[2026] For cherished memories: A roundup of hype cheer songs for cultural and school festivals
At school festivals, there are exhibits, food stalls, various events, and stage performances, right?
At some schools, they even choose a theme song each year to make the festival even more exciting.
Do you ever find it hard to decide which songs to pick for the different moments?
In this article, we’ll spotlight cheer songs that fit perfectly with school festivals.
While many people associate them with sports, there are also songs that cheer you on in life and tracks that capture that perfect youthful vibe for a school festival—so use this as a reference!
- [Uplifting Songs] A curated selection of popular and latest tracks to energize your school cultural festivals!
- Youthful songs recommended as theme songs and openings for cultural and school festivals
- [For School Culture Festivals] A Selection of Hype Dance Tracks [2026]
- An uplifting, moving song to liven up the school festival—one that will be etched into your memories.
- Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival
- Songs that hype you up just by listening—recommended tracks from timeless classics to the latest releases
- Popular band songs that hype up cultural and school festivals & recommended latest hit songs
- Dance/popular songs ranking for the school cultural festival
- Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you to do your best on entrance exams and club activities when you listen to them.
- Fun and exciting! Dance songs that hype up cultural and school festivals [2026]
- [2026] Friendship Songs to Hype Up Your School’s Cultural Festival
- [2026] Curated J-POP to Energize Sports Days and Athletic Festivals! Also Great as Entrance Music
- [Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer anthems and recommended parody-song picks [2026]
[2026] For your precious memories: A roundup of hype cheer songs for school culture festivals (141–150)
GUTS!arashi
Even after going on hiatus in 2020, Arashi remain as popular and talked-about as ever.
Their song “GUTS!” is a 2014 single that also became a hit as the theme song for a drama starring member Kazunari Ninomiya.
With the word “youth” popping up here and there in the lyrics, it’s sure to be a number that amps up the mood as BGM for school festivals and cultural festivals.
It’s a very positive, danceable track, and I highly recommend it as a dance song for performances at cultural festivals—guaranteed to get the crowd going!
DREAMERIkuta Rira
A gently embracing song that captures the feelings of young people chasing their dreams was released by Lila Ikuta in March 2025.
This work conveys a strong will to stay true to a passion for music while facing one’s inner self and overcoming anxieties and conflicts about the future.
The lyrics, filled with Ikuta’s authentic feelings, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in three formats as a track on the single CD Hyakka Ryoran, it gained attention as an insert song in the drama Paripi Komei.
It’s a perfect cheer song for friends striving toward their dreams on culture festival and school festival stages, and a reliable companion when you want to rally yourself.
One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu
This is a new cheer song by Atarashii Gakko! that stresses the importance of coming together as one, delivered with a powerful message.
It gives a push to those looking ahead and moving forward, while conveying the importance of keeping your smile even amid worries.
The music video, filmed with about 300 fan club members, unfolds in a gymnasium with a breathtaking performance amid a flurry of confetti.
Released in March 2025, the track is also featured in a new Bourbon commercial, showcasing a new side of the group who have built a unique world with their albums “Ma-Ningen” and “Wakage Gaitaru.” It’s perfect not only as a theme song for school and cultural festivals, but also as an uplifting anthem for anyone starting a new chapter in life.
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki
Singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara has captivated many music fans, delivering songs filled with wonderful messages.
His gentle, warm voice and lyrics that nestle close to listeners’ hearts are truly appealing.
Among his works, this song is especially popular as a cheer-up anthem.
It was used as the theme song for the film No Abnormalities in the Employment Front, but originally, Makihara wrote it to cheer himself on while waiting for the results of his university entrance exams.
No wonder it feels like such a heartfelt encouragement that resonates so deeply.
Break the glass!Keyakizaka46
A legend that came too soon—Keyakizaka46’s truly god-tier song.
The Keyakizaka name may be gone, but it’s still talked about as “Center Yurina Hirate is eternal.” Among fans, the song most widely regarded as when Hirate shone the brightest is Glass wo Ware! (Break the Glass!).
Its lyrics—“Be free! Shed the you of yesterday!”—burst with energy perfect for youth.
Great as a main theme for a school festival, or for everyone to perform a full cover together.
I’m sure teachers will embrace the energy of the younger generation too! Be sure to check out the music video as well, where Hirate, in a red leather jacket surrounded by a squad in black leather, is absolutely electrifying.
Yo, you there, kid.Takehara Pisutoru
Many people likely first heard this song on TV as the theme for a Sumitomo Life commercial.
The chorus used in the ad is extremely catchy and easy on the ears, and its seemingly contradictory lyrics at first listen became a talking point.
Those striking lyrics carry the message: “It’s okay to do your best in your own way!!,” which encouraged many listeners.
It’s a perfect cheer song for school and cultural festivals too—full of reckless energy and youthful spirit.
Positive screamKanjani∞
This is a song by Kanjani Eight that portrays a high-energy vibe, as if declaring that life is a festival.
It was also used as the theme song for an “Oronamin C” commercial featuring the members of Kanjani Eight, giving it a strong sense of freshness and brightness.
While encouraging us through everyday failures, it wholeheartedly cheers us on to live life positively.
The choreography by Lucky Ikeda is also distinctive, packing in many elements that stir up a fun, uplifting feeling.
