[2026] Show off your vocal prowess! A roundup of recommended songs for the culture festival karaoke contest

-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)NEW!Ofisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Rashisa [Official Video]

This track, with its exhilarating, fast-paced sound that sets your heart ablaze, is a passionate number that sings of the struggle of self-reflection and the indomitable will to push forward while resisting in the midst of competition.

Released by Official HIGE DANDism in August 2025, it was written as the theme song for the theatrical anime “Hyaku-emu.” With a tempo around BPM 165—among the most up-tempo in HIGEDAN’s catalog—if you can nail the crystal-clear high tones characteristic of vocalist Satoshi Fujihara and the relentless melodic lines perfectly at karaoke, you’re sure to win thunderous applause.

If you’re confident in your powerful vocals and tight sense of rhythm, definitely try this song on your school festival stage.

IRIS OUTNEW!Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – IRIS OUT

A brand-new song by hugely popular singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu that’s drawing buzz as the theme for the feature film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.

There’s an anecdote that it was created while gazing at the manga pages of Reze, a character from the original work, and its appeal lies in how closely it aligns with the story’s worldview.

It premiered at an event held in Los Angeles in July 2025, and in the film’s trailer, the powerful rhythm that underscores the intense battle scenes leaves a strong impression.

The song’s sense of speed and dramatic structure make it perfect for energizing the crowd at cultural festivals or school karaoke contests.

It’s a must-try for anyone who wants to deliver an impressive performance of an up-tempo rock sound or an anime tie-in track.

Become a flowerNEW!Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Become a Flower” Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Be a Flower

“Hana ni Natte,” sung by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, a four-piece rock band from Aichi Prefecture.

Released as a single in December 2023, it was written specifically as the opening theme for the popular anime The Apothecary Diaries.

It became a major hit, peaking at No.

8 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

Its thrilling band sound interweaves exquisitely with arrangements rich in exotic flair, resulting in a track that exudes a sweet, intoxicating poison.

The up-tempo melody sharply delineates the contours of emotion; while it’s challenging to sing, the sense of accomplishment when you nail it is exceptional.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to fully showcase their vocal prowess at a school festival karaoke contest.

Sing it coolly and steal the spotlight from the entire venue!

chantNEW!Ado

"Spell" by Ado

Singer Ado, who has gained popularity for her overwhelming vocal ability and expressive power.

This work is a tie-in song serving as the theme for “Zombie de Dance” at Universal Studios Japan’s event “Halloween Horror Nights.” Released in September 2023, it features a danceable sound incorporating elements of electro swing.

Its themes are confidence in self-expression and the resolve to stand on stage, vividly portraying the protagonist’s passion.

Because it demands complex wording, rapid rhythms, and swift changes in vocal tone, performing it well requires considerable technique.

If a vocalist with commanding projection and a strong sense of rhythm sings it, it will surely energize any school festival—so definitely give it a try.

SPECIALZNEW!King Gnu

King Gnu – SPECIALZ

SPECIALZ by King Gnu, released as a CD single in September 2023.

Written specifically as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, the Shibuya Incident arc, the song brilliantly distills the story’s madness and the feverish energy of its runaway ensemble drama into music.

Within a hybrid sound where funk-like grooves and electronic tones intersect, the interplay between Daiki Tsuneta’s edgy vocals and Satoru Iguchi’s sultry, wide-ranging voice is irresistible.

Boasting overwhelming popularity—such as surpassing 400 million cumulative streams on the Oricon Weekly Streaming ranking—this track is highly recommended for those who want to showcase their vocal prowess at a school festival karaoke and send the venue’s energy to its peak.

Starting OverNEW!sumika

sumika / Starting Over [Music Video] - TV Anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky” Opening Theme

A song used as the opening theme for the anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky.” Released in June 2023 as sumika’s 14th single, the track portrays the courage to take a step into an unknown story and the act of moving forward together while sharing uncertainties.

It carries a message that by valuing your own feelings and not letting go of them, you can move ahead, and it’s distinguished by its exhilarating melody.

It’s a perfect song to sing in situations where you want to get hyped with friends—like a karaoke contest at a school festival.

Raise the energy of the venue with powerful vocals!

Blooming in the mudNEW!Uorupisukātā

Wolpis Carter MV 'Blooming in the Mud'

A singer who wields high notes as a weapon, Wolpis Carter released this track on the December 2018 album “We Will Continue to Bring This Program to You, Sponsored by Wolpis Company.” Written and composed by Tsubasa Harihara, a creator well known in the Vocaloid scene, it’s a masterpiece whose worldview captures an earnest desire to rise even from the mud—an ideal canvas for his expressive power.

Building emotional weight in the upper register, this song is perfect for anyone who wants to showcase their proud vocal skills in front of a crowd.

Deliver it with a stunning high-tone voice and a gripping sense of urgency, and you’re sure to overwhelm the audience at a school festival.

Highly recommended for singers who want to pour their emotions into every line.