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

Bye-bye.yamazaru

Yamazaru 'Bye-bye..'

It’s a sad love song about the regret of not noticing a loved one’s sorrow and the longing to see them again.

It’s a track by Yamazaru, a singer-songwriter from Fukushima Prefecture.

It was released in 2017 as his ninth single.

Listening to it while watching the music video will truly make you cry.

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Araki Jakkan

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Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Sakura Photograph” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Sakura Photograph)

It’s a moving ballad perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.

Released in April 2025, this song is the theme for the season event “Sakura-Mau Start Line” in the game Gakuen Idolmaster.

The gentle harmonies of the trio—Liliya Katsuragi, Sayaka Shiun, and Saki Hanami—leave a lasting impression.

It’s as if the tender melody rides the spring breeze and soars into the sky.

The lyrics, which portray meetings, farewells, and irreplaceable friendship, will especially resonate with those graduating from school.

Be sure to give it a listen during cherry blossom season.

DREAMERIkuta Rira

DREAMER

A gem of a mid-tempo ballad whose burning passion and single-minded pursuit of a dream strikes straight to the heart.

Lila Ikuta returns to her roots as an artist, expressing her love for music and her determination in unembellished, down-to-earth words.

Written as an insert song for the drama “Paripi Kōmei” and later self-covered for release in March 2025 as part of the album Hyakka Ryoran, the track weaves the struggles and growth of those who love music into a gently enveloping melody, letting their powerful longing for their dreams resonate deeply.

It’s a song of support that gives a push to students immersed in practice and warmly stands by their efforts—one we hope you’ll play during training scenes for sports days and athletic festivals.

Unable to become an adultkujira

Unable to become an adult

This work gently sings of the importance of embracing loneliness and ordinariness.

Through images of the stillness of a moonless night and scattering light into the darkness, its warm lyrics, which handle a fragile heart with care, resonate deeply.

Kujira centers themes of self-acceptance and growth, beautifully expressing young people’s emotions within a unique worldview.

This piece serves as the theme song for the February 2025 film “My Senpai Is a Boy: Rain, Then Clear,” showcasing the delicate musicality honed on the albums “Until I Can Love Life” and “Vegetable Drawer.” It’s a wonderful song that stays close to the subtle feelings of youth—days at a school festival spent with dear friends, the anxiety and confusion felt while searching for one’s true self.

We areONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

An empowering anthem that stands by the anxieties and struggles of young people, powerfully singing the importance of living true to yourself! Taka from ONE OK ROCK delivers an emotionally rich vocal performance, and the fusion with the emotive melody creates a soul-stirring sound that leaves a lasting impression.

Featured on the album “Ambitions” and released in January 2017, this track was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song and deeply moved many viewers.

It’s a warm song that supports and encourages not only students in the midst of their youth, but also those who feel unable to face societal pressures and surrounding prejudice, and those on the verge of losing their sense of self.

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

An uplifting anthem that praises the dignity of those who support others, which gained popularity on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Like soil—unassuming yet essential—it’s a warm song filled with gratitude for people who nurture others’ growth from behind the scenes.

Inspired by experiences that MOCA of BERRY GOODMAN gained as a high school baseball player and by the words of Seiryo High School baseball coach Tomoshige Yamashita, the piece was created with those ideas in mind.

Released in December 2024, it is included on the album “Thank You,” out in February 2025.

This song gently encourages those who keep striving out of the spotlight and those who feel conflicted about their roles, standing by their side and giving them a supportive push.

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.