Tear-jerking songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits
I think there are many kinds of tear-jerking songs—love songs, songs about dreams, songs about friends and family, and more.
I’ve gathered songs you’ve probably heard at least once, so if you listen while taking a close look at the lyrics, some of them might even make you cry!
Tearjerker songs recommended for high school students: Japanese classics and popular tracks (1–10)
Song SevenRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS, who continue to captivate countless listeners with their unique worldview.
Featured on their 2009 masterpiece Altcolony no Teiri, this song is especially striking for its structure, opening with a grand, gospel-like chorus.
Despite its six-and-a-half-minute length, the dramatic arc—from a quiet, storytelling tone to a chorus that erupts with emotion—never fails to stir the heart with each listen.
Lyrics by Yojiro Noda that affirm fate and express love for family—like “Oton to Okan” (Dad and Mom)—are surely etched deeply into the hearts of many who spent their youth with this music.
It’s a number that creates moving, unifying moments across entire venues at live shows, so give it a listen on a night when you want to forget the bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in music.
viviYonezu Kenshi
This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, the singer-songwriter known for Peace Sign and Eine Kleine.
It’s included on his 2012 album diorama.
I recommend listening while watching the story-style music video.
The more you delve into the lyrics, the more moving it becomes.
one’s true feelingssumika
A song by sumika that directly expresses a universal inner conflict—“Maybe I should give up, but I really don’t want to!”—that everyone has felt at least once.
It was written as the official support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
The dramatic arrangement woven by piano and band is striking, building from a quiet, introspective verse into a chorus where resolve crystallizes, stirring the heart.
More than just a typical cheer-up anthem, its appeal lies in portraying the determination to move forward only after first acknowledging one’s own weaknesses.
It’s perfect for high school students standing at the milestone of graduation, about to take a new step, reminding them of the immense importance of friends who strive alongside them.
Bye, my friendbokula.
This is a gem of a song from bokula., a rock band based in Hiroshima, filled with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.
The lyrics, which remind us that the time and memories spent with friends—things we took for granted—are never wasted, resonate deeply alongside Ei’s straightforward vocals.
Included on the mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the track has won fervent support especially among junior and senior high school students, and has become beloved by many listeners, surpassing a total of 8.5 million streams.
It’s the perfect song for those moments when you’re facing the sadness of going your separate ways but want to reaffirm an unchanging bond.
Why not send this track to your cherished friends as a token of gratitude at the milestone of graduation?
Happy Endingback number
The harmony of strings and vocals really hits home.
It’s a song by back number, a three-piece rock band from Gunma Prefecture.
Released in 2016 as their 16th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” and became a hot topic.
The diary-like lyrics are heartbreaking…
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE delivers a deeply personal song written the day after a graduation ceremony.
It’s a heartwarming track that carefully weaves together the transience of youth and the preciousness of everyday life.
Set to a subtly wistful melody, it portrays time spent with friends in high school, the sadness of parting, and the difficulty of being honest with one’s feelings—beautifully capturing the complex emotions of adolescence that everyone experiences.
Released to the world in February 2018 as the B-side to the single “Love me, Love you,” it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s Craft Boss.
Embracing all who cherish everyday life, this work gently rekindles memories you want to keep tucked away in your heart.
It’s sure to resonate not only with high school students in the midst of their youth, but also with anyone who nostalgically looks back on their school days.
himawariMr.Children
This song was written as the theme for the film “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas.” It was released in 2017 as Mr.Children’s 37th single.
You can feel the overflowing emotions in the passionate vocals and sound.
It’s a work I highly recommend enjoying together with the film.