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 light up school festivals. Moving tracks that will be etched into your memories (31–40)
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
SHISHAMO is a three-piece rock band that has gained popularity with lyrics that feel true-to-life yet story-driven, paired with a powerful, no-frills rock sound.
As the closing track on their fourth album, SHISHAMO 4, “Ashita mo” was featured as the CM song for NTT Docomo’s ‘Docomo no Gakuwari’ campaign.
Its lyrics, which depict the ups and downs of everyday life, resonate perfectly with the roller-coaster ride of youth.
It’s not only great as background music for a school festival, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when performed on stage.
Dear, boyHump Back
Hump Back is a three-piece rock band that went through multiple member changes before making their major-label debut in 2018 with the current lineup.
Their first single, “Haikei, Shonen yo,” was used as the ending theme for the music program Buzz Rhythm 02.
The lyrics, which depict facing one’s dreams even as the surrounding environment changes, are likely to resonate with students who are living each day earnestly.
With its straightforward rock ensemble, it’s a powerful number that’s also ideal for live stage performances.
My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi
Ketsumeishi is a four-member music group that continues to captivate fans with melodious rap and catchy tracks.
Their 32nd single, “Tomo yo ~ Kono saki mo zutto…,” was selected as the theme song for the animated film Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World.
Its moving lyrics about friendship perfectly match the image of a school festival where bonds between friends deepen.
Featuring an ensemble centered on piano and strings, this pop tune resonates with the passionate feelings of youth.
STARTING OVERLittle Glee Monster
The music video also really conveys the members’ cheerful vibe! It’s the lead track from Little Glee Monster’s 5th album, “BRIGHT NEW WORLD.” Since it’s the theme song for the drama “Wasteful Days of High School Girls,” it makes you feel the bonds of friendship, and I think people of the same generation will especially relate to it.
The time you spend goofing around with your friends is truly irreplaceable, isn’t it? It perfectly fits the atmosphere of a school festival where everyone has fun together, and listening to it makes you feel warm and happy.
I highly recommend it not only for stage performances but also as background music for your booth or act!
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
Machigai Sagashi, produced by Kenshi Yonezu.
This collaboration between the on-a-roll Masaki Suda and Kenshi Yonezu is guaranteed to hype up the crowd.
If you’re confident in your vocal ability, it’s great to belt out solo, and it also works wonderfully with a band arrangement.
Either way, you’ll move your audience.
Since the song itself is trending, there will also be people who just want to listen.
In that case, try playing it as background music in exhibition rooms or class booths.
The song might draw customers in.
Uplifting, moving songs that light up school culture festivals. Heart‑touching tracks that will be etched in your memories (41–50)
First LoveUtada Hikaru
Although the song itself is an older track, it is still regarded as a classic, even appearing on karaoke charts today.
It’s no exaggeration to call it one of Hikaru Utada’s signature songs—a moving piece.
Its distinctive singing style has been featured on television and became a hot topic among high school girls.
Watercolor MoonHata Motohiro
Singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata’s moving piano-and-vocal ballad “Suisaï no Tsuki” (“Watercolor Moon”).
A truly touching piece, featuring gentle vocals and a warm message over a simple accompaniment.
Beautiful ballads like this can make moments at school or cultural festivals feel more dramatic—like a scene from a film or TV drama.
If you’re looking for a song to use in emotional or tearful scenes, there may be nothing more fitting than a track by Motohiro Hata!
