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

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!

Playlist

[2026] Tearjerker Songs That Bring the House Down at School Culture Festivals
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Be bluePenthouse		Penthouse’s ekiden theme song sings of the nobility of taking on a challenge
2	Dear, boyHump Back		Rock that gives you the courage to keep moving forward without giving up on your dreams
3	STARSSnow Man		Snow Man releases theme song for the Winter Olympics
4	GloriousBE:FIRST		An inspiring ballad by BE:FIRST
5	NonfictionsDa-iCE		Da-iCE’s Koshien theme song. Expresses the brilliance of youth.
6	silhouetteKANA-BOON		KANA-BOON’s signature youth-rock song
7	Us Again (Brass Band ver.)SG		SG singing voice envelops memories of youth and reunion
8	All of the YouthFujifaburikku		Fujifabric’s heartrending masterpiece that colors the end of youth
9	Savoring youthIkuta Rira feat. ano		The collaborative song Seishun Ouka by Rira Ikuta and ano
10	youth photogarari		A heartrending song that captures moments of youth
11	Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI’s Song of Courage
12	18imase		imase’s youth anthem depicts hopes and anxieties about the future
13	The totally hopeless high school girl became a band member.chakura		Chakura’s guitar rock songs are a classic anthem of school festivals.
14	I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā		Support song by Sambomaster
15	Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone		Feeling heartwarmed by Mone Kamishiraishi’s cheer song
16	Even if, even ifRyokushokushakai		A cheer song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai
17	Be OkayLINDBERG		An anthem to lift you up after setbacks
18	Best friendSnow Man		Snow Man’s friendship song “Best Friend”
19	together; along with; bothWANIMA		WANIMA’s cheer song gives me energy!
20	If you laugh at the skywacci		A warm song that portrays youth and friendship, a classic that gives courage and hope.
21	lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE		A masterpiece that portrays the struggles and hopes of youth.
22	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		An inspiring song about cooperating with friends and growing together
23	Blue BenchSasuke		Sasuke’s debut song, which gained nationwide popularity as a heartbreak anthem
24	MiracleGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s famous songs that resonate with memories of school events
25	wishsumika		The moving, heartwarming masterpiece “Negai” by sumika
26	I long to see you now.MISIA		A poignant love ballad, a classic by MISIA
27	Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		Funky Monkey Babys’ final single features Sanma.
28	A Little Love SongMONGOL800		From Okinawa, MONGOL’s moving masterpiece
29	Someday, in a world of nothingnessmakaroni enpitsu		A heartwarming song born from a self-accompanied performance on social media
30	My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi		Friendship becomes a precious memory in life.
31	Don’t give upZARD		ZARD's “Makenaide” is an iconic anthem of encouragement.
32	YELLikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s classic hit, popular across generations
33	Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi		A duet that layers memories with a friend onto the present
34	Beyond the Night SkySMAP		Expressing youth through a cappella chorus
35	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		Spitz’s “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” became a big hit.
36	Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu		Macaroni Enpitsu: Youthful Anthems That Color School Life
37	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		The moving theme song of the animated film, “Sunflower Promise.”
38	Stand by MeSaucy Dog		A moving song by Saucy Dog that portrays a heartrending romance
39	KanadeSukima Suichi		A touching masterpiece by Sukima Switch
40	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		A classic song that became a huge hit as the theme song for an NHK morning drama
41	SunMy Hair is Bad		A youth anthem for the school festival. A moving, hopeful classic.
42	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI “Sazanka,” a memory of youth
43	Because you are hereUru		Uru’s clear, transparent singing voice and lyrics that resonate with the heart
44	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE		A moving classic that portrays the parting of youth
45	I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci		A classic song that sings of memories and emotions of love
46	Highlight (feat. ROCK KIDS 802)berii guddoman		A song of challenge that cheers on youth, a push toward dreams
47	NonfictionHirai Ken		Ken Hirai’s moving masterpiece, “Aitai Kimochi” (Feelings of Wanting to See You)
48	JupiterHirahara Ayaka		Ayaka Hirahara's 'Jupiter' is moving.
49	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s “Metronome” is a bittersweet love song.
50	Because I’ve always loved you.neguse.		Singing of youthful passion and the longing for Koshien
51	366 daysHY		HY's '366 Days' is a moving masterpiece.
52	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		Noriyuki Makihara’s cheer song “Donna Toki mo”
53	Carrying nostalgic oldiesAKASAKI		A nostalgic song that depicts memories of youth
54	chameleonKing Gnu		The moving theme song “Chameleon” by King Gnu
55	ultramarineYOASOBI		YOASOBI's moving song of youth
56	BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi		A song that supports young people pursuing their dreams in figure skating
57	SOSNanatsukaze		Music of hope that echoes through a lonely night
58	1000 daysnozomi		A coming-of-age song that captures the brilliance and bittersweetness of high school life
59	Song of DepartureMr.Children		An inspiring graduation song, a classic by Mr.Children
60	Friends Friends FriendsMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto		A warm song with the theme of eternal friendship
61	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		An anthem that sings of youthful passion, delivering heartfelt fervor.
62	ROOFTOPS feat. Satoshi Fujiwara (Official HIGE DANDism)KERENMI		KEREN MI and Satoshi Fujiwara’s classic song “ROOFTOPS”
63	MagicMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song that enjoys each day with a positive attitude
64	intersectionatarayo		A heartfelt song that sings of deep feelings for a loved one
