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] (211–220)

Unforgivable SinNana Kitade

[Tried Singing] Kesenai Tsumi / Inerasable Sin [chiisa]

Inerasable Sin Nana Kitade

The ending theme of the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

It starts stylishly with a slightly bluesy guitar and then ramps up powerfully in the chorus, creating a structure full of openness.

The catharsis you feel after singing it through is immense! Highly recommended for all-girl cover bands.

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pureTakuro Yoshida

Takuro Yoshida – Jun

Pure Yoshida Takuro

This is the opening theme of the anime “Sakigake!! Cromartie High School.” You could call it a slightly mysterious coming-of-age song, suffused with the seasoned melancholy of a man as expressed by Takuro Yoshida.

While there are parts that are quite tricky to replicate—like the slow-paced, sinuous guitar solo—let’s aim for a cool, rugged delivery! The chords are simple, so it’s also a great song for singing and playing guitar.

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Theme of Lupin the ThirdYuji Ohno

Lupin the Third Theme ’78 – Yuji Ohno

Lupin the Third Theme Yuji Ohno

This is the opening theme of the TV anime Lupin the Third.

It’s a tune almost everyone has heard.

It’s versatile—you can play it with a band or a wind ensemble, and arrange it in a rock style or as a ballad.

The instrumental version is famous, but there’s actually a vocal version as well.

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GATE — Like the Dawn —Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets - GATE ~So, Like the Dawn~

GATE ~Like the Dawn~ Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

The opening theme of the anime “GATE: Thus the JSDF Fought There.” It’s a song made for live shows, where the sing-along after the chorus creates a strong sense of unity with the crowd.

The swirling bassline in the chorus is essential.

Bassists will find it really rewarding to practice.

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Innocent AlwaysAzusa Tadokoro

Azusa Tadokoro / 3rd Single – Junshin Always – Music Video

Innocent Always Azusa Tadokoro

It’s the ending theme of the anime “Myriad Colors Phantom World” and Azusa Tadokoro’s third single.

It features a lively band sound that captures the feeling of enjoying the present to the fullest and charging ahead.

With a straightforward, classic song structure, it should be easy for the audience to get into it at a live performance.

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Little Charm FangYuka Iguchi

Little Charm Fang

Little Charm Fang Yuka Iguchi

It’s the opening theme for the anime Strike the Blood OVA and Yuka Iguchi’s fifth single.

Unlike her previous cute and refreshing style, it features a fast-paced sound with a slightly darker atmosphere.

The lyrics, depicting various inner conflicts and carrying a hint of anguish, leave a deep impression.

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If it shinesGoose house

If It Shines / Goose house

Hikaru nara Goose house

It was used as the opening theme for Your Lie in April.

The work was also adapted into a live-action version and generated a lot of buzz, so it’s definitely well known.

There are many instrument parts and the chorus is challenging, but bands confident in their skills should definitely give it a try.

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