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

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

This song, which portrays the transience and beauty of youth, is beloved by many fans as one of Macaroni Empitsu’s signature works.

Released as a digital single in March 2019, it was also included on the album “season,” released that September.

Written specifically for a McDonald’s commercial, the track was also used as the opening theme for a TV drama, gaining popularity across a wide audience.

Featuring lyrics that delicately capture young people’s emotions and a driving, exhilarating melody, it emphasizes the importance of valuing the “boredom” and the “seemingly wasted moments” of adolescence.

It’s a song we especially recommend to high school students—prepare to be moved.

crescent moonayaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka’s songs have been widely covered by many other artists, and she has many famous tracks.

Many young people who aspire to be singers also practice Ayaka’s songs.

Among them, “Mikazuki” is one of the most famous—a heartfelt ballad.

It’s a song many people are likely to sing at karaoke.

You…Nishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Kimi tte (short ver.)'

Kana Nishino is an artist who enjoys overwhelming popularity among junior high and high school girls.

She is a leading figure known for singing about girls’ feelings.

Every song she releases becomes well-known; people hum them and often sing them at karaoke.

While many of her songs are upbeat, her mellow ballads are also outstanding.

Every dayAbe Mao

Mao Abe – Itsu no Hi mo [Official Music Video]

Mao Abe is an artist who is very popular among middle and high school students.

Her songs, featuring distinctive lyrics and expressing girls’ feelings, leave a strong impression.

Many people sing them at karaoke and elsewhere.

Mao Abe is a unique artist and truly one of a kind.

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s not a song from the current high school generation, but it became famous again because an anime that used a cover of it as the ending theme was released in recent years and was also adapted into a live-action version.

Since it’s a song about farewells and memories with a childhood theme, it’s a perfect heartbreak song for high school students.

Connect!Misaka Saki

Saki Misaka – Connect! (Full ver.)

Even if we walk separate paths, the bonds with our teammates will never fade.

Saki Misaka’s powerful vocals resonate in our hearts as we look back on our youthful days.

This song is also known as the support anthem for the 98th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament and was released in October 2021.

It’s a perfect track for those who devoted themselves to club activities and for current students alike.

The lyrics, filled with gratitude for the teammates who shared both joys and hardships, may even bring you to tears.

It’s a warm, encouraging song that stays close to the hearts of club members at the moment of their retirement.

You are my friend.Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai – You Are My Friend

This is also a friendship song that was used as a TV drama’s theme song.

I think Ken Hirai has been releasing more and more truly excellent songs with great emotion lately.

It’s a very good ballad that gives you a warm, relaxed feeling.

I’d definitely like high school students to listen to it and calm their hearts.