Lovely anime song

[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for School Culture Festivals and Campus Live Shows [2026]

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.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Speaking of anime songs, they’ve become mainstream in the music industry recently, haven’t they?

If you look at music charts, it’s not unusual to see anime theme songs lined up at the top.

In this article, we’ll introduce popular anime songs that are sure to hype up your school festival for those who want to perform anisongs and get the crowd going!

We’ve selected not only the latest hits, but also classic favorites and songs that are easy for beginner bands to cover, so use this as a reference when choosing your setlist!

[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for Cultural and School Festival Live Performances [2026] (91–100)

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAHironobu Kageyama

Dragon Ball Z – Cha La Head Cha La + Lyrics

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA Hironobu Kageyama

It’s the opening theme of the TV anime Dragon Ball Z.

Its appeal lies in a powerful, relentlessly upbeat worldview that perfectly suits the protagonist, Son Goku.

Any boy who’s ever been into Dragon Ball is sure to get fired up.

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Cry BabyOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

Cry Baby Official HIGE DANDism

This is a song by Official HIGE DANDism written specifically as the theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers.

Its lyrics mirror the story’s repeated battles to change fate, and the powerful, rousing sound is a major draw.

Another standout feature is the frequent key changes, which allow the track to showcase a variety of moods within a single song.

Because of the intense modulations and relatively high vocal range, it takes some know-how to cover, but if you can pull it off, it’s packed with cool elements.

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Funny Bunnythe pillows

the pillows / Funny Bunny

Funny Bunnythe pillows

There are quite a lot of people who like slightly older Japanese rock.

For those people, I recommend the song “Funny Bunny” by the pillows.

It gained popularity among anime fans because an in-story band performed it in the TV anime SKET DANCE.

It’s simply a cool track, and it goes over well not just with anime fans but with general audiences too.

That’s why I think it’s easy to perform at school cultural festivals.

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absolute zeroRed Park

Red Park 'Absolute Zero' Music Video

Absolute Zero Red Park

The ending theme of the anime “Drifting Dragons,” Akai Koen’s “Absolute Zero,” has a dark, distinctive atmosphere.

Since the song moves back and forth between 4/4 and 3/4, be mindful of how you feel the rhythm as you play.

If you approach the 3/4 sections with a bouncy feel, you can create an elegant texture.

For the 4/4 chorus, focusing on the offbeats should give it more drive.

The melody is catchy and easy to listen to, so if you perform it well, you’ll bring out the song’s unique world where darkness and brightness blend together.

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KICK BACKKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

KICK BACK Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who is taking the J-POP scene by storm with music that is innovative yet never loses its originality.

His 13th single, “KICK BACK,” written as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, also drew attention for featuring Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu on arrangement and performance.

With not only intricate arrangements but also frequent key changes, it’s a song that requires tight ensemble work whether you’re playing solo or as a band.

Its powerful, fast-paced energy makes it a modern rock tune that’s guaranteed to fire up a school culture festival for his generation.

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DifferentBAND-MAID

BAND-MAID / Different (Official Music Video)

DifferentBAND-MAID

If you’re looking to unleash some hard-hitting hard rock at a live show, how about this song? It’s a track by the all-female band BAND-MAID, released in 2020 as their seventh single.

It was written specifically as the opening theme for the isekai reincarnation anime “Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table.” The aggressive band sound really gets your adrenaline pumping! It demands a high level of musicianship, but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding to play!

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Thousand-Night ReverieCIVILIAN

CIVILIAN “Chiya Souka” Music Video

Senya Souka CIVILIAN

If you’re looking for a mature, cool track, this one’s a must.

It’s a song by the three-piece rock band CIVILIAN, released in 2021 as their eighth single.

The Chinese-born online novel Mo Dao Zu Shi was adapted into an anime, and this track is the opening theme for the Japanese-dubbed version.

The band’s sound has an oriental vibe and is insanely cool.

Hidekazu Koyama’s lustrous vocals really shine, too.

If you can pull this off with your band, you’re sure to capture everyone’s attention in the venue.

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