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!
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Tearjerker songs recommended for high school students: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (21–30)
hana cherieNissy(Nishijima Takahiro)
This is a song by Nissy, the solo project of Takahiro Nishijima, who serves as the main vocalist of AAA.
It was released in 2017 as his seventh single.
The lyrics, filled with a message to someone precious, are deeply moving.
His soft singing voice is captivating.
The song was used as the theme for Shiseido MaCherie’s web special movie.
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
This is a Little Glee Monster song that powerfully pushes forward those striving toward their dreams.
Used as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it resonates not only with soccer players but with anyone chasing a dream.
The lyrics are filled with images of giving your all and the days you’ve overcome together with your teammates.
Released in January 2018, the song is also included on the mini-album “Fanfare.” When you hit a wall in high school, why not give it a listen? It’s sure to spark new courage.
powder snowRemioromen
The high-tone vocals in the chorus are wonderful.
It’s a song by Remioromen, a three-piece rock band from Yamanashi Prefecture.
It was released in 2005 as their eighth single.
It was used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears” and became a big hit.
It’s a classic you’ll want to listen to while walking on snowy roads.
Blink of YouthShiina Ringo
This is a song by Ringo Sheena, who has produced numerous masterpieces both as a solo artist and as the vocalist of the band Tokyo Jihen.
It’s included on her 2014 self-cover album “Gyakuyunyuu: Kouwankyoku.” Just listening to her chorus vocals, soaring straight ahead, is enough to bring me to tears.
Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya
It’s a heart-wrenchingly bittersweet graduation song that makes you see your timid self in a “rabbit.” After three years of pent-up feelings, all you can manage to say in the end is “thank you.” Doesn’t it make you overlay your own image onto that sweet-and-bitter page of youth? Takaya Kawasaki’s husky yet warm voice gently wraps around the protagonist’s frustrating, unrequited feelings.
Released in January 2021, this song is also included on the album Nukumori (Warmth).
For those who couldn’t say that single word, “I like you,” its message tenderly embraces those painful memories—and if you’ve ever had a one-sided crush, it will surely warm your heart.
A Clockwork DreamKeyakizaka46
It’s a song that vividly brings back a page of youth that everyone experiences—the farewell to a friend seen off on the station platform.
Sung by Keyakizaka46’s popular unit “Yui-chans,” this track was included on the single Glass wo Ware!, released in March 2018.
The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar delicately portray the distance between the city and one’s hometown, as well as a sense of loss for one’s dreams, as if a spring had suddenly unwound.
When you’re separated from your best friend and feel just a little lonely, this bittersweet yet warm melody may resonate in your heart.
It’s a work that softly stays by your side, as if to remind you that precious memories never fade, no matter how far apart you are.
Your SongYasuda Rei
Her clear, gentle voice is deeply moving.
This song is by Rei Yasuda, a singer who is also active as a fashion model.
It was released in 2017 as her ninth single.
The lyrics express feelings for a loved one far away.
It was used as the ending theme for the anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Roku.