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 Festivals and Campus Live Shows [2026] (201–210)

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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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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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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My heart is pounding.↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓

[Official] The High-Lows “My Heart Is Racing” [4th Single (1996/2/21)] THE HIGH-LOWS / Mune ga Dokidoki

My heart is pounding ↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓

This is the very first opening theme of the long-beloved anime Detective Conan.

Its straightforward, classic sound is irresistible.

With its simple song structure, it’s suitable for beginner instrumentalists.

How about using it as a cover for your first live performance?

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After the cherry blossoms (all quartets lead to the?)UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “After the Cherry Blossoms (all quartets lead to the?)” Short Ver.

After the Cherry Blossoms (all quartets lead to the?) UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

With its opening chorus that’s guaranteed to amplify the school festival vibe, this rhythmic, fun rock tune by the technically adept band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a crowd-pleaser.

Despite the many challenges—from irregular rhythms to technically demanding parts for each instrument—if you can pull it off, it’s a song that will get everyone fired up, even if they don’t know the band.

It’s a number that’s enjoyable to sing and feels great to perform.

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Playing hard to get means you actually like them!Spira Spica

Spira Spica MV -Short ver.- 'I Hate It, I Hate It, But I Kinda Like It!'

‘No means no… but maybe I kind of like it!’ — Spira Spica

A song by the rock band Spira Spica with synth arrangements that are super pop.

Just like in the PV, the energetic dancing while singing is adorable, and the track fits their smiling, positive worldview.

However, it might be hard to reproduce unless your playing technique is solid.

That’s exactly why you should practice so you can perform it smoothly.

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Your sea beyond the seven seasSumire Uesaka

Sumire Uesaka “Your Sea Beyond the Seven Seas” Music Video

More than the seven seas, your sea — Sumire Saka

It’s the opening theme for the anime Muromi-san on the Shore and also the debut single of voice actress Sumire Uesaka as a singer.

Blending elements like 80s new wave and Russian folk music, it results in a track with a distinctly quirky and mysterious musical character.

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