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

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster

“Someday These Tears Will” – Little Glee Monster

An uplifting anthem with majestic choir and dramatic sound, powered by Little Glee Monster’s striking harmonies that truly move the heart.

It sings of the hope that the tears shed through effort and challenge will one day turn into a badge of honor, while its warm vocals gently but firmly embrace a heart burdened by doubt.

Included on the album “juice” and released in January 2018, the song was chosen as the support anthem for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It wraps you in a feeling of wanting to grow together with friends striving toward their dreams, encouraging one another along the way.

We areONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

An empowering anthem that stands by the anxieties and struggles of young people, powerfully singing the importance of living true to yourself! Taka from ONE OK ROCK delivers an emotionally rich vocal performance, and the fusion with the emotive melody creates a soul-stirring sound that leaves a lasting impression.

Featured on the album “Ambitions” and released in January 2017, this track was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song and deeply moved many viewers.

It’s a warm song that supports and encourages not only students in the midst of their youth, but also those who feel unable to face societal pressures and surrounding prejudice, and those on the verge of losing their sense of self.

SignalWANIMA

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A single song packed with a passionate message for the school festival that colors a page of youth.

It’s a cheering anthem by WANIMA that brilliantly depicts the drive to move toward the future and the real, everyday struggles we face.

While carrying anxieties about an unseen future, it expresses, through powerful rock sounds, the feelings of young people determined to walk their own path.

Featured on the album “Everybody!!,” the track was also used in a Lotte Ice “Sou” commercial, generating a huge response.

In a special NHK program, the band performed with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds, and the moving stage left a lasting impression on many viewers.

With a sound that unites the entire venue, it’s perfect for club presentations and as a theme song for school festivals.

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

A cheering song that stays close to the days of youth and gently wraps the bonds among friends! This is a track by sumika, released in January 2021 as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

With a refreshing touch, it portrays young people who, even while carrying setbacks and regrets, encourage one another and strive forward together.

Included on the album “AMUSIC” and featured in a TV commercial for Aisin Corporation, this song warmly supports not only students devoted to sports, but everyone who throws themselves wholeheartedly into something—be it a school festival, a club activity, or any passionate pursuit.

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

An uplifting anthem that praises the dignity of those who support others, which gained popularity on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Like soil—unassuming yet essential—it’s a warm song filled with gratitude for people who nurture others’ growth from behind the scenes.

Inspired by experiences that MOCA of BERRY GOODMAN gained as a high school baseball player and by the words of Seiryo High School baseball coach Tomoshige Yamashita, the piece was created with those ideas in mind.

Released in December 2024, it is included on the album “Thank You,” out in February 2025.

This song gently encourages those who keep striving out of the spotlight and those who feel conflicted about their roles, standing by their side and giving them a supportive push.

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

This is a cheer song written by Kenshi Yonezu as the opening theme for the anime “Medalist,” set in the world of figure skating.

Using imagery of a bow and arrow, it powerfully depicts young people who keep moving toward their dreams while overcoming setbacks.

It’s a perfect fit as a theme song or BGM for cultural festivals and school festivals.

It’s sure to resonate as encouragement for friends who keep taking on challenges, and as motivation for yourself.

The exhilarating melody and lyrics filled with determination to chase dreams will deepen the bonds with the companions striving alongside you.

Song Not to Forgetmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu 'Wasurena Uta' MV

This is a heartwarming song that sings of the bittersweetness and hope of youth.

Released in April 2024, it paints the image of young people running toward their dreams with a powerful, refreshing melody.

Macaroni Enpitsu created this piece as the ending theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” based on Eko Mikawa’s original work.

While accompanying the coming-of-age story of the anime’s protagonists, it also carries a message that anyone can relate to.

The lyrics carefully depict the strength to overcome setbacks and hardship, as well as the courage to keep looking forward, making it a perfect track for cultural festivals and class memories.

With its bright, uplifting melody and emotionally resonant lyrics, it’s sure to be a hit at karaoke and at school.