Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

[Culture and School Festival Songs] A curated selection of popular and hit songs to brighten up your venues and events!

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 the many events in school life, the culture festival is one of the most memorable!

At culture festivals, there are countless moments where music plays a crucial role—whether it’s background music at the venue, songs for band performances, or tracks for dance numbers.

In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are guaranteed to hype up the culture festival, aimed at those running the event as committee members and those performing on stage.

With these picks, your festival production is sure to shine!

If you’re in the middle of choosing songs, be sure to use this as a reference.

[Culture Festival & School Festival Songs] Carefully Selected Popular and Hit Songs to Brighten Venues and Events! (91–100)

Rebootmiwa

miwa “Reboot” Music Video

Rebootmiwa

There are many people looking for cool songs with female vocals, right? For you, I recommend miwa’s “Reboot.” This song was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Nagi’s Long Vacation,” so it’s popular across a wide range of age groups.

At a school festival where not only junior high and high school students but also kids and adults gather, a TV drama theme song like this would be a perfect choice.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

ColumbusMrs. GREEN APPLE

Columbus

ColumbusMrs. GREEN APPLE

A vividly colorful new track has been released by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, known for their upbeat messages and pop sound.

This work features a unique theme centered on human history and evolution, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Released in June 2024, it has drawn attention as a tie-in song for a Coca-Cola campaign.

It’s a must-listen not only for Mrs.

GREEN APPLE fans but also for anyone interested in history or human evolution.

With its bright, catchy melody line, it’s sure to energize any venue as background music for school festivals and cultural events.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Low Blood Boltzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni. “Low-Blood Bolt” MV (ZUTOMAYO – FASTENING)

Low Blood Boltzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

For band members who want to energize the venue with a stylish, sophisticated song, this is a must-hear.

It’s a track by the music unit Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni, whose online presence has drawn attention and support, included on their 2020 mini-album “Hogaraka na Hifu Tote Fufuku” (“Even a Cheerful Skin Is Dissatisfied”).

Its clearly defined shifts between calm and intense keep it from ever getting dull.

While it features many technical phrases that make it challenging to cover, that’s exactly why nailing it perfectly is sure to ignite excitement.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

“R.Y.U.S.E.I.” by Sandaime J Soul Brothers is one of the songs I’d love you to pick for a dance number.

It’s one of their signature tracks, having won the 56th Japan Record Award and been performed twice on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The dance featured during the instrumental break drew huge attention, and the music video posted on YouTube has surpassed 150 million views.

The move that so many people copied is one of the fundamental steps in hip-hop dance called the “Running Man,” so be sure to master it and show it off at the school festival!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

room for growthCreepy Nuts

[MV] Creepy Nuts – Nobishiro (Room to Grow)

room for growthCreepy Nuts

A track by Creepy Nuts, the hip-hop duo featuring Japan’s top rapper and the world’s top DJ, who are active not only in music but also on variety shows.

Included on their second album “Case,” this song was featured in a KDDI “povo” commercial.

Its uniquely airy vibe and lyrics overturn the common image of hip-hop as a bit intimidating, making it a perfect fit for events led by students brimming with potential.

With its laid-back melody that adds flair to school culture festivals, it’s a recommended hip-hop number for background music.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

summer festivalWhiteberry

Summer Festival – Whiteberry (Full)

summer festivalWhiteberry

Speaking of school festivals, you think of festivals; speaking of festivals, you think of summer; and when it comes to summer festivals, it has to be Whiteberry’s “Natsu Matsuri.” The song “Natsu Matsuri” was originally released by JITTERIN’JINN in 1990 and was covered by Whiteberry in 2000.

Performed by the then-high-school-aged members with a fresh charm, this track is a perfect fit for any school festival! If your band plays it, the stage and audience will become one—everyone will be pumped up and the excitement will undoubtedly reach its peak!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Friendswacci

wacci 'Friends' Short Ver.

Friendswacci

A song by the band wacci that’s been making big waves on social media and across the internet.

It opens with a poppy, cute-sounding guitar riff, and the refreshing vocals give it a perfect vibe for school festivals and culture festivals that color youth.

What’s more, as the title suggests, the lyrics carry a message about friendship and camaraderie.

For these reasons too, it’s a highly recommended pick for culture and school festivals.

While there are parts you’ll want to practice thoroughly—like the guitar riff and drum phrases—definitely try covering it with your band.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem