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 curated selection of popular and hit songs to brighten up venues and events! (181–190)

MIRRORAdo

【Ado】MIRROR

MIRRORAdo

A song that portrays inner conflict and self-exploration through a dialogue with one’s reflection in the mirror.

Powerful vocals blend with an emotional melody to resonate deeply with listeners.

This track is included on Ado’s second original album, “Zanmu,” and was pre-released in May 2024.

Ado debuted in 2020 and, at just 17, became a breakout artist who sparked a social phenomenon.

She also performed the theme song for the film ONE PIECE FILM RED, which drew major attention.

It’s a perfect choice for a school festival band performance or as background music for dance.

Highly recommended for those who want to face themselves or let their emotions run free.

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[Cultural Festival & School Festival Songs] Carefully selected popular and hit songs that brighten up venues and events! (191–200)

chantAdo

[Sing] Ado “Simple Dance” — A simple arranged dance you can do at recitals and sports days! The easy version of the “Zombie Dance,” which is super popular at USJ!

chantAdo

An energetic, powerful track! Its unique vocals and strong lyrics really hit home.

Released in September 2023 in collaboration with Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween event, this song became a major talking point, topping the Billboard JAPAN Streaming Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks.

Ado’s expressive vocals and striking dance are captivating! It carries a positive message about fully embracing your talent and moving forward without being swayed by those around you.

Perfect for anyone looking to hype up a school festival stage!

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BlissfulBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Blissful -Music Video-

BlissfulBE:FIRST

This song has a cool, catchy vibe that’s really appealing.

Featured on BE:FIRST’s “2:BE,” it blends pop and EDM, overflowing with a refreshing feel that’s perfect for summer.

In August 2024, it was used as the theme song for the “ahamo” commercial, carrying a message of encouragement for young people taking on new challenges.

The theme of the song is “enjoying life.” It urges us not to dwell too much on the past or future, but to cherish the present moment.

It’s perfect to listen to while preparing for or during a school festival.

Highly recommended when you want a boost of positivity.

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Lovers In A Past LifeCalvin Harris, Rag’n’Bone Man

Calvin Harris, Rag’n’Bone Man – Lovers In A Past Life (Official Video)

Lovers In A Past LifeCalvin Harris, Rag'n'Bone Man

This is a track by Scotland’s proud super-producer Calvin Harris teaming up with soulful vocalist Rag’n’Bone Man! The lyrics evocative of a past, livewire romance really stand out.

Released in 2024, the song exudes a unique charm that fuses EDM and soul.

Play it as background music at a school festival and it’s sure to lift the atmosphere instantly! You could even set up a dance hall–style space and get the crowd involved, letting everyone dance however they like!

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TekaDJ Snake, Peso Pluma

DJ Snake, Peso Pluma – Teka (Official Music Video)

TekaDJ Snake, Peso Pluma

An electro-corrido number that sets the dance floor on fire! DJ Snake’s polished EDM sound pairs perfectly with Peso Pluma’s addictive vocals.

Its debut at Coachella in April 2024 sparked a huge reaction.

The club-ready lyrics and irresistibly danceable rhythm are a major draw! Perfect for cultural festival dance performances or as a high-energy BGM.

Also great for when you want to hype things up with friends.

Put this track on, and it’s guaranteed to make the whole venue instantly more vibrant!

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IllusioDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Illusion (Official Music Video)

IllusioDua Lipa

Dua Lipa’s new song is a track featured on the album Radical Optimism.

The song explores the illusion of modern romance and carries messages of self-discovery and self-affirmation.

Released in April 2024, it’s characterized by a dynamic sound that blends pop with minimalism.

Its danceable, catchy melody is perfect for cultural festivals and school festival dance scenes! It’s a great pick for anyone who wants to cherish their individuality.

This track is sure to energize the venue—enjoy a fun-filled day with it!

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MORNIING SUNEXILE B HAPPY

EXILE B HAPPY / MORNING SUN (Music Video)

MORNIING SUNEXILE B HAPPY

This track is filled with a bright, positive message.

Centered on the themes of a new day’s beginning and hope, the lyrics uplift listeners.

It was released digitally ahead of time in January 2024, followed by the long-awaited CD release in May.

The sound—crafted by multiple producers—boasts an internationally diverse flavor.

Use it as the opening BGM for a school festival and it’s sure to bathe the entire venue in a cheerful atmosphere! It’s also a perfect pick for anyone who wants an energetic boost from the morning.

Give it a listen and make the most of that youthful cultural-festival moment!

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