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 School Festivals and Cultural Festival Live Shows [2026] (1–10)

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

A Little Love Song

A Small Love Song MONGOL800

A love song by MONGOL800 that expresses an eternal vow of love set to a refreshing melody.

Included on the album “MESSAGE,” released in September 2001, this track gently sings about feelings for a loved one and the importance of bonds.

Its warm lyrics, which prompt listeners to reflect on their feelings for the important people right beside them, have resonated with many.

It has been used as the ending theme for the anime series Teasing Master Takagi-san and The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, and has been covered by numerous artists, including Kumi Koda and JUJU.

Performing it at a school festival or live event will let you feel the joy of standing on stage with a band throughout your entire body.

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Gachiakuta

HUGsPaledusk

Paledusk / HUGs (Official Music Video)

HUGsPaledusk

Anime Series Gachiakuta Non-credit Opening Video ／Paledusk「HUGs」

This track was written by the Fukuoka-born loud band Paledusk as the opening theme for the TV anime Gachiakuta.

Having been created after a direct offer from the original author, it meshes perfectly with the world of the series.

It was released on streaming in July 2025, followed by a CD release in September of the same year.

While rooted in metalcore, the sound boldly incorporates elements of EDM and hip-hop, unfolding like a roller coaster with rapid-fire developments that instantly grab the listener.

The lyrics by vocalist KAITO carry a fiery message that mirrors the protagonist facing unreasonable circumstances, and shouting along will send your mood soaring.

Combining intensity with catchiness, this song is guaranteed to hype up any party where fans of loud music gather.

Give it your all and shout—watch the atmosphere flip in an instant!

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flying boatKing Gnu

King Gnu – Hikōtei (Seaplane)

Flying Boat King Gnu

An uplifting song written in August 2019 for an All Nippon Airways TV commercial, themed around the importance of living true to yourself and the courage to take a new step.

It was featured in a commercial starring tennis player Naomi Osaka and reached No.

3 on both the Oricon and Billboard Japan charts.

Characterized by King Gnu’s distinctive hybrid rock sound and powerful beats, it also has an anthemic vibe perfect for crowd sing-alongs at live shows.

It’s an energetic track you’ll want to listen to with friends striving toward their dreams, and it’s sure to energize the stage at a school festival.

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[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for School Culture Festival Live Performances [2026] (11–20)

The Zero Sense10-FEET

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

The 0th Sense 10-FEET

The song used as the ending theme for the smash-hit 2022 anime film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK is “Dai Zero Kan” by 10-FEET, a three-piece band from Kyoto.

Released as their 22nd single, it climbed the charts alongside the film’s success, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart and Billboard’s download chart.

It’s a rock tune with a cool, heavy low-end.

Play it at a school festival and the crowd is guaranteed to go wild!

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grinSinger's High

Singers High 'Nitari' Music Video

Nitari Singer’s High

Singers High’s songs are irresistible with their high-tone vocals and catchy melodies that stick in your head after just one listen.

In particular, the track I’m introducing today delves deeply into complex emotions—possessiveness toward a loved one, a sense of losing oneself within a relationship, and the instability that freedom can bring.

Since launching with their debut mini-album “Love and Hate” in October 2021, they’ve released a slew of works, and if you perform this song at a school festival, it’s sure to resonate with your peers through its relatable lyrics.

The track moves from a shuffling intro into a danceable groove and then into a driving pattern, making it especially demanding for the drummer.

So the rhythm section should practice thoroughly to lock in the groove of the song!

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Run, SAKAMOTOVaundy

Run, SAKAMOTO / Vaundy: Music Video

Run, SAKAMOTO Vaundy

Vaundy’s music captivates with its high-energy sound and powerful vocals.

It became a hot topic as the opening theme for the anime “SAKAMOTO DAYS.” Recorded in London, the track combines a driving melody fueled by sharp guitar tones and a heavy bassline with lyrics that tie into the anime’s story, resulting in an even more striking piece.

With themes of friendship and family, it would be a perfect choice to perform at school cultural festivals or campus events.

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arrowAnt with spines but without stings

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arrow thornless spiny ant

Togenashi Togeari is a girls’ rock band born from the anime “GIRLS BAND CRY.” Produced as the opening theme for the theatrical compilation, this track is a powerful rock number that portrays the resolve to take a step toward the future while carrying unending sorrow and frustration at unrewarded effort.

The thrilling sound—driven by exhilarating guitar riffs and tight drums—is layered with vocalist Rina’s passionate singing, stirring the listener’s heart.

Released in December 2025, the song was distributed as a lead single from the EP “I’ll Live With Everything Laid Bare.”

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