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/School Festival Live Performances [2026] (161–170)

glow-upHysteric Blue

Grow Up (Gurou Appu)

glow-upHysteric Blue

The opening theme of the anime “Ghost Stories.” Its transparent, soaring female vocals make a powerful impact! It’s a song with the power and charm to grab the audience’s hearts from the very first moment.

The smooth, beautiful guitar solo—so emblematic of the early 2000s music scene—also feels great.

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Light My FireKOTOKO

We tried performing Shakugan no Shana III’s opening theme, “Light My Fire,” as a band.

Light My FireKOTOKO

It’s the opening theme of the anime Shakugan no Shana III -Final-.

KOTOKO is a staple singer in the anisong scene, so it’s definitely worth knowing her.

This track has a cool sound and a great sense of speed, so if you hype up the crowd and shout together, it’s guaranteed to get everyone excited.

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[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for School Culture Festivals and Campus Live Shows [2026] (171–180)

PANTA RHEIMYTH & ROID

MYTH & ROID “PANTA RHEI” MV (TV Anime “Isekai Cheat Magician” Opening Theme)

PANTA RHEIMYTH & ROID

The opening theme of the anime “Isekai Cheat Magician,” a track by the music unit MYTH & ROID.

It’s arranged with a roaring rock band sound matched by beautiful piano, but what stands out most is the vocal effects.

Reproducing this live would likely require a vocal effects processor.

It’s a make-or-break song that tests how close you can get to its overwhelming sonic world.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Run! with Seiya Yamasaki (Kyuso Nekokami)Polysics

POLYSICS 'Run! with Seiya Yamasaki (Kyuso Nekokami)'

Run! with Seiya Yamasaki (Kyuso Nekokami)Polysics

An energetic sound that captures a page of youth—perfect for a school festival! This collaboration between rock band POLYSICS and Kyuso Nekokami’s vocalist, Seiya Yamasaki, was released in 2021.

It was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Cells at Work! BLACK.

It’s a punk track with a straightforward band sound accented by synths.

With that in mind, it’s recommended for live events featuring bands with a keyboard member.

Practice well to bring out the song’s momentum.

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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

trapThe 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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