Tear-jerking songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits

futureKobukuro

Kobukuro “Mirai” film “orange” version

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.

Blue BenchSasuke

Blue Bench / Sasuke

He sings about how he still loves his ex-girlfriend and regrets not expressing his feelings more when they were together.

The way it pierces the heart so directly makes it a song that truly represents a page of youth.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9th (Music Video Short ver.)

Isn’t it practically the quintessential graduation song? But in fact, it’s also a love song.

For some, it’s about a beloved partner; for others, an unrequited crush—everyone has their own story.

What they share is the feeling of being grateful that that person was there.

This song conveys emotions that words alone can’t fully express.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

A gem of a pop melody that portrays the precious friendships of adolescence.

Its warm feelings for friends at a parting and the vow never to forget those bonds are deeply moving.

Centered on themes of meeting and parting, growth and hope, it masterfully fuses driving rock sounds with lyrics that resonate in the heart.

Released as an indie single by Road of Major in September 2002, the song stayed in the top 10 of the Oricon chart for 19 consecutive weeks and achieved an astonishing 900,000 in total sales.

In 2009, it was also featured in a Mazda commercial in Taiwan, drawing attention both domestically and abroad.

It’s a track you’ll want to play when making up with a friend or when reaffirming the bonds with those who matter most.

It’s also a perfect cheer song for anyone facing farewells such as graduation or transferring schools.

Everyone, everyone is shining.Yugeda Kensuke

Everyone, everyone is shining (unison chorus)

Riding on a cherry-blossom-colored breeze, this heartwarming song by Kensuke Yugeda gently sings of the hopeful arrival of spring.

It carries a message of encouragement for children taking their first steps forward, conveying a sense of anticipation for a shining future.

Its melody, expressing both endearing freshness and the courage to walk toward one’s dreams, tenderly nestles against the listener’s heart.

The piece is included on the album “Shiawase ni Naare” and is a beloved song performed at entrance ceremonies and welcome events for new students in elementary schools across Japan.

Since June 2018, it has been passed down in schools nationwide, and through more than 2,000 school concerts, Mr.

Yugeda has delivered it directly to children.

It is a springtime song brimming with joy, one we hope new students, teachers, and families will listen to.

SCHOOL DAYSshiritsu ebisu chūgaku

[MV] Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku “School Days”

It’s a song that feels like a springtime gift.

It’s a March 2025 single by Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, with lyrics and composition by Katsuhiko Sugiyama.

The beautiful melody portrays the expectations and anxieties of starting a new chapter, warm friendship, and a resolve toward the future.

The music video—featuring the members in pure white uniforms deepening their bonds in a forest—also leaves a strong impression.

I think it will resonate not only with students, but with anyone who needs the courage to leap into a new environment!

contrailArai Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Vapor Trail (Yumi Arai The Concert with Old Friends)

The story of a boy drawn on a white slope reflects Yumi Arai’s inner landscape from her youth.

With a clear, crystalline voice and beautiful piano lines, she gently sings of a longing for the heavens and a parting from the earthly world.

Inspired by feelings for a classmate from her elementary school days, the piece takes flight on a fragile yet refreshing melody, brimming with the radiance of life and hope for liberation.

Released in November 1973 as the title track of the album “Hikōki Gumo,” it drew renewed attention in 2013 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s “The Wind Rises.” It is a gem of a song that tenderly supports those who have experienced the loss of someone dear, as well as young people standing at a crossroads in life.