[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	BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi		A song that supports young people pursuing their dreams in figure skating
2	MiracleGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s famous songs that resonate with memories of school events
3	Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi		A duet that layers memories with a friend onto the present
4	together; along with; bothWANIMA		WANIMA’s cheer song gives me energy!
5	futureKobukuro		Introduction of a heartwarming ballad song
6	Love SongGReeeeN		A moving song of love and bonds that stay by your side
7	MagicMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song that enjoys each day with a positive attitude
8	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
9	HumanWANIMA		Failures and challenges alike are proof of being alive. Brightly and powerfully.
10	Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK's moving and empowering anthem
11	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		An inspiring song about cooperating with friends and growing together
12	We areONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK's fight song
13	A March for Youchesu maika		An anthem that stands by the hearts of young people, a force to move forward
14	If you laugh at the skywacci		A warm song that portrays youth and friendship, a classic that gives courage and hope.
15	Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster		A rallying song that celebrates the challenge of pursuing dreams and the bonds between companions
16	HarukaYOASOBI		YOASOBI, a moving tale of parting and bonds
17	one’s true feelingssumika		High school soccer fight song depicting the bonds of teammates and moving forward
18	peace signYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s youth-boosting rock, an anime theme song
19	The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster		An inspiring masterpiece that sings of the courage to face forward
20	Anytime Anywheremilet		milet's ending theme song for 'Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End'
21	Someday, in a world of nothingnessmakaroni enpitsu		A heartwarming song born from a self-accompanied performance on social media
22	Blue BenchSasuke		Sasuke’s debut song, which gained nationwide popularity as a heartbreak anthem
23	wishsumika		The moving, heartwarming masterpiece “Negai” by sumika
24	I long to see you now.MISIA		A poignant love ballad, a classic by MISIA
25	A Little Love SongMONGOL800		From Okinawa, MONGOL’s moving masterpiece
26	Highlight (feat. ROCK KIDS 802)berii guddoman		A song of challenge that cheers on youth, a push toward dreams
27	Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu		Macaroni Enpitsu: Youthful Anthems That Color School Life
28	Carrying nostalgic oldiesAKASAKI		A nostalgic song that depicts memories of youth
29	Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		Funky Monkey Babys’ final single features Sanma.
30	Don’t give upZARD		ZARD's “Makenaide” is an iconic anthem of encouragement.
31	YELLikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s classic hit, popular across generations
32	My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi		Friendship becomes a precious memory in life.
33	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		Spitz’s “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” became a big hit.
34	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		The moving theme song of the animated film, “Sunflower Promise.”
35	SOSNanatsukaze		Music of hope that echoes through a lonely night
36	Friends Friends FriendsMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto		A warm song with the theme of eternal friendship
37	1000 daysnozomi		A coming-of-age song that captures the brilliance and bittersweetness of high school life
38	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		A classic song that became a huge hit as the theme song for an NHK morning drama
39	SunMy Hair is Bad		A youth anthem for the school festival. A moving, hopeful classic.
40	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI “Sazanka,” a memory of youth
41	Beyond the Night SkySMAP		Expressing youth through a cappella chorus
42	Because you are hereUru		Uru’s clear, transparent singing voice and lyrics that resonate with the heart
43	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE		A moving classic that portrays the parting of youth
44	I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci		A classic song that sings of memories and emotions of love
45	NonfictionHirai Ken		Ken Hirai’s moving masterpiece, “Aitai Kimochi” (Feelings of Wanting to See You)
46	JupiterHirahara Ayaka		Ayaka Hirahara's 'Jupiter' is moving.
47	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s “Metronome” is a bittersweet love song.
48	366 daysHY		HY's '366 Days' is a moving masterpiece.
49	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		Noriyuki Makihara’s cheer song “Donna Toki mo”
50	skyBE:FIRST		A heartwarming cheer song that gives you courage
51	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		An anthem that sings of youthful passion, delivering heartfelt fervor.
