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

We areONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

An empowering anthem that stands by the anxieties and struggles of young people, powerfully singing the importance of living true to yourself! Taka from ONE OK ROCK delivers an emotionally rich vocal performance, and the fusion with the emotive melody creates a soul-stirring sound that leaves a lasting impression.

Featured on the album “Ambitions” and released in January 2017, this track was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song and deeply moved many viewers.

It’s a warm song that supports and encourages not only students in the midst of their youth, but also those who feel unable to face societal pressures and surrounding prejudice, and those on the verge of losing their sense of self.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

Wherever you are

A ballad filled with gentle affection and vows.

The desire to always be by someone’s side and make them smile, along with the resolve to pledge eternal love, resonates deeply.

Though simply arranged around piano and acoustic guitar, Taka’s emotive vocals leave a strong impression.

Featured on the album “Niche Syndrome,” the song was used in 2015 as NTT Docomo’s commercial theme for the “Family” campaign, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s also highly popular as a wedding staple, taking first place in the ISUM Bridal Music Awards in both 2017 and 2018.

This is a perfect song to perform on stages at school cultural and campus festivals—events that can’t be created without bonds among friends and teachers.

Youth Group Filled with DesireONE OK ROCK

Youth Group Filled with Desire

A rock number that sings about confronting oneself! Centered on themes of regret from school days and rising from inner darkness, ONE OK ROCK delivers it with a powerful sound and Taka’s emotionally charged vocals.

Riding on an emotional melody, the determination and passion of young people striving once more toward the light will grip your heart.

Released in November 2007, this track is sure to give you a push when you’re chasing your dreams or trying to overcome emotional wounds.

It’s also a perfect match for fiery performances at school festivals and cultural festivals that mark a page of youth!

No doubtOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – No Doubt [Official Video]

An especially memorable track with lyrics that cast a sharp eye on society, chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Confidence Man JP.” It sounds an alarm about today’s world, where information spreads instantly, and delivers a powerful message about the importance of discerning the truth in an age full of deceit.

Released in April 2018 as Official HIGE DANDism’s major-label debut, the song became a massive hit, surpassing 300 million streams on Billboard Japan’s Streaming Songs chart.

Its punchy sound and powerful melody are sure to energize any school festival live stage.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake’s youth-affirming anthem delivers indescribably precious feelings alongside a grand sound.

Serving as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Eye Love You” and selected as the entrance march for the 97th National High School Baseball Tournament, the track was released in February 2024 and is also included on their major second album, “Pieces.” Its bright, refreshing melody contrasted with bittersweet lyrics makes for a moving listen.

For your school festival karaoke contest, why not share its uplifting, relatable message in your own voice with the audience?

APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT. (Official Music Video)

This ambitious work effectively combines the essences of pop and rock, fusing Korean youth culture with a global sound.

The distinctive vocals of Rosé and Bruno Mars blend beautifully, skillfully conveying the exhilaration of a party and the anticipation of romance.

Released in October 2024, it held the top spot on the Billboard Global 200 for nine consecutive weeks.

In November of the same year, it had its first live performance at the 2024 MAMA Awards held in Osaka, captivating the audience.

With a rhythm that makes you want to move and a chant-like chorus, this track is perfect for dance performances.

If you’re looking to create choreography with friends or seeking a song to present at an event, this is a great pick.

We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

From lyrics that gently depict nostalgic scenes—like intersections, the way home, and rain-soaked memories—you can feel the strength of accepting a parting with a loved one as a passing point and walking forward, believing you’ll meet again.

SG’s gentle voice and crystal-clear delivery beautifully capture both the loneliness of farewell and the hope for the future.

Released in April 2021, the song was also featured from November 2024 in CalorieMate’s exam-season support commercial.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you face a farewell at a life milestone or when you’re hoping to reunite.

Resonating with students who repeatedly experience meetings and partings at each turning point, this work is a perfect choice to perform at a school festival.