[2026] Friendship Songs to Hype Up Your School’s Cultural Festival

HumanWANIMA

WANIMA “Human” Official Music Video

Cultural festivals and school festivals are where you etch a page of your youth during your student days.

And what you can’t do without is a moving, unforgettable song! WANIMA’s music portrays mistakes, challenges, and the people who face them head-on, resonating deeply with listeners.

They sing about the journey of searching for a place to belong and the meaning of life, practically speaking on behalf of students’ feelings.

This song was released as a digital-only single in October 2017 and was used as the theme song for the drama “Detective Yugami.” With WANIMA’s signature bright and powerful sound, it’s sure to hype up your cultural festival! Link arms with the friends who worked hard with you on the project and listen together—it’ll become the best memory.

Now, let’s enjoy it to the fullest and make it the greatest cultural festival ever!

AdventureYOASOBI

YOASOBI "Adventure" Official Music Video

Brimming with the radiance of youth, this song by YOASOBI was written as the theme for Universal Studios Japan’s limited-time “Uni Spring” campaign.

It was released digitally in February 2023 and received its first live performance in the park that March.

Characterized by a melody that feels like bright sunshine and lyrics that set the heart dancing, the song celebrates the courage to step beyond everyday life and the joy of new discoveries.

It’s a perfect cheer song for cultural and school festivals, too—sing it together and it will surely deepen the bonds among friends.

Why not fully immerse yourself in YOASOBI’s world, a companion to creating wonderful memories of your school days?

Philosophy[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Philosophy (MV)

When days full of failures keep piling up, it’s easy to feel disheartened, isn’t it? This is a Dros (Alexandros) track that portrays that struggle yet strives to move forward with strength.

It embraces everything—both the negatives and the positives.

Their performance at the “18-sai Matsuri,” a festival created by and for the 18-year-old generation, was especially memorable, and the documentary was incredibly moving as well.

The collaborative spirit is a perfect fit for school and cultural festivals.

Get everyone involved—not just your friends and teammates—and have fun together! Wishing you a wonderful festival.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo

Dokimeki Diary – asmi feat. Chinozo (Official Music Video)

Like weaving together precious memories, this song is filled with uplifting messages brimming with hope and anticipation.

asmi’s clear, transparent vocals and Chinozo’s refined compositional sense blend beautifully, creating a pleasant sense of elation.

Portraying the courage and determination to take a new step forward while overcoming the anxieties and confusion of a journey of self-discovery, the track has been beloved as the opening theme for the Pokémon TV anime since April 2023.

It also received its first full-size performance during the special program “Anime Pokémon Music Festival,” broadcast on the TV Tokyo network on March 31.

It’s a powerful cheer song that gives you a supportive push at moments of new challenges—such as before events at sports days or athletic 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.

YELLikimonogakari

YELL – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

A powerful ally in tough times! Ikimono-gakari’s uplifting cheer song will turn your school festival into an unforgettable memory.

It’s a warm track that gently stays by your side through days swaying between anxiety and excitement about a shining future.

The lyrics overflow with the determination of working toward goals with friends, and the moving emotions of setting out on a new journey at graduation.

Even 13 years after its 2009 release, it’s still performed at many school events and was chosen as an NHK School Choir Contest (N-Con) required piece—a long-selling number.

Kiyoe’s clear, soaring vocals also cast light on a moment of youth.

It’s a classic that gives you the courage to take a step toward something new.

Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

It’s a song that stirs the heart in the season when cherry blossoms flutter down.

It weaves together memories and regrets from school days, friendship and romance, and hope for the future.

Mafumafu’s delicate lyrics and melody beautifully capture the transience and beauty of youth.

The track was released in April 2019 and was also included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” which came out in October of the same year.

It was used as an image song for Shonen Janmaga Gakuen as well.

It’s the perfect song to listen to in spring or during graduation season, ideal for anyone feeling nostalgic about their youth.