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 (51–60)
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.
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.
Tearjerker songs recommended for high school students: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (61–70)
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.
To My AdolescenceAka-hoho Shishunki
This is a song that gently embraces the delicate emotions of adolescence.
Bolbbalgan4’s clear, transparent vocals pair exquisitely with lyrics that seep into the heart.
Released in August 2019, the track resonated with many young people and became a hot topic on social media.
The music video features popular model Mayu Yokota, whose passionate performance in the rain leaves a strong impression.
It’s recommended not only for high school students, but also for anyone who still carries memories of youth somewhere in their heart as an adult.
When you want to take a fresh look at yourself, why not give this song a listen? You’re sure to gain new insights.