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

AM11:00HY

HY – AM11:00 (Official Music Video)

A love song notable for its male–female back-and-forth.

Beginning with a peaceful morning scene shared by lovers, it’s a heartwarming piece that captures everyday moments of happiness.

Included on HY’s album “Street Story” and released in April 2003, the song was featured in a RecoChoku commercial and later used as an insert song in the 2012 NHK morning drama “Jun to Ai.” It’s a mixture rock track that blends elements of rock, punk, and hip-hop, distinguished by a unique sound that evokes the atmosphere of Okinawa.

The instrumental parts aren’t overly complex, making it a great choice for bands looking to perform at school or cultural festivals.

Endless JourneyMr.Children

Mr.Children “Endless Journey” MUSIC VIDEO

A song that expresses, through music, a way of life that cherishes individuality, driven by the powerful message, “You don’t have to imitate anyone.” As one of Mr.Children’s signature works, it inspires the courage to overcome setbacks and doubts and to follow your own path.

Released in October 1998 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Naguru Onna,” it became a hit, selling 516,000 copies in its first week.

Despite running over seven minutes, its appeal lies in an intricate arrangement featuring nine key changes and a grand sound built on a compelling guitar riff.

Even those just starting out with band performance should be able to present it confidently on a school festival stage by playing a simple arrangement together with friends.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy (Chorus ver.) by Waseda Jitsugyo School Music Club, Chorus Section

A heartwarming message song that accompanies the spring season, where anxiety and anticipation intertwine.

Released by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in February 2018, this work gently portrays the importance of human connection ahead of graduation, when memories from school days begin to feel especially dear.

The music video by the Waseda Jitsugyo School Music Club Choir is also captivating, carefully expressing the delicate emotions unique to students.

It’s a recommended piece for those who want to deepen bonds with friends as a choral song for cultural or school festivals.

Walking with youNovelbright

Novelbright – Walking with you [Official Music Video]

This song strikes a chord with its warmly resonant melody and a message that sings of the resolve to walk through life together.

Released in October 2018 and featured on the album “SKYWALK,” it became one of Novelbright’s signature tracks.

It was used as an insert song for AbemaTV’s drama “Koisuru ❤ Shūmatsu Homestay 2020 Spring,” capturing many hearts with Yudai Takenaka’s soaring vocals and the song’s exhilarating sound.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to hype things up with friends—like school sports days, cultural festival dance events, or band performances.

Its energetic melody and lyrics brimming with hope for the future are sure to fill the entire venue with a sense of unity.

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!

Not fleetingSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Not Ephemeral” MV (Theme song for the film ‘Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween Arc -Decisive Battle-’)

This is a gem of a song imbued with the protagonist’s determination to face the past and save someone dear.

With a melody and lyrics that sink into the heart, it expresses the preciousness of life and living, while questioning the meaning of living in the present and the bonds with loved ones.

Created by SUPER BEAVER in June 2023, it is also included on the album “Ongaku” (Music).

The track was selected as the theme song for the film “Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween Arc – Decisive Battle.” If played during the climax of a school cultural festival, it will surely leave a lasting impression as a song that conveys the bonds between friends and hope for the future.