65	Best FriendKiroro		Kiroro’s famous song, a hymn to friendship and gratitude
66	Philosophy[Alexandros]		A coming-of-age song filled with the emotions of an 18-year-old
67	Letter — Dear you at fifteenAnjura Aki		A song of encouragement to my future self, resonating with the spirit of youth
68	On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai		Ai Kawashima’s graduation song: the importance of friendship and time
69	futureKobukuro		Introduction of a heartwarming ballad song
70	On this day of goodbyeaimyon		Aimyon is popular for her heart-touching lyrics.
71	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		A moving masterpiece: the Olympic theme song
72	Love SongGReeeeN		A moving song of love and bonds that stay by your side
73	skyBE:FIRST		A heartwarming cheer song that gives you courage
74	Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK's moving and empowering anthem
75	A March for Youchesu maika		An anthem that stands by the hearts of young people, a force to move forward
76	markHatsuboshi Gakuen		The hopeful school anthem of Hatsuboshi Academy, singing of the bonds between friends.
77	We areONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK's fight song
78	I am the strongest.Ado		A cheer song that sings of dreams and hope
79	It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE		A heart-pounding song that cheers on friendship and challenge
80	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s powerful work that resonates in the heart with its youth anthem
81	winding roadNovelbright		A coming-of-age anthem that cheers on the journey from boyhood to adulthood
82	C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK’s songs that sing of youth and the courage to face the future
83	Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK		Encouraging songs by ONE OK ROCK
84	KizunaORANGE RANGE		A masterpiece by ORANGE RANGE that portrays friendship and bonds
85	hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake		A masterpiece that conveys feelings across distances measured in light-years
86	CorrectRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS Graduation Support Song
87	OrangeSPYAIR		An anthem of youth that portrays the bonds with friends and the journey of growth
88	Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy		A song to reclaim forgotten dreams and passion
89	SignalWANIMA		A fiery rock song that cheers on youth
90	HumanWANIMA		Failures and challenges alike are proof of being alive. Brightly and powerfully.
91	FRIENDS!!!imase		A heartwarming song that celebrates the importance of friendship
92	paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call		Expressing a beautiful story of friendship through song
93	Fanfaresumika		An anthem of speed and hope that lifts the heart
94	Friendswacci		wacci song depicts friendship
95	Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala		An encouraging and supportive song that stands by people going through difficulties
96	Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu		Mafumafu’s Spring Youth Story
97	bookmarkkuriipuhaipe		A coming-of-age song portraying farewell and hope
98	Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā		A song of courage to pursue one’s true self and move toward hope
99	DREAMERIkuta Rira		A heartwarming song that sings of love for music and passion for dreams
100	Mela!Ryokushokushakai		A youth anthem of courage and hope, giving your heart a gentle push
101	That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19		19’s masterpiece songs: songs of friendship and memories
102	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		A moving masterpiece by BUMP OF CHICKEN that portrays life
103	Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei		A bittersweet classic of youth, a song that resonates with the heart
104	Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster		A rallying song that celebrates the challenge of pursuing dreams and the bonds between companions
105	Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		A classic song that captures the brilliance of youth, a summer tune that resonates with the heart
106	I’ll call your name.SUPER BEAVER		SUPER BEAVER’s movie theme song portrays memories and bonds.
107	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		An anthem that gives you the courage to move forward
108	HarukaYOASOBI		YOASOBI, a moving tale of parting and bonds
109	Anytime Anywheremilet		milet's ending theme song for 'Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End'
110	one’s true feelingssumika		High school soccer fight song depicting the bonds of teammates and moving forward
111	Full-Power BoySukima Suichi		A classic song that celebrates the courage and challenges of youth
112	Maplesupittsu		Use Spitz's “Kaede” as the award ceremony BGM for the school cultural festival.
113	The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46		Nogizaka46’s masterpiece that depicts farewell and hope
114	GarnetOku Hanako		A timeless song that portrays the bittersweetness of first love and the fleeting nature of youth.
115	One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Masayoshi Yamazaki’s famous song, with its sweet vocals, soothes the heart.
116	peace signYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s youth-boosting rock, an anime theme song
117	If I could become a constellationkessoku bando		The youthful rock of Kessoku Band resonates with the heart.
118	to youMONGOL800		A timeless anthem of gratitude infused with youthful spirit, transcending generations
119	The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster		An inspiring masterpiece that sings of the courage to face forward
120	horizonback number		The masterpiece 'Suheīsen' that celebrates the days of youth
121	Oz.yama		yama’s “Oz.” is a moving song.
122	Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman		A song that honors the preciousness of those who support others
123	March 9Remioromen		A heartwarming song that sings of the hope of graduation and departure
124	Spot the differenceSuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s popular song “Machigai Sagashi”
125	Photograph feat. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Horn SectionEXILE ATSUSHI		A heartfelt song that reflects the memories of youth
126	Not fleetingSUPER BEAVER		An inspiring song of youth that cherishes living in the moment