High school students experience moving moments in various situations—graduation, friendship, romance—precisely because it’s such a sensitive and formative time.
This time, we’d like to introduce a collection of emotional songs that are especially popular among high schoolers.
From graduation songs that resonate with students’ hearts to highly relatable love songs, we’ve gathered emotional tracks from a variety of perspectives.
There are many songs that will strike a chord with today’s high school students, so we hope you’ll find a favorite or something you can relate to.
Let’s get started!
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Moving songs recommended for high school students: Japanese classics and popular tracks (1–10)
horizonback number
This song captivates with a beautifully compelling melody and heartfelt lyrics that make you want to listen.
It was released on YouTube in August 2020 and became available for streaming in August 2021.
Back number created it as a cheer song for high school students whose Inter-High competitions were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It topped the streaming charts for nine consecutive weeks and reached a total of 500 million streams in April 2024, also earning Diamond certification.
The song portrays the setbacks and challenges faced while chasing dreams and hopes, as well as the strength to overcome them, resonating especially with younger generations.
It’s a moving piece that invites listeners to reflect on memories of their youth.
We againSG
This song, with moving lyrics themed around parting and reunion, has captured the hearts of many.
Released in April 2021, it evokes the graduation season and is sure to become a special track for high school students.
It delicately portrays memories with friends and the resolve to walk separate paths, vividly expressing the emotions of farewell.
SG’s clear vocals and the piano’s tones resonate deeply, stirring the listener’s heart.
Listen to this song when you need courage to step into a new environment or when you want to remember old friends.
It’s also a popular choice among high school students approaching graduation.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
“Darling” is a song by the rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, released in January 2025.
It was written as the theme song for the NHK General TV special “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival.” Centered on themes of individuality and love, it reflects the struggles and growth of youth.
Its sound features a rich arrangement with pop-rock elements.
The song was performed on the program together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation, generating significant buzz.
It serves as an especially uplifting anthem for high school students.
Sakura, You, and Ituki.
tuki.’s music stirs the hearts of high school students.
With lyrics themed around graduation and romance, it beautifully captures the fleeting nature of youth.
Released in January 2024, this song was also used as an insert track for an ABEMA dating reality show.
On YouTube, it has surpassed 10 million views in about 11 months, resonating with many listeners.
The cherry blossom–themed lyrics are especially striking, conveying the bittersweet feeling of farewells that come with the arrival of spring.
It’s recommended for those who want to reminisce about their high school days or who are facing complex emotions before parting with someone important.
A truly moving song.
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.
Heroineback number
It’s a love song that portrays the ache of unrequited feelings.
A track by back number, it delicately captures winter scenery and the poignancy of a one-sided crush.
Released in January 2015, it was featured as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI.” Together with a commercial starring Suzu Hirose, it drew wide attention and resonated with many people.
The lyrics convey a warmth of the heart amid winter’s cold, paired with a gently soothing melody.
This piece will likely evoke empathy as a song that stands by the hearts of high school students struggling with love.
It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to in the winter season.
As a personSUPER BEAVER
It’s a song that candidly portrays human weakness and inner conflict while still singing about the strength to keep looking forward.
Included on the album “27,” released in June 2016, it was also chosen as the opening theme for a TV Tokyo drama.
SUPER BEAVER’s powerful rock sound and warm vocals brilliantly express a commitment to humanity and sincerity.
This is a track I especially want high school students struggling with friendships or romance to hear.
Even while feeling the difficulties of human relationships, it teaches the importance of continuing to trust and to love.
You can’t help but be moved by that person’s warmth.