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 Culture Festival Lives [2026] (131–140)

On the edge (chop)B’z

B'z / Giri Giri Chop

Giri Giri Chop - B'z

It’s the opening theme of the anime Detective Conan.

Despite being an anime song, it’s a hard-rock number—and incredibly cool! Since it’s one of B’z’s signature tracks, it’s well-known even among people who aren’t into anime music.

If you can play this perfectly, you’ll definitely be a hero.

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Hajime no UtaDracoVirgo

TV anime “Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest” ending theme “Hajime no Uta”

Hajime no Uta DracoVirgo

It’s a song by the band DracoVirgo used as the ending theme for the anime “Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest.” The highlight is the performance that showcases a female vocal shining against a dark worldview.

Although it’s an anime song, it features a full-fledged rock sound—so gather your band for the school festival, put on a cool performance, and whip the crowd into a frenzy.

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dawn lightHalf time Old

Half time Old / Dawn Light Music Video

Akatsuki Light Half time Old

Akebono, released in 2022 by Half time Old, a rock band from Nagoya, was written as the opening theme for the anime Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer.

It’s a high-velocity rock tune driven by tightly pulsing sixteenth notes, with a striking, soaring start to the chorus.

You can also hear strings and piano, so it’s a song I’d love bands with a keyboardist to tackle.

I’d place it around an intermediate level, so definitely give it a try!

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EXiSTENCESiM

SiM – EXiSTENCE (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

EXiSTENCESiM

It was used as the opening theme for Rage of Bahamut.

SiM is a band known for a sound influenced by metal and hard rock.

This track is loud as well, so it’s sure to get the crowd fired up!

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MUKANJYOSurvive Said The Prophet

Vinland Saga Opening 1「Mukanjyo – Survive Said the Prophet」⚔️ | Cover by ShiroNeko

MUKANJYOSurvive Said The Prophet

“MUKANJYO” is a song written specifically by Survive Said The Prophet—aka SabaPro—as the opening theme for the TV anime Vinland Saga.

Its smooth English lyrics and flowing, emotional vocal melodies leave a strong impression.

The song reflects days spent questioning what was truly right.

The shouted sections in the middle are sure to get you fired up! It’s a hard, high-energy number, so it’s especially recommended if you want to really amp up the crowd at a school or cultural festival.

Rock-loving friends will be thrilled to hear it!

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trapThe Back Horn

THE BACK HORN “Trap” Music Video

Trap The Back Horn

The ending theme of the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is “Wana” by THE BACK HORN.

It’s a powerful band sound with a touch of melancholy.

The beat makes it easy for band beginners to keep time, so start by focusing on the cymbal placement as you play along—you should find it easier to feel the pulse.

Vocalists should also get creative with their delivery to capture the song’s atmosphere.

Sing the verse (A-melo) with a crisp, articulate feel, and deliver the pre-chorus (B-melo) and chorus with a strong, almost shouting intensity to create a sense of drive.

If you can bring out the song’s wistful mood, you’ll end up with a very cool performance!

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TonariauTHE ORAL CIGARETTES

THE ORAL CIGARETTES “Tonariau” Music Video - 4th Album “Kisses and Kills” Release on 6/13 -

Tonariau THE ORAL CIGARETTES

An opening that you can’t forget once you’ve heard it.

Vocalist Takuya Yamanaka’s sultry, expressive singing is seriously cool.

If you like fast-paced tracks, this one’s a must.

The tight, synchronized grooves from the rhythm section are another highlight.

Since it’s the ending theme for the TV anime “Sagrada Reset,” some listeners might already find it familiar.

It’s a refreshing rock number, so it’s easy to perform at events like school festivals! Add it to your anisong cover repertoire—it’s a song everyone can get excited about together!

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