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] (21–30)

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

SHISHAMO again tomorrow

A song that captures the feelings of someone who, despite weekday fatigue, keeps pushing forward for the “hero” they can meet on the weekend.

It’s a track from SHISHAMO’s album “SHISHAMO 4,” released in February 2017, and was featured in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Gakuwari” commercial, as well as performed at the 68th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Widely known as an anthem for young people, it is also beloved as a cheer song for Kawasaki Frontale.

Offering the courage to keep moving toward tomorrow even in tough times, this youth anthem is perfect for those who have someone they want to support and for people who want to share moving moments with hard-working friends.

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Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster's Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

Kaiju no Hanauta Vaundy

A song by Vaundy that sings about recalling the days when one held dreams as big as a kaiju and striving to reignite that passion.

Through a song once hummed by someone dear in the past, the protagonist sets out to reclaim the dreams, hopes, and childlike innocence they had nearly forgotten, all unfolding alongside a captivating melody.

Released as a digital-only single in May 2020, the track rapidly gained popularity after being performed at the end of 2022 on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its call-and-response style, which unites performers and audience, makes it an ideal choice for school and cultural festivals.

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God knows…Aya Hirano

10. God knows…／Aya Hirano ～Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekisou～

God knows... Aya Hirano

Here’s one of the staple anison tracks often played live.

Featured as an insert song in the anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, it sparked a huge boom.

It’s sung by Aya Hirano, the voice actress for the protagonist, Haruhi Suzumiya.

It was included on the 2006 release The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya no Tsumiawase: In-Story Song Collection Single from the TV anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

That guitar riff really makes you want to play it, doesn’t it?

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BluebirdIkimonogakari

Ikimonogakari "Blue Bird" Music Video

Blue Bird Ikimono-gakari

This work captivates with its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and lyrics that convey a strong will to move forward.

Released in 2008 as the group’s 10th single, it was used as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.

It embodies imagery of spreading wings toward the blue sky and breaking out of an old shell to fly into a new world, powerfully expressing themes of challenge and a longing for freedom.

Also included on the album My song Your song, it debuted at No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is one of their signature tracks.

Widely known across generations, it’s the perfect song to energize a venue with its dynamic sound!

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Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSIC CLIP YouTube EDIT ver.-

Gurenge LiSA

The dramatic tone is striking.

It’s the opening theme of the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, sung by LiSA, a singer from Gifu Prefecture.

Perhaps because it’s an anime based on a Weekly Shonen Jump series, it has a very hot-blooded, cool sound! The build-up before the chorus is irresistible, too.

If you’re going to perform it live, the high notes in the vocals are quite challenging, so make sure to practice thoroughly.

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VSBLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT 'VS' Music Video [TV Tokyo Anime 'Gintama' Porori Arc Opening Theme]

VSBLUE ENCOUNT

A powerful track created by the Japanese rock band BLUE ENCOUNT.

With their signature emotional rock approach, it conveys a strong will to confront one’s inner battles.

Released in November 2017, this piece was produced as the opening theme for the Gintama.

Porori Arc.

With word choice and a sense of rhythm influenced by hip-hop in BLUE ENCOUNT’s own style, it pierces listeners’ hearts with fiery intensity.

Be sure to perform it with your band and shout it out loud at your school’s culture festival!

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Don’t say lazyAfter School Tea Time

Don’t say “lazy” [Ending 1 from K-On!] 【FULL version】 ~ Lyrics in English – Romaji – Japanese – Korean – Chinese / Sub Spanish

Don't say lazy After-School Tea Time

This is the ending theme of the anime K-ON!, set in a high school light music club.

While the song has an energetic feel, its arrangement is surprisingly simple, making it suitable for beginner bands.

How about choosing it as your first cover song?

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