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 Cultural Festival Live Performances [2026] (141–150)

AiniCreepHyp

CreepHyp Ainey Tried playing the guitar

I need CreepHyp

CreepHyp’s hidden gem “Ainee.” It’s a standout track with band arrangements that give the lyrics real persuasive power.

It’s packed with guitar techniques—chopping, power chords, arpeggios, and more.

Without overexerting yourself, aim to play with enough ease to let the vocal work enhance the song’s world.

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sad and happyFrederick

<TV Anime “Love and Lies” OP Theme> Frederic “Kanashii Ureshii” Music Video - 2nd Full Album “Frederhythm 2” Release on 2019/2/20 -

Frederick who is sad and happy

A masterpiece from Frederic has arrived, brilliantly capturing the complex emotions where the joys and sorrows of youth intertwine.

Set to an energetic, catchy melody, the lyrics sing of anxiety about the future and the courage to pursue dreams, resonating deeply.

Released in October 2017, this song was also used as the opening theme for the anime “Love and Lies,” earning strong empathy from many young people.

Perform it on a school festival stage and the whole venue is sure to come alive as one.

It’s a wonderful track that will add color to the memories of your youth.

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for all eternityGod does not play dice.

Anime World Trigger Season 2 Ending Non-Credit Version (Song: Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai – “Miraieigo” [Eternity])

God will never roll the dice for all eternity.

A Fukuoka-born rock band affectionately known as “Kami-Sai,” the full name being Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai.

Their song Mirai Eigo, which drew attention as the ending theme for the second season of the anime World Trigger, is included on their 2021 debut single, The True Nature of Ether.

In the latter half, the vividly expanding worldview seems to overlap with a story of growth.

The melodious, emotionally rich chorus really leaves an impression.

The shimmering tonal gradations and the band’s powerful groove are just plain cool! It’s the kind of song that makes you want to stop in your tracks when it comes on, and it feels like it would beautifully color a school festival.

It’s a number packed with every emotion of youth, one you’ll want to perform with all your heart.

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[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for School Cultural Festival Live Performances [2026] (151–160)

When it shinesHitsujibungaku

Hitsujibungaku – When It Shines (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “The Heike Story” Opening Theme]

When It Shines by Hitsujibungaku

Hitsuji Bungaku’s “Hikaru Toki” was written as the opening theme for the much-talked-about anime adaptation of the classic masterpiece The Tale of the Heike.

Released in 2022 as their seventh single, it features vocalist Moeka Shiotsuka’s emotive singing, and the band’s performance—crafted with a dreamy sound—really hits home.

Each instrument is played with a simple approach, making it perfect for a school festival performance.

If your band has a female vocalist, definitely give it a try!

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INNOCENCEEir Aoi

Eir Aoi 'INNOCENCE (Music Video) Short Ver.'

INNOCENCE Eir Aoi

It’s a high-energy, fast-paced rock number.

It served as the opening theme for the anime Sword Art Online: Fairy Dance arc and is sung by Eir Aoi, a singer from Hokkaido.

Released in 2012 as her third single, its lyrics emphasize the importance of moving forward, leaving a strong emotional impression.

If you’re performing it with a band, pay special attention to keeping the tempo steady.

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sailing dayBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「sailing day」

sailing dayBUMP OF CHICKEN

It’s the theme song of the film “ONE PIECE THE MOVIE: The Adventure of Dead End,” a famous track by the renowned rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN.

Although it was released in 2003, its appeal hasn’t faded even today.

Let’s heat up the venue with its energetic sound.

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Midnight RendezvousHello Sleepwalkers

Hello Sleepwalkers - Midnight Meeting (Music Video)

Midnight Rendezvous Hello Sleepwalkers

It was used as the opening theme for Noragami.

The guitar riff from the intro is striking, making it perfect for showcasing guitar technique.

It’s technically quite challenging, so bands confident in their skills should definitely give it a try.

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