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 (41–50)
Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman
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.
It’s already Sunday outside the window.Kyūshūdan
It’s a bittersweet yet warm love song that portrays a couple’s journey from meeting to parting.
The track is by Kusuo, a singer-songwriter from Nagasaki Prefecture.
It’s included on his third album, “1/f,” released in 2014.
It feels like reading a tear-jerking novel.
Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen
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.
Want You BackKato Miria
This is a song by Miliyah Kato, a singer-songwriter from Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture.
It’s included on her eighth album, LIBERTY, released in 2016.
Its powerful yet heartrending vocals and melody can move you to tears.
Recommended for those who want to cut ties with lingering feelings for an ex.
Words of FarewellŌhashi Torio
Kazoku Kain-tai’s classic graduation song “Okuru Kotoba” is covered by Chiba-born singer-songwriter Ohashi Trio.
It’s included on his 2010 cover album “FAKE BOOK.” Unlike the original, this version has a jazzy, stylish vibe that feels just right.
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
This is a song by singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada that became a huge hit as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan.” It was released in 2016 as her fourth digital single.
Her clear, transparent vocals gently seep into the heart.
The slightly mature worldview is lovely, isn’t it?
GraduationOzaki Yutaka
Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.
Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.
Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.
20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).
Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.