

The fresh brass tones performed by high school students and the choir-like swell of emotion vividly color everyone’s memories.

If you listen to it with the friends who dashed from preparations to the big day alongside you, tears will naturally well up.

It’s a song to share with your friends in that moment when you celebrate your irreplaceable student days.