[Youth Anthems] A curated selection of popular and latest songs to hype up your school cultural festival

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

Highest Point / SEKAI NO OWARI [Sports Day Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

It’s a track whose energetic sound and positive message truly resonate.

The lyrics about turning your weaknesses into allies and soaring high are sure to encourage everyone preparing for school festivals.

Released in September 2023, it was also used as the opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.

It’s included on the album Nautilus as well.

Whether for dance, chorus, or background music, it’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped.

It’s a fan favorite that SEKAI NO OWARI also performs live, so be sure to check it out!

Horse of YouthHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 'The Horse of Youth'

If it’s a performance by just the girls in your class or by members of the same club, how about doing the dance performance for Hinatazaka46’s “Seishun no Uma” (Youth’s Horse)? The lyrics perfectly capture the spirit of youth, making it ideal for a school festival—the very heart of youth! Instead of your usual uniforms, getting matching outfits like in the music video would make great memories, too.

And not only as a performance piece—playing it as background music at the venue will definitely boost the energy!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Guitar, Loneliness, and the Blue Planetkessoku bando

[LIVE Footage] Kessoku Band “Guitar, Loneliness, and the Blue Planet” LIVE at STARRY / In-Show Song from “Bocchi the Rock!”

It’s a captivating track with refreshing guitar riffs and introspective lyrics.

While it sings about loneliness and the difficulty of self-expression, the pop-rock sound brimming with youthful energy really resonates.

Included on the album “Guitar, Loneliness and the Blue Planet,” this song was released in December 2022 by the in-anime band Kessoku Band from the series “Bocchi the Rock!” With its driving guitar-rock feel, it’s perfect for performing at a school or culture festival.

Practice with a focus on unity, and make unforgettable memories together!

Philosophy[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Philosophy (MV)

[Alexandros] is a four-piece rock band that has gained popularity for its piercing, sky-high high-tone vocals and a rock sound that feels both modern and classic.

Their fourth digital-only single, “Philosophy,” written in 2019 for NHK’s event ‘18-Fes,’ features an ensemble highlighted by the warm tones of acoustic guitar.

Its message, which seems to empathize with the real-life struggles of youth, is likely to resonate especially strongly with younger generations.

It’s a highly recommended track for a school festival BGM—one that many listeners will inevitably find themselves relating to.

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Hoshino Takashi

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A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] Bouquet for Me Official Audio

A refreshing pop song produced by HoneyWorks, filled with self-affirmation and gratitude, has arrived! Ado’s powerful vocals match perfectly with the bright, uplifting melody.

The song carries a warm message that stays close to the listener’s heart, celebrating everyday little joys and hard work.

Selected as the tie-in song for Coca-Cola’s canned coffee “Georgia” commercial airing from March 2025, it will also be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” scheduled for release in April 2025.

It’s the perfect track to color the moments of getting ready for a school festival or practicing for a performance with friends.

Highly recommended for times when you want to encourage yourself and face forward together with your crew.

Blue SpringRADWIMPS

Radwimps – Aoi Haru (Blue Spring)

RADWIMPS, the band that drew nationwide attention in Japan for handling the theme songs of the films Your Name and Weathering with You.

This track is one they released in their early days.

From the very beginning, it has that slightly naive, youthful energy that hits you right in the chest.

Don’t you feel your heart tighten as you listen? The chorus is in English, but the rest of the lyrics are in Japanese, carrying a message that perfectly fits the theme of youth.

It may not be a famous song, but it’s one I’d love for you to hear during your youthful days.

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Hane Keisuke

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paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call

suis from Yorushika × Evan Call “Paper Airplane” [Theme song for the anime ‘Dragonite and the Mailman’]

This is a grand message song by Yorushika’s suis and Evan Call, where the feelings conveyed through a letter are expressed with an orchestra and a clear, translucent vocal.

Its melody gently embraces both the importance and the difficulty of delivering words to someone, resonating deeply in the heart.

Released in February 2025, it was chosen as the theme song for the anime “Dragonite and the Mail Carrier,” which premiered around the same time.

Two versions were produced— a Japanese version by Ameko Kodama and an English version by Evan Call—carrying the power and potential of words across borders.

It’s recommended as a memorable finale song for school and cultural festivals, and for anyone holding dear feelings for someone special.