Heartwarming songs recommended for high school students
Music that gives you goosebumps—encountering such a cool track doesn’t happen very often, does it?
When was the last time you were moved by music?
Of course, everyone has different tastes, but this time we researched touching Japanese songs that are popular among high school students.
Please take a look.
- Moving songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
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- A roundup of youth-themed songs recommended for high school students
- [A must-listen for high school students!!] A roundup of standout tracks from trending artists
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Songs that junior high school students like. Classic and popular Japanese hits.
- [120% Empathy] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement]
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Recommended love songs for high school students! A handpicked selection of heart-throbbing romance tunes.
- Uplifting songs recommended for high school students
- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
Moving songs recommended for high school students (1–10)
mental imagekoron
This ballad, released in November 2025 by Colon, a member of Strawberry Prince (SutoPuri), was written and composed by Chouchou-P.
It delicately portrays the preciousness of cherishing someone dear.
The clear vocals meld beautifully into the spacious resonance of piano and strings, creating a wonderfully soothing sound.
Capturing in music the moments where memory and imagination intersect—when feelings for someone appear in the mind like vivid images—this song is perfect for times when you want to face your own emotions.
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.
Live, brilliantlyikimonogakari
This is a new song written by Ikimonogakari as the opening theme for the sixth season of the anime Kingdom.
It will be released digitally in October 2025, followed by a CD single in December.
The expansive sound arrangement, which complements the grand worldview of the anime set in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and the lyrics that celebrate living earnestly, are deeply moving.
When you want to charge toward your dreams and goals, this song is sure to give you strength.
Moving songs recommended for high school students (11–20)
LemonYonezu Kenshi
At first, they were composing along the lines of “a song that gently embraces the wounded,” but during that time they experienced the death of a loved one.
Their concept of death fell apart, and it became a lament: “I’m sad that you died.” It’s a song that depicts “a powerful shock and the faint memories that linger.”
TO-GET-HERSALU
It’s a song that powerfully conveys a single-minded devotion to a loved one and a deep desire to stay by their side forever.
Created by SALU, an artist who delivers a wide range of music grounded in hip-hop, it was released in May 2021 as the conclusion to a trilogy.
The lyrics express the message that a selfless willingness to do everything for the other person is what truly means “being together.” Its warm affection is truly moving.
It’s a track that stays close to you in those moments when your heart is filled to the brim with tenderness.
YELLikimonogakari
An emotionally moving number by Ikimono-gakari, cherished as a staple graduation song.
Its lyrics don’t treat parting as something merely sad, but as a new beginning toward each person’s dreams—words that are sure to bring tears to your eyes.
Even while burdened by anxiety and inner conflict about the future—like having wings but being unable to fly—the image of confronting one’s own weakness and moving forward into tomorrow stirs everyone’s heart.
Released in September 2009 as a double A-side single alongside the bright, poppy “Joyful,” the song was also selected as a required piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
Though gentle in tone, this powerful track resonates deeply, encouraging those taking a new step forward with the bonds of their friends in their hearts.
I love youback number
Back number is a three-piece rock band that enjoys overwhelming support for their vividly descriptive lyrics.
This song is a warm number that reminds us that the most precious treasures are found in ordinary, everyday scenes.
From simple images like fallen leaves in a park or a bakery by the station, the lyrics convey a clumsy yet earnest desire to make a loved one happy—something that truly hits home.
Many listeners will likely be moved by its gentle worldview.
Released in October 2022, the song is also included on the album “Humor” and was selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Maiagare!” Why not listen to it during a quiet moment—like on your way to school—while thinking of someone special?