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] A carefully selected list of popular and hit songs that light up venues and events! (101–110)

WhateverKygo, Ava Max

Kygo, Ava Max – Whatever (Official Video)

WhateverKygo, Ava Max

A dance track created by a popular DJ from Norway teaming up with an American songstress! Released in January 2024, this pop tune sings about the strength to overcome heartbreak.

Kygo’s tropical sound blends perfectly with Ava Max’s soaring vocals.

The chorus is super catchy—you’ll find yourself humming along.

It’s making waves worldwide, even hitting No.

1 on Norway’s VG-lista chart! It’s guaranteed to hype up any school festival as background music, too.

The song is also perfect for a dance performance, so it’s highly recommended for the stage!

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IllusionMY FIRST STORY ✕ HYDE

MY FIRST STORY × HYDE – “MUGEN” (from Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”) Official Music Video

IllusionMY FIRST STORY ✕ HYDE

This collaboration between MY FIRST STORY and HYDE was chosen as the opening theme for the Hashira Training Arc of the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Its powerful vocals and energetic sound are striking, brilliantly capturing the story’s tension and the characters’ growth.

Released digitally in May 2024, the song generated major buzz among both anime and music fans.

Hiro from MY FIRST STORY commented that collaborating with HYDE was a great honor.

It’s a perfect track for bands performing at school festivals or for those looking for dance BGM.

If you want to hype up your venue, be sure to check it out!

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All My LifeTiësto x FAST BOY

Tiësto x FAST BOY – All My Life (Official Music Video)

All My LifeTiësto x FAST BOY

This track portrays the emotions of someone searching for love throughout their life.

The protagonist’s trial-and-error attempts to find love leave a strong impression.

Released in January 2024, it marks the first collaboration between Tiësto and FAST BOY.

With its distinctive synth tones and vocals, the piece packs a variety of elements into a short runtime, resulting in a rich, concentrated song.

The vocals convey a melancholic atmosphere, yet the brisk tempo creates an irresistibly danceable mood.

It’s a surefire pick to energize dance performances at school festivals and cultural events!

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PAKUasmi

PAKU – asmi (Official Music Video)

PAKUasmi

This song captivates with its rhythmic groove and relatable lyrics.

It skillfully portrays the everyday lives and emotions of today’s youth, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in March 2022, it’s widely loved as one of Asmi’s signature tracks.

It also gained popularity on social media like TikTok, sparking a trend of dance-cover videos.

Perfect as BGM for school festivals and events, or as a dance performance track! With its upbeat rhythm and powerful message, it’s sure to energize any venue.

A must-listen for everyone in the midst of their youth!

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I…atarayo

Atarayo - “I…” (Music Video) / TV Anime “The Dangers in My Heart” Season 2 Opening Theme

I...atarayo

This is Atarayo’s tie-in song for a TV anime.

True to their style, it’s a track with poignant lyrics and melody that deftly capture the subtleties of romance and human relationships.

Released digitally in January 2024 as the anime’s opening theme, it features a striking arrangement that weaves piano into straightforward guitar rock.

Written from the protagonist’s perspective, the lyrics candidly portray a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Performed on a school festival stage, it’s sure to resonate not only with anime fans but with anyone who relates to the nuances of youth.

A high-energy number that will fire up the venue with its driving sound.

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[Culture Festival & School Festival Songs] Carefully selected popular and hit songs that brighten up venues and events! (111–120)

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

A song by Tatsuya Kitani that was also used as the opening theme for the anime Jujutsu Kaisen.

The lyrics, themed around partings in youth and lost time, are especially striking.

It even incorporates a school chime motif, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Released in July 2023, the track received high acclaim, reaching No.

2 on multiple Billboard JAPAN weekly charts.

If performed on a school festival stage, it would surely move the entire audience.

Its lyrics, which capture the fragility and preciousness of youth, are perfect not only for students but also for adults who feel nostalgic for those days.

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Exit A8nozomi

Noa – Exit A8 [Official Music Video]

Exit A8nozomi

This is a sweet-and-sour love song by Noshii! The lyrics, which straightforwardly capture the passionate feelings that come with youth, are pure heart-flutter material.

Will the two draw a line under their relationship, or try again? It’s also a cheering song that both aches and gives you a gentle push forward.

Conceived as rock ’n’ roll with a school theme, it was released in March 2024.

The artist is a breakout, gateway presence among singer-songwriters gaining buzz mainly on TikTok.

It’s the perfect track for anyone who wants to close the distance with friends or a crush through a school festival or cultural festival.

It’s also great for everyone to sing together at live performances! Savor every moment of your youth to the fullest.

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