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)

Rest and rechargeGLASGOW

[MV] GLASGOW / Rest and Recharge

Rest recharge GLASGOW

In today’s world, where the line between on and off often blurs amid our busy lives, GLASGOW’s music overflows with a charm that soothes everyday fatigue and recharges the heart.

This song, included on their first album “NOW I SAY” released in January 2024, also drew attention as the ending theme for the TV anime “Mr.

Villain’s Day Off.” Its calm, comfortable tone will free listeners from daily stress.

With a strong pop-rock flavor, it’s well-suited for band covers, so I hope you’ll give it a try.

As a guitarist, shredding the countermelody in the chorus is sure to feel great!

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LOVE ROCKETSThe Birthday

The Birthday – LOVE ROCKETS [MV] (Opening theme song of the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK”)

LOVE ROCKETSThe Birthday

This is the opening theme of the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, which was released in December 2022 and became such a major topic that it could be called a social phenomenon.

The song was crafted by The Birthday, with Yusuke Chiba—who has long been active in Japan’s rock scene—on guitar and vocals.

It’s a rock tune with a dark atmosphere, characterized by Chiba’s husky, cool voice.

If your band’s vocalist has a husky tone, this is definitely a song you should try.

Also, since the intro layers the bass, drums, and guitar one by one, it could work well in a live setting to open the show with this track and have the members enter the stage one at a time.

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CHAINSAW BLOODVaundy

CHAINSAW BLOOD / Vaundy：MUSIC VIDEO

CHAINSAW BLOODVaundy

Vaundy’s “CHAINSAW BLOOD” is all about those cool, heavy guitar riffs.

Released in 2022 as a digital-only single, it was used as the ending theme for episode 1 of the anime Chainsaw Man.

It’s the most rock-oriented track in Vaundy’s catalog, evoking bands like Nirvana and Mötley Crüe.

If your band likes a heavier sound, this is definitely a song you should try tackling!

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[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for School Cultural Festival Live Performances [2026] (221–230)

crossing fieldLiSA

Lisa – Crossing Field (Sword Art Online Opening) Live

crossing fieldLiSA

It’s the opening theme of the anime Sword Art Online.

Released in 2012 as LiSA’s second single.

It’s a bit technical, but it has a sense of speed and really shines on stage.

Let’s show off a crisp, sharp performance.

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Run! Run! Run!Maki Otsuki

One Piece Ed 2 / Run!Run!Run!

Run! Run! Run! Maki Otsuki

The second ending theme of the anime One Piece.

Just like the title suggests, it’s a high-energy track that makes you want to dash off the moment you hear it.

While it’s great to cover the rich arrangement with just guitar and keyboard, asking the school brass band to go all-in for a full recreation could be really cool too.

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Strike the BloodKishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

Strike the Blood OP 1 “Strike the Blood”

Strike the Blood Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

As the title suggests, this is the opening theme of Season 1 of the anime Strike the Blood.

It’s a track with a comfortably rock ’n’ roll guitar riff running throughout.

The guitarist shines, of course, but each part has its own standout moments to show off and to be heard, making it a sure-fire crowd-pleaser live.

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Shufu no MichiUchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

Anime “The Way of the Househusband” theme song — Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai, “Shufu no Michi”

Shufunomichi Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

A three-piece rock band, Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai, has gained popularity with songs that pair a modern heavy sound—built on 7-string guitar and 5-string bass—with laid-back lyrics.

This track was used as the theme song for the TV anime The Way of the Househusband, and its unmistakably Uchikubi-style lyrics—so funny you laugh, yet strangely relatable—leave a strong impression.

While it’s easy to get drawn in by the humor of the words, the catchy melody and loud, high-velocity arrangement are guaranteed to hype up any crowd.

Thanks to the anime tie-in, many people already know it, making it a great pick for cultural festivals and school festival stages.

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