[Uplifting Songs] A curated selection of popular and latest tracks to energize your school cultural festivals!

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

A cheering song that stays close to the days of youth and gently wraps the bonds among friends! This is a track by sumika, released in January 2021 as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

With a refreshing touch, it portrays young people who, even while carrying setbacks and regrets, encourage one another and strive forward together.

Included on the album “AMUSIC” and featured in a TV commercial for Aisin Corporation, this song warmly supports not only students devoted to sports, but everyone who throws themselves wholeheartedly into something—be it a school festival, a club activity, or any passionate pursuit.

Friendswacci

wacci 'Friends' Short Ver.

With its poppy, cute guitar riff and refreshing vocals, this song is perfect for culture festivals and school festivals that color your youth! As the title suggests, this 2020 release from wacci conveys a message about friendship and companionship.

From that angle, too, it’s a highly recommended pick for school events.

While there are parts like the guitar riff and drum phrases that you’ll want to practice carefully, definitely try covering it with your band.

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Hane Keisuke

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Helloyama × bocchiboromaru

yama × Bocchi Boromaru “Hello” MV (TV anime “Pokémon” opening theme)

A heartwarming collaborative piece by yama and Bocchi Boromaru, brimming with positive energy as a rousing anthem.

It carries a message that awakens hope for the future and a spirit of adventure, with a simple yet powerful melody that resonates deeply.

The song is approachable for a wide audience and was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon starting in October 2023.

In December 2023, it was released on CD in two formats: a standard edition and a limited-time production edition.

As a positive track that makes you want to sing along with someone, it’s perfect for cheering at sports days and athletic festivals.

Raise your voices together with friends under the blue sky, and it will surely become a wonderful memory.

Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala

Yosugala – Kono Yubi Tomare

This song by yosugala delivers a powerful message centered on encouragement and compassion for those facing hardship.

It reaches out to anyone feeling defeat or loneliness, expressing—through an emotional melody—the importance of extending a hand and continuing to believe in their inner light.

Created by members of the band AliA, the piece premiered at the hall concert “progress the night -LINE CUBE SHIBUYA-” held in February 2025 and was released in March of the same year.

As a heartwarming anthem that supports friends practicing for school festivals and cultural events, and companions walking together toward their goals, it is sure to resonate with many people.

Youth Lineikimonogakari

Youthful Line♪ Ikimonogakari YOKOHAMA STADIUM 2011

Starting in 2021, Ikimono-gakari began activities under a new structure and has been attracting attention through each member’s individual endeavors as well.

Their sixth single, “Seishun Line,” released as a double A-side with “Natsuzora Graffiti,” was used as the opening theme for the anime Big Windup! The lyrics, packed with encouragement for those giving it their all, are perfect for a festival celebrating students sprinting through their youth with everything they’ve got.

With its refreshing melody and beat, this pop, high-energy tune adds vibrant color to any event.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Dream Deliverynaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi “Yume Watashi” ~from Naniwa Danshi First Arena Tour 2021 #NaniwaDanshiShikaKatan~

The song chosen as the cheer anthem for the 2021 National High School Baseball Championship was Naniwa Danshi’s “Yume Watashi.” The lyrics, which sing about friends and teammates who share the same dream and have worked hard together, are particularly striking.

It was included on their first single, “Ubu LOVE,” released in 2021, and reached No.

1 on both the Oricon and Billboard charts.

You’ll probably be creating all kinds of things for your cultural or school festival.

If you use “Yume Watashi” as the BGM during that time, it’s sure to boost everyone’s motivation and bring you all together!

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Hamada Takuya

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Friends Friends FriendsMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Friends Friends Friends

A warm, heartwarming song themed around eternal friendship.

Momoiro Clover Z delicately conveys encounters and farewells, and the importance of irreplaceable bonds with their nuanced vocals.

The melody gently embraces feelings not only of friendship, but also for that special someone you think of—be it a lover or family.

Included on the album “Hydra,” this work is an anniversary song released in May 2024 to commemorate the group’s 15th anniversary.

It’s a song provided by singer-songwriter Ryujin Kiyoshi, his first contribution in about eight years, beautifully expressing his distinctive worldview.

Recommended as a finale-ending song for school and cultural festivals, and as a memorable track shared with friends and companions.