52	chameleonKing Gnu		The moving theme song “Chameleon” by King Gnu
53	On this day of goodbyeaimyon		Aimyon is popular for her heart-touching lyrics.
54	Song of DepartureMr.Children		An inspiring graduation song, a classic by Mr.Children
55	ROOFTOPS feat. Satoshi Fujiwara (Official HIGE DANDism)KERENMI		KEREN MI and Satoshi Fujiwara’s classic song “ROOFTOPS”
56	Stand by MeSaucy Dog		A moving song by Saucy Dog that portrays a heartrending romance
57	intersectionatarayo		A heartfelt song that sings of deep feelings for a loved one
58	Best FriendKiroro		Kiroro’s famous song, a hymn to friendship and gratitude
59	ultramarineYOASOBI		YOASOBI's moving song of youth
60	Philosophy[Alexandros]		A coming-of-age song filled with the emotions of an 18-year-old
61	Letter — Dear you at fifteenAnjura Aki		A song of encouragement to my future self, resonating with the spirit of youth
62	KanadeSukima Suichi		A touching masterpiece by Sukima Switch
63	On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai		Ai Kawashima’s graduation song: the importance of friendship and time
64	Because I’ve always loved you.neguse.		Singing of youthful passion and the longing for Koshien
65	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		A moving masterpiece: the Olympic theme song
66	hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake		A masterpiece that conveys feelings across distances measured in light-years
67	markHatsuboshi Gakuen		The hopeful school anthem of Hatsuboshi Academy, singing of the bonds between friends.
68	winding roadNovelbright		A coming-of-age anthem that cheers on the journey from boyhood to adulthood
69	DREAMERIkuta Rira		A heartwarming song that sings of love for music and passion for dreams
70	Fanfaresumika		An anthem of speed and hope that lifts the heart
71	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s powerful work that resonates in the heart with its youth anthem
72	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		A moving masterpiece by BUMP OF CHICKEN that portrays life
73	Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei		A bittersweet classic of youth, a song that resonates with the heart
74	Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy		A song to reclaim forgotten dreams and passion
75	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
76	Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK		Encouraging songs by ONE OK ROCK
77	Friendswacci		wacci song depicts friendship
78	Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā		A song of courage to pursue one’s true self and move toward hope
79	It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE		A heart-pounding song that cheers on friendship and challenge
80	lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE		A masterpiece that portrays the struggles and hopes of youth.
81	FRIENDS!!!imase		A heartwarming song that celebrates the importance of friendship
82	paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call		Expressing a beautiful story of friendship through song
83	Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala		An encouraging and supportive song that stands by people going through difficulties
84	I am the strongest.Ado		A cheer song that sings of dreams and hope
85	OrangeSPYAIR		An anthem of youth that portrays the bonds with friends and the journey of growth
86	SignalWANIMA		A fiery rock song that cheers on youth
87	bookmarkkuriipuhaipe		A coming-of-age song portraying farewell and hope
88	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		An anthem that gives you the courage to move forward
89	Mela!Ryokushokushakai		A youth anthem of courage and hope, giving your heart a gentle push
90	March 9Remioromen		A heartwarming song that sings of the hope of graduation and departure
91	CorrectRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS Graduation Support Song
92	Photograph feat. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Horn SectionEXILE ATSUSHI		A heartfelt song that reflects the memories of youth
93	to youMONGOL800		A timeless anthem of gratitude infused with youthful spirit, transcending generations
94	KizunaORANGE RANGE		A masterpiece by ORANGE RANGE that portrays friendship and bonds
95	Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu		Mafumafu’s Spring Youth Story
96	That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19		19’s masterpiece songs: songs of friendship and memories
97	Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		A classic song that captures the brilliance of youth, a summer tune that resonates with the heart
98	I’ll call your name.SUPER BEAVER		SUPER BEAVER’s movie theme song portrays memories and bonds.
99	Full-Power BoySukima Suichi		A classic song that celebrates the courage and challenges of youth
100	Maplesupittsu		Use Spitz's “Kaede” as the award ceremony BGM for the school cultural festival.
101	The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46		Nogizaka46’s masterpiece that depicts farewell and hope
102	GarnetOku Hanako		A timeless song that portrays the bittersweetness of first love and the fleeting nature of youth.
103	One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Masayoshi Yamazaki’s famous song, with its sweet vocals, soothes the heart.
104	If I could become a constellationkessoku bando		The youthful rock of Kessoku Band resonates with the heart.
105	horizonback number		The masterpiece 'Suheīsen' that celebrates the days of youth
106	Oz.yama		yama’s “Oz.” is a moving song.
107	Spot the differenceSuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s popular song “Machigai Sagashi”
108	Not fleetingSUPER BEAVER		An inspiring song of youth that cherishes living in the moment