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!
- Heartwarming songs recommended for high school students
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- A poignant masterpiece that sings of adolescence. Popular songs you’ll want to hear during your teenage years.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Moving songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Tear-jerking love songs: classic and popular hits from Japanese music
- Hidden gem tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks
- Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- A collection of songs you’ll want to listen to when retiring from your school club [Youth]
- Songs that junior high school students like. Classic and popular Japanese hits.
- [Guaranteed to resonate!] Youth songs that strike a chord with teens. Recommended coming-of-age tracks.
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- Recommended breakup songs for high school students: classic and popular J-pop tracks
Tearjerker songs recommended for high school students: Japanese classics and popular tracks (1–10)
Song SevenRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS, who continue to captivate countless listeners with their unique worldview.
Featured on their 2009 masterpiece Altcolony no Teiri, this song is especially striking for its structure, opening with a grand, gospel-like chorus.
Despite its six-and-a-half-minute length, the dramatic arc—from a quiet, storytelling tone to a chorus that erupts with emotion—never fails to stir the heart with each listen.
Lyrics by Yojiro Noda that affirm fate and express love for family—like “Oton to Okan” (Dad and Mom)—are surely etched deeply into the hearts of many who spent their youth with this music.
It’s a number that creates moving, unifying moments across entire venues at live shows, so give it a listen on a night when you want to forget the bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in music.
viviYonezu Kenshi
This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, the singer-songwriter known for Peace Sign and Eine Kleine.
It’s included on his 2012 album diorama.
I recommend listening while watching the story-style music video.
The more you delve into the lyrics, the more moving it becomes.
Bye, my friendbokula.
This is a gem of a song from bokula., a rock band based in Hiroshima, filled with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.
The lyrics, which remind us that the time and memories spent with friends—things we took for granted—are never wasted, resonate deeply alongside Ei’s straightforward vocals.
Included on the mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the track has won fervent support especially among junior and senior high school students, and has become beloved by many listeners, surpassing a total of 8.5 million streams.
It’s the perfect song for those moments when you’re facing the sadness of going your separate ways but want to reaffirm an unchanging bond.
Why not send this track to your cherished friends as a token of gratitude at the milestone of graduation?
one’s true feelingssumika
A song by sumika that directly expresses a universal inner conflict—“Maybe I should give up, but I really don’t want to!”—that everyone has felt at least once.
It was written as the official support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
The dramatic arrangement woven by piano and band is striking, building from a quiet, introspective verse into a chorus where resolve crystallizes, stirring the heart.
More than just a typical cheer-up anthem, its appeal lies in portraying the determination to move forward only after first acknowledging one’s own weaknesses.
It’s perfect for high school students standing at the milestone of graduation, about to take a new step, reminding them of the immense importance of friends who strive alongside them.
The kid who always gets comparedTsuyu
A song by Tsuyu that empathizes with the pain of being compared to others.
Many of us have been hurt by being measured against someone else.
This work portrays, head-on, the feelings of inferiority and inner conflict from the perspective of the one being compared.
Rei’s clear, translucent vocals and Pusu’s band sound—blending rock and pop—resonate deeply.
The lyrics lay bare the protagonist’s earnest emotions as they are continually compared by those around them, and their determination to keep going even while blaming themselves is truly moving.
The track was included on the February 2020 album “Yappari Ame wa Furun da ne,” and a remixed version was later released.
It was also featured in Konami’s music game SOUND VOLTEX, earning love from a wide audience.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling unsure of yourself or hurt by comparisons.
It will surely whisper, “I understand,” and stay by your side.
Happy Endingback number
The harmony of strings and vocals really hits home.
It’s a song by back number, a three-piece rock band from Gunma Prefecture.
Released in 2016 as their 16th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” and became a hot topic.
The diary-like lyrics are heartbreaking…
himawariMr.Children
This song was written as the theme for the film “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas.” It was released in 2017 as Mr.Children’s 37th single.
You can feel the overflowing emotions in the passionate vocals and sound.
It’s a work I highly recommend enjoying together with the film.