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

I love youback number

back number – I Love You

A heartwarming love song that begins with the scene of fallen leaves swirling in a park.

Conveying the feelings of thinking about someone through its melody and lyrics, the piece overflows with a pure desire to make the other person happy.

Released in October 2022, it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Maiagare!” and drew attention as back number’s first theme song for an asadora.

Filled with tenderness that stays close to the feelings of someone in love, this work will gently seep into the hearts of high school students harboring a faint crush.

Heroineback number

back number – Heroine (full)

A heartrending love song that gently embraces a fleeting winter crush.

The whiteness of the snow and the warmth of the heart are strikingly portrayed, and the protagonist’s inability to put their feelings into words is beautifully expressed through a delicate melody.

Released in January 2015 by back number, it gained attention as the JR East “JR SKISKI” campaign song, also featured in a commercial starring Suzu Hirose.

It’s a perfect choice for bands looking for a calm, mellow piece.

Wish Upon a Starflumpool

flumpool “Wish Upon a Star” MUSIC VIDEO

A heartwarming medium ballad that begins with the sense of loss from losing someone important and portrays the protagonist’s earnest desire to win them back after realizing how much they meant.

It was flumpool’s first CD single, released in February 2009, and was featured in NTT Communications’ MUSICO commercial.

Debuting at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, it’s a celebrated song that was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Built on fundamental rhythm patterns that form the basis of band performance, this piece is a perfect fit for school cultural festivals and campus stages.

Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+

Kokoro Odoru danced at the school festival [Team Black Starz]

From the very first beat, your heart starts to dance! Released by nobodyknows+ in May 2004, this track is a high-energy number woven from up-tempo beats and rhythmic rap.

With members taking turns to spit verses, the style won support not only from hip-hop fans but from a wide audience.

Featured on the album “Do You Know?”, it topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks.

Crank it up loud and dance to it at school festivals or dance events, and the entire venue is guaranteed to unite in excitement!

Starting Oversumika

sumika / Starting Over [Music Video] - TV Anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky” Opening Theme

A refreshing and powerful message song that gently pushes the backs of those taking their first steps toward their dreams.

Released by sumika in June 2023 as the opening theme for the anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky,” this track celebrates the joy of growing together with friends and the importance of cherishing what you love.

It supports and stands by anyone trying to take a step forward in a new environment.

Play it at the start of a school festival or cultural festival, and it will make everyone feel the beginning of a new story.

Vermillionsumika

sumika / Vermillion【Music Video】

This is a refreshing, pop-tinged song by sumika that evokes the spring season, where anxiety and anticipation about new surroundings intermingle.

With clear, gentle vocals, it tenderly recounts how feelings from a time when spring wasn’t yet lovable gradually turned positive through experiences as a musician.

Released in advance from the March 2025 album “Vermillion’s” and chosen as the theme song for Duskin Co., Ltd.’s new TV commercial “Let’s Connect Our Feelings,” the track charms with lyrics that convey the warmth and joy of walking forward together with someone.

It would be perfect for a band set at a school festival, helping everyone share the resolve to face forward and move ahead.

Fanfaresumika

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

A refreshing yet powerful cheer song that portrays facing hardships and holding hope for the future.

Its lyrics gently accompany anxious hearts and give a supportive push to walk forward together, inspiring the courage to take a new step.

Released in August 2018 as sumika’s second single, it also drew attention for being chosen as the opening theme for the feature-length anime Let Me Eat Your Pancreas.

It’s a perfect song for school and cultural festivals—moments that will likely be etched into many students’ memories as a page of their youth.