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.

[Cultural and School Festival Songs] A curated selection of popular and hit tunes to color your venues and events! (21–30)

horizonback number

back number – Horizon

horizonback number

For those who want to send cheers to many people at a school-wide cultural festival, we recommend “Suiheisen.” Released in 2021 by the rock band back number, known for songs themed around love, the track also drew attention for being written for high school students aiming for the 2020 Inter-High.

The lyrics, layered over a poignant yet warm band sound, are filled with words that can support the heart.

How about performing it for your classmates who work hard every day in club activities and their studies?

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festivalFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Matsuri（Official Video）

festivalFuji Kaze

Matsuri is a song that makes the opening of a school cultural festival feel even more festive and lively for the whole student body.

It’s included on singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze’s 2022 album LOVE ALL SERVE ALL, and he’s known for his technical piano playing.

The modern sound colored by traditional Japanese instruments is totally addictive.

With lyrics themed around festivals, it’s perfect for kicking off a major event.

If you’re looking for background music for dances or performances, be sure to give it a listen.

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The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell

The Story You Don't Know ☆ Supercell

The Story You Don't Knowsupercell

This piece is perfect for bands with members who can play piano or keyboard! Chosen as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari, it remains hugely popular as an anime song even today.

The lyrics, which depict a delicate love story and youthful moments, make it a great fit for school festivals.

Above all, the biggest appeal of this song is its catchy melody line! Have a confident vocalist sing it and get the whole venue pumped up!

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Pray[Alexandros]

[ALEXANDROS] – Pray (MV)

Pray[Alexandros]

If you’re looking for an epic song to hype up your school festival, [Alexandros]’s “Pray” is my top recommendation.

It was created as the theme song for the film Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and “epic” is the perfect word to describe it.

It works great as background music to create an emotional atmosphere, and of course it’s also an excellent choice for a band performance.

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Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Spirits of the Sea

Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi

In 2018, Kenshi Yonezu even performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and he has now become one of the most well-known artists.

Since all of his songs are popular, they’re sure to liven up any school or cultural festival.

Umi no Yuurei pairs a sweeping sound with a poignant melody, so it might work well as background music for video, too.

It would also be perfect for showcasing your skills at a karaoke contest.

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together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

together; along with; bothWANIMA

At school festivals, songs with a youthful vibe are hugely popular, aren’t they? If you’re looking for that kind of track, WANIMA’s “Tomoni” is highly recommended.

Its refreshing yet passionate rock sound perfectly captures the essence of youth and really resonates.

Since WANIMA is a three-piece band, it should be easy to cover not only for singing and dancing, but also on a band stage.

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Gather round! Party people!Yabai T-shatsu Yasan

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Gather Around! Party People” Music Video [Major Version]

Gather round! Party people!Yabai T-shatsu Yasan

The signature song by Yabai T-Shirts Yasan, which humorously portrays party culture and the club scene, stands out for its unique blend of melodic punk and EDM.

While comically capturing the behavior of party people, it also speaks for those who don’t feel at home at drinking parties or clubs, carrying a message with two sides.

Released in November 2016 as their major-label debut, this track has become a live staple, loved for its call-and-response excitement.

It’s the perfect party song for large gatherings—sports days, dance performances, school festivals—making everyone who listens break into a smile.

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