[2026] For cherished memories: A roundup of hype cheer songs for cultural and school festivals

TouchNEW!Inaba Hiroshi

Koshi Inaba / Touch

This cover boldly reimagines the theme song of a beloved, nationally famous baseball anime with powerful rock vocals.

The original was a smash hit released in March 1985, and this new version, unveiled in March 2026, was chosen as the rally song for the 2026 World Baseball Classic streamed on Netflix.

With the overwhelming voice of Koshi Inaba—also known as the vocalist of B’z—your competitive spirit will be driven to the limit.

While preserving the original’s familiar melody, it adds a sharp, edgy sound, making it perfect as BGM for school culture festivals, sports events, or those moments when your whole class wants to get fired up.

Let the power of this timeless classic, loved across generations, ignite the energy of your youth!

GloriousNEW!BE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Glorious -Special Movie-

This is a BE:FIRST track written as the cheer song for the 102nd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Released digitally in November 2023, it was later included on the concept single “Masterplan” and the album “2:BE.” Its message affirms not only the outcome of victory or defeat, but also the journey and the frustrations along the way, resonating deeply.

It’s a ballad packed with the group’s feelings, with member LEO contributing to the lyrics and MANATO and JUNON participating in the composition.

It gently stirs the heart as you single-mindedly work together with friends toward events like school and cultural festivals.

For DecadesNEW!Little Glee Monster

『For Decades』 – Little Glee Monster

This is a song by Little Glee Monster that captivates many with its crystal-clear harmonies.

Released early for streaming in February 2025 and included as the first track on the album “Ambitious,” it was written as the support song for the Meiji Yasuda J.League’s 2025 season.

It has since continued to be used as the support song for the special 2026 season as well.

Embracing a grand theme that suggests feelings will be carried forward for decades to come, it beautifully overlaps with the scene of hearts uniting in the stadium.

Brimming with strength and positivity, it’s a perfect anthem for background music at school festivals created together with classmates or clubmates, and for choral performances on stage.

ApollodorusNEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Apollodorus” Official Lyric Video

It’s an uplifting song with a grand-scale structure that evolves from a melody where stillness and motion intersect into a sweeping orchestral climax.

Its profound message doesn’t just offer pretty words—it affirms even the traces of wounds and setbacks, powerfully stirring the hearts of listeners.

Written by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE as TV Asahi’s “2024 Sports Support Song” and released in July 2024, this masterpiece was later included in their best-of album “10.” Aimed at everyone who keeps pushing forward despite anxiety and inner conflict, it’s a perfect number for the days of uniting with classmates at cultural and school festivals to strive toward a big goal.

The BeginningNEW!ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]

ONE OK ROCK, a rock band that represents Japan and shines on the global stage.

This emotional rock tune is imbued with a strong resolve to break free from past pain and trials and move forward toward a new beginning.

It brilliantly portrays the feelings of a protagonist who keeps fighting without losing hope, even in desperate circumstances! Released as a single in August 2012, the song was written specifically as the theme for the blockbuster film Rurouni Kenshin.

Its prototype originally existed during the production of the album Zankyō Reference, and in 2013 it also won Best Film Song.

With its powerful message, this track is perfect for bringing everyone together and amping up the excitement on a culture festival stage where you’ll create cherished memories.

-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)NEW!Ofisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Rashisa [Official Video]

Rashisa by Official HIGE DANDism portrays the will to keep moving forward while resisting, embracing even one’s weaknesses and shortcomings in their entirety.

Released in August 2025, the track was written as the theme song for the feature anime “Hyakue-mu.” Its standout feature is a band sound brimming with speed, making it one of the fastest numbers in HIGE DAN’s catalog and a hot topic of discussion.

The message, tied to a self-awareness that wavers within a competitive society, makes it perfect for situations like culture festivals and school festivals where friends overcome hardships together.

With a melody where intensity and lyricism coexist, it’s a highly recommended cheer song guaranteed to get everyone fired up together.

Standing on stageNEW!YOASOBI

YOASOBI "Stand on the Stage" Official Music Video

Released as a digital-only single in July 2024, YOASOBI’s “Buta ni Tatte” (“Step Onto the Stage”) is a powerful rock number that layers the heat of sports with the emotions of those who dare to take on a challenge.

Written specifically as NHK’s Sports Theme 2024, it was featured in broadcasts related to the Paris Olympics and became a major talking point.

Its adrenaline-charged, guitar-forward sound and lyrics that look ahead despite anxiety and inner conflict are truly compelling.

The song garnered solid support, debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Single ranking the same year.

Carrying a message that stands beside not only athletes but everyone who steps onto a stage, it’s a rousing fight song that will fire up students uniting and giving their all at cultural and school festivals.