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

Savoring youthNEW!Ikuta Rira feat. ano

Lilas Ikuta feat. ano “Seishun Ouka” Official Music Video

Even the most boring everyday life can turn into irreplaceable memories when you’re with friends.

This pop song evokes that warm sense of camaraderie.

Performed by Rira Ikuta and ano, it was released around March 2024 and chosen as the theme song for the latter chapter of the animated film “Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction.” Rira Ikuta’s crystal-clear vocals blend with ano’s sharply outlined, emotionally resonant voice to create an exquisite contrast.

It’s the perfect track to listen to side by side with friends when you’re tired from prepping for a school festival, or on days when things just aren’t going right.

The ordinary moments you spend together will surely feel even more precious.

Blue NoteNEW!M!LK

M!LK – Aono Oto (Official Music Video)

A track brimming with the fresh vibe of summer and the exhilaration of racing ahead with your friends! Its positive theme—that you can feel “seishun” (youth) again and again depending on your mindset—makes it perfect for cultural and school festivals where everyone moves toward a single goal, don’t you think? Released as a single in July 2025, it also made waves as the tie-in song for the body care brand Sea Breeze’s commercial featuring M!LK member Hayato Sano.

It became a major hit, selling over 180,000 copies in the same month.

The exhilarating melody of classic pop and the rich, layered choruses are perfect for shouting and jumping together.

Highly recommended for creating the best shared memories on dance or band performance stages!

The calling voiceNEW!Vaundy

Call (NHK General “Vaundy 18 Festival” Theme Song) / Vaundy: Music Video

Singer-songwriter Vaundy self-produces everything from writing, composing, and arranging to video direction, continually presenting a diverse range of pop music.

This work is a song released digitally in December 2025 as the theme for NHK General’s “Vaundy 18 Matsuri.” Created based on earnest messages gathered from the 18-year-old generation, the program featured a passionate performance alongside 1,000 young people.

While overwhelmed by the vastness of the world, it portrays the act of listening closely to one’s inner voice and stepping forward.

The deliberately challenging-to-sing melody carries a cheer for taking on challenges in earnest.

Sung as a choral piece with friends at culture festivals and school festivals, it’s sure to become an unforgettable and moving memory.

Song Not to ForgetNEW!makaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu 'Wasurena Uta' MV

While holding up the heat of youth straight and true, this number strikes a captivating balance that never overpowers you with emotion.

Hattori poured passion into writing it, embracing the fragility of time—something we don’t want to forget yet will inevitably fade.

Created by the versatile rock band Macaroni Empitsu, the song was released in April 2024 and served as the ending theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery,” closely accompanying its story.

It was later included on the album “Bokura no Namida nara Sora ni Umeyou.” Evoking a sense of camaraderie, this track is a recommended youth anthem for cultural and school festivals where the best memories are made.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This is a friendship song by WANIMA, the band that reignited the melodic hardcore boom and is now hugely popular in households across Japan.

It’s a gentle track packed with feelings for the friends who shared a precious youth together—cheering on a friend heading down a different path, gratitude for having met, and memories of the times you’ve shared.

Though the message is moving and sure to tug at your heart, the song itself is bright and catchy in true WANIMA fashion—an excellent pick that will get the crowd going when played by a band.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

It’s a song that gently embraces the brilliance and fragility of youth.

Released by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in April 2024, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery.” Riding on a refreshing melody, it sings of the desire to find beautiful moments within limited time.

While cherishing memories of the past, it gives you the courage to keep looking forward and moving on.

Listening to it together with friends working hard to prepare for a school or culture festival will surely resonate in your hearts.

Kokoro-eNEW!roodo obu mejyaa

Kokoro-e

A number packed with the raw passion of youth, its energetic sound strikes straight to the heart.

Kenichi Kitagawa of Road of Major delivers a powerful vocal that vividly paints the hope of charging toward your dreams.

Released in November 2004, this track still enjoys enduring popularity.

Beloved as the opening theme for the first season of the NHK Educational TV anime “Major,” it was later included on the album “ROAD OF MAJOR II.” Its exhilarating, fast-paced rock sound is guaranteed to ignite any crowd when performed by a band at a school culture festival.

It’s a recommended youth anthem for anyone taking on big goals with friends, perfect for creating unforgettable memories.