Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

Perfect picks for a school festival karaoke contest! A curated selection of timeless songs to showcase your vocal skills.

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Among all the events at a school festival, the karaoke contest might be the one that gets everyone most excited.

Since we rarely get the chance to sing in front of a big crowd, it’s the perfect opportunity for those confident in their vocals to show off their singing skills.

In this article, we’ve put together a selection of songs that are perfect for performing at school festivals and campus karaoke competitions.

From high-difficulty picks recommended for powerhouse singers to crowd-pleasing hits guaranteed to hype up the venue, we’ve chosen a wide range.

Please select based on your vocal range, personality, and the image of the event.

We hope your stage becomes a wonderful, unforgettable memory.

Recommended for school festival karaoke contests! A carefully selected list of classic songs to showcase your vocal skills (11–20)

peace signYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

peace signYonezu Kenshi

A song with a striking sense of speed in its guitar sound and a powerful melody, chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime My Hero Academia.

In the lyrics woven by Kenshi Yonezu, the feelings of a protagonist who strives to move forward despite carrying weakness, and the determination to become stronger to bring smiles to cherished people, are embedded.

Released in June 2017, the track reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking and was certified Triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

With soaring high vocals and smooth phrasing that captivate listeners, this song can create a dazzling stage at a school festival karaoke contest for anyone with strong vocal ability.

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WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro

Kobukuro – WINDING ROAD (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro

A gem of a collaboration in which Ayaka and Kobukuro’s soulful vocals resonate together, blending tender compassion with powerful strength.

Using a “winding road” as a metaphor for life’s journey, it delivers a heartwarming message about the importance of continuing to walk forward, trusting in the hope and light that lie ahead.

Released as a single in February 2007, it became widely known as the commercial song for Nissan’s Cube and was a major hit, debuting at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Performed by a mixed chorus, its grand melody and heartfelt lyrics are sure to fill an entire school festival venue with emotion.

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A Little Love SongMONGOL800

MONGOL800 / A Small Love Song

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

This is a signature song by the Japanese three-piece rock band MONGOL800.

With its simple arrangement that’s easy even for beginners to tackle and vocals in a low key that are comfortable for male singers, it’s a familiar tune for students and is often performed by bands at school and cultural festivals.

The dramatic lyrics that color memories of those festivals are wonderful, too.

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Murakami Shinpei

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I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo

Atarayo - Forgetting You, the Quiet One in October (Music Video)

I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo

For those who want to enliven their school or cultural festival with a poignant medium-tempo ballad that resonates with their generation, “I’ll Forget Your Silence in October” is recommended.

It’s a song released in 2021 by the rock band Atarayo, whose popularity surged thanks to a viral hit on TikTok.

The song is themed around heartbreak, so many students will likely relate to it.

It’s perfect not only for performing at karaoke but also for band performances.

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The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell

The Story You Don't Know ☆ Supercell

The Story You Don't Knowsupercell

A perfect song for bands with members who can play piano or keyboard.

Chosen as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari, it remains highly popular in the anime music scene.

The lyrics depict a delicate love story and youthful days, and the refreshing sound makes it ideal for school and cultural festivals.

Above all, the song’s biggest charm is its catchy melody line.

Have a confident vocalist sing it and get the crowd fired up!

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Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it's embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

It’s a message song that feels like youth itself turned into music, resonating deeply with the heart.

It’s a track by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, released in July 2024.

Chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s drama “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita: Summer Vacation 2024.” Haruko Nagaya’s transparent, clear vocals beautifully capture the complex emotions of adolescence.

Because our time is finite, this work teaches us the importance of living fully in the present.

Highly recommended as a song to accompany time spent with friends at events like school festivals and culture festivals.

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Perfect for school festival karaoke contests! A handpicked selection of classic songs to showcase your vocal skills (21–30)

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu’s masterpiece “KICK BACK.” Used as the opening theme for the popular anime Chainsaw Man, it became a massive hit from its release in November 2022 through the first half of 2023.

The music video scenes synced to the track have drawn attention across many social media platforms as MAD edits.

One of the song’s big appeals is the shout right before the chorus! If you’re not confident with shouting, don’t force your voice; instead, adjust the key so that the highest note you can sing in your chest voice lands right before the chorus.

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