A wonderful youth song

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

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.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

Many people look forward to the once-a-year cultural and school festivals! For students, they’re probably a big event that decorates an important page of their youth.

Music is indispensable in many moments at cultural and school festivals—venue BGM, theme songs, stage performances, dance, and other acts.

In this article, we’ll introduce perfect youth-themed songs for various scenes that brighten up your event.

Find wonderful tracks that will make your youth shine even brighter.

[Youth Songs] Carefully Selected Popular and Latest Tracks to Liven Up School Cultural Festivals (91–100)

Why do we run?Nogizaka 46

Why do we run?

Why do we run?Nogizaka 46

This is a song by Nogizaka46 that vividly captures the dazzling glow of youth—being driven by something for no reason at all.

In response to the question of why we run and sweat, the lyrics boldly declare, “There’s no meaning,” embodying that uniquely youthful impulse where the body moves before the mind can think.

Perhaps it’s precisely because it’s sung by the 6th generation, the group’s next wave, that the words carry a genuine, unfeigned radiance.

Included on the single “Same numbers,” released in July 2025, this track is a youth pop anthem that blends coolness with an emotional resonance.

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winding roadNovelbright

Novelbright – Winding Road [Official Music Video]

winding roadNovelbright

There are always trials along the path of life, and the staircase to adulthood is lined with thorns.

Novelbright expresses the heart that wavers between pure hopes and reality with warm vocals that gently embrace those feelings.

This work is the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Courtroom Dragon,” airing in January 2025.

Its refreshing, grand melody is sure to encourage young people as they move step by step toward their dreams.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend as a companion to memories of youth—growing together while lifting each other up, and the friendships that deepen while preparing for school culture festivals.

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FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!（MV）

FRIENDS!!!imase

This is a heartwarming song themed around friendship, whose gentle melody seeps into the soul.

Imase’s soft vocals tenderly capture the subtle distance and mutual changes felt when reconnecting with an old friend.

It conveys the importance of a friendship that, even as we grow, can return to the carefree bond of the past, and the enduring connection that doesn’t fade with time.

Released in February 2025 for the collaborative project “Everyone’s Concert” by the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation, the piece features a striking sound highlighted by Shingo Kubota’s arrangement.

Recommended as a youthful, uplifting track perfect for memorable moments like school festivals or stage performances, it’s a song that unites friends and lifts the mood when shared together.

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youth↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓

Youth / THE HIGH-LOWS

youth↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓

This song by THE HIGH-LOWS, the undisputed legends of Japan’s punk scene, was also used as the theme for the 2000 TV drama “Legendary Teacher.” It’s an uplifting youth anthem marked by Hiroto Kōmoto’s biting lyrics, passionate and melodic guitar, and a breezy eight-beat groove.

Masatoshi Mashima’s guitar bends are especially cool.

Listening to the lyrics brings scenes of youth vividly to mind.

Let’s play this track as the BGM for the school festival!

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Friendswacci

wacci 'Friends' Short Ver.

Friendswacci

A much-talked-about rock band, wacci, delivers a song about friendship and youth.

From the very start, the instantly catchy, feel-good guitar riff makes a strong impression, giving it that approachable wacci vibe.

As the title suggests, the lyrics celebrate friends, companions, and the irreplaceable moments spent with them right now.

While many youth anthems can be intense and a bit earnest, this track is crafted as a catchy tune you can enjoy with your guard down.

That said, the message at its core is pure youth!

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