Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
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 for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.

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.

[2026] Show off your proud vocal skills! Recommended songs for the school festival karaoke contest (41–50)

All-Night RadioAdo

[Ado] All-Night Radio

All-Night RadioAdo

This song conveys the warm atmosphere of late-night radio.

Released digitally in October 2023 as the theme song for the live-streamed drama event “If We Could Have Met That Night,” a stage-theater program produced by Nippon Broadcasting System and NO MEATS, it fully draws out the unique charm of late-night radio through the combination of Ado’s expansive vocals and Mitchie M’s skillful lyrics and composition.

The lyrics, which depict a heartfelt connection with listeners, are also memorable.

If you perform it at a karaoke contest, we recommend singing with an emphasis on creating a sense of unity with the audience.

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[2026] Show off your proud vocal skills! Recommended songs for the school culture festival karaoke contest (51–60)

Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous feat. KAF, TsumikiMAISONdes

[239] [feat. KAF, Tsumiki] Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous / MAISONdes

Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous feat. KAF, TsumikiMAISONdes

It’s a song from the music project MAISONdes, a collaboration between Kaf and Tsumiki.

Released in October 2022, it was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Urusei Yatsura.

It expresses the feelings that sway between reality and ideals, set to an electronic sound.

Exploring complex emotions and the chaos brought by urban life, this track resonates with the sentiments of young people living today.

If you’re singing it at a school festival karaoke contest, practice to keep a steady rhythm!

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lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

How about letting yourself be swept away by a fast-paced rock number? Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “Lilac” was released in April 2024.

It became a hot topic as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery.” Its grand sound shakes the chest, while the lyrics—capturing a page of youth—grip the heart.

They portray the feeling of stacking meaningful moments within limited time.

Why not sing it at a karaoke contest and move the whole venue?

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Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

Yattemiyou

Let's give it a tryWANIMA

A powerful cheering song that blows away anxious feelings! One of WANIMA’s signature tracks, it’s been beloved as the tie-in song for au’s Santaro (Three Taro) commercial series since 2017.

The upbeat lyrics call on us to value not only what’s right but also what’s fun, and the energetic rock sound really stirs the soul.

Featured on the album “Everybody!!,” this song gives you the strength not to give up in the face of hardships and trials, and the courage to move forward toward the future with your friends.

It’s truly a perfect track for a school culture festival or campus festival built together with your peers.

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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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Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Thank youikimonogakari

This is a song by Ikimono-gakari known for its moving melody and heart-healing lyrics.

Released in 2010, it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyōbō.

Expressing gratitude in a straightforward way, it’s often used at graduation ceremonies and commemorative events.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts and won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.

It has been beloved across generations, even appearing in high school music textbooks in 2013.

Why not sing it with thoughts for your friends, family, or mentors in mind?

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spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota

Tsumugu / Tota

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota

A heart-stirring, gem-like love song where thoughts and prayers for someone precious are carried by a crystal-clear voice.

Showcasing Tota’s delicate emotional expression in perfect harmony with her translucent vocals, this work is a pure, moving ballad.

Released in February 2023, it marked her first appearance on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE as a teenage singer-songwriter, drawing attention for her overwhelming vocal ability.

It’s the perfect song for those who want to fully showcase their singing at a school festival or aim for a performance that highlights nuanced expressiveness.

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