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)
DREAMERIkuta Rira
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.
Tearjerker songs recommended for high school students: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (51–60)
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
A heartwarming ballad gently portraying people looking ahead in life with both hope and unease, framed by the motif of a letter from the future.
Aoi Teshima’s translucent voice resonates deeply alongside the beautiful arrangement of piano and strings.
First released in July 2014 on the album “Ren’dez-vous,” the song drew renewed attention in February 2016 as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Someday I’ll Remember This Love, and Surely I’ll Cry.” The piece won the Best Theme Song Award at the Tokyo Drama Awards 2016.
When you find yourself pausing on the path toward your dreams, or when you want to be close to your feelings for someone important, why not listen quietly? It will surely become a tear-jerker of a song for you.
Surely love is unfair.Matsumuro Masaya
It’s a heartbreak song about feelings for a lover who’s gone and the loneliness of being all alone.
It’s a track by Masaya Matsumuro, a musician from Osaka Prefecture.
It served as the lead track of the 2018 EP “Kitto Ai wa Fukōhei” (“Surely Love Is Unfair”).
His straightforward vocals are wonderful.
It makes me think, I hope my next relationship won’t end up like this…
I miss youHayashibe Satoshi
The heartbreakingly sad melody makes it perfect for anyone who wants to have a good cry.
It’s a slow ballad sung by Tomofumi Hayashibe, a male singer from Shinjo City in Yamagata Prefecture.
It was released in 2016 as his debut single and served as the theme song for the 2016 version of the drama “Sabu to Ichi Torimono Hikae.”
periodIshizaki Hyuui
It’s a heartbreak song about feelings for someone you love who’s no longer by your side.
It’s a track by Huwie Ishizaki, a singer-songwriter from Ibaraki Prefecture.
Included on the best-of album “Huwei Best,” released in 2018.
The lyrics are striking for their distinctive choice of words.
Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro
This work beautifully portrays graduation as a milestone in life.
Motohiro Hata’s clear, translucent voice captures both the sadness of parting and the hope of a new beginning in full.
Released in March 2019, it garnered attention as the theme song for a SoftBank TV commercial.
While cherishing past memories, this piece gives you the courage to take a step toward the future.
It’s a song I hope those embarking on a new chapter will listen to as spring arrives.
Its heartfelt melody and lyrics will surely give you a gentle push forward.
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi
A masterpiece woven from a gentle singing voice that stays close to the heart and lyrics that gracefully portray nostalgia for days gone by.
Featured on the album “COBALT HOUR,” released by Yumi Arai in June 1975, this song delicately expresses life and change after graduation.
It lyrically spins memories of a cherished person who lives on forever within the warmth of reminiscence.
It was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta” and the film “Watch with Me.” A heartwarming encouragement song to listen to in times of sorrow or at life’s crossroads.