An uplifting, moving song to liven up the school festival—one that will be etched into your memories.
Music is essential for boosting the atmosphere at school festivals! Not only does it work perfectly as background music to energize stages and booths, but it also adds sparkle to band performances, choirs, and dance acts.
In this article, we’ll introduce our top recommended inspirational songs for cultural and school festivals.
Heart-stirring tracks that evoke memories with your friends will make this once-a-year celebration shine even brighter.
May you create wonderful memories with the best music!
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Heart-stirring songs that fire up school festivals: moving tracks that will be etched in your memories (91–100)
Beyond the Night SkySMAP
This is the single released in 1998 by SMAP, the famed Japanese male idol group.
It’s a timeless classic that continues to be covered and cherished by many artists today, including self-covers by lyricist Shikao Suga and composer Yuka Kawamura.
Coincidentally, both Suga and Kawamura wrote the song while recalling moments when they spoke with an ex—about the future and other things.
Perhaps that’s why the fleetingness and beauty of youth overlap with a glittering night sky, and why each listen gently sinks into the heart, stirring memories.
Try EverythingDream Ami
This is a song that became popular as the Japanese theme song for Disney’s movie Zootopia.
It’s an uplifting, encouraging, and moving track, and its cute arrangement—so characteristic of Dream Ami—is also appealing, making it a recommended emotional song for school festivals.
Goodbye, see you again in the next life.Innā Jānī
“Goodbye, See You in the Next Life” is a buoyant, hope-filled track that sets themes of parting and reunion to a lively melody.
Its lyrics, rich with deep love and bonds, portray the strength to endure farewells in this life and believe in meeting again in the next.
Featured on the EP “Scent of the Wind,” the song has resonated widely, especially with younger listeners.
Performed on a school festival stage, it would surely fill the venue with a moving atmosphere.
It’s the kind of song that brings back countless memories and helps friends reaffirm their ties.
Perfect for life’s turning points, it’s an anthem that gives you the courage to face forward and take the next step.
lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyGReeeeN
“Hirari” is a song that showcases GReeeeN’s warmth and kindness, featuring an uplifting, lighthearted melody.
The lyrics depict someone who keeps challenging themselves toward their goals while facing their own inner self.
Released as a digital single on November 3, 2023, it was selected as the official theme song for the 55th All Japan University Ekiden.
With its encouraging message and brisk melody, it’s quintessentially GReeeeN—stirring the emotions while also carrying a moving, inspirational quality.
The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster’s “Sekai wa Anata ni Waraikaketeiru” is a perfect song for school or cultural festivals, with its sparkling melody and uplifting lyrics.
It fills the whole venue with a bright mood.
With its strong message, this track works great not only for group performances but also as a theme song.
It’s sure to help create a wonderful, unforgettable day.
FRIENDS!!!imase
This is a heartwarming song that gently celebrates the beauty and importance of friendship.
It carefully portrays the bond with close friends who understand each other the moment they meet, the awkwardness of reconnecting after a long time, and the feelings toward a tie that never changes.
Featuring a groovy rhythm and light, breezy vocals, this piece was specially written by imase for “Everyone’s Concert,” a collaboration project between the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation.
Released in February 2025, it was accompanied by a special video featuring over 100 performers.
It’s the perfect track to color those irreplaceable moments spent with cherished friends—whether as BGM for club activities and cultural festival prep, or as a message song dedicated to your friends.
futureKobukuro
A heartwarming ballad dedicated to those who live life with all their might.
This gem of a song layers gentle compassion for others with wishes for the future.
Released in December 2015, it was written as the theme song for the film “orange” and was later used as a tie-in track for the anime series as well.
With Kobukuro’s signature powerful harmonies and a melody line that resonates deeply, this piece leaves a lasting impression.
Performed on a school festival stage, it will tenderly color the bonds with dear friends and the memories of student days.