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)

A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi

A Cruel Angel's Thesis – Yoko Takahashi (Full)

A Cruel Angel's Thesis by Yoko Takahashi

This is the opening theme of the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, which sparked a major boom.

Its enigmatic lyrics, which seem to reflect the work’s worldbuilding, are captivating.

I want to nail the intro phrase where it transitions from the vocal part into the instrumental.

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The Story You Don't Knowsupercell

The Story You Don’t Know – supercell

The Story You Don’t Know — supercell

This is the song used as the ending theme for Bakemonogatari.

It’s so popular that it hardly needs any introduction.

It’s a karaoke staple and is always near the top of the rankings.

I recommend it not only for light music bands but also for karaoke contests and wind ensemble performances.

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[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for School Culture Festival Live Performances [2026] (31–40)

Rising HopeLiSA

LiSA Rising Hope

Rising HopeLiSA

This is a song that was used as the opening theme for The Irregular at Magic High School.

Since many of LiSA’s songs are really cool, I can highly recommend them when you want to liven up a school festival.

It seems like it would work well not only for bands but also as background music for dance performances.

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ImaginationSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Imagination” TV anime “Haikyu!!” opening theme

Imagination SPYAIR

SPYAIR’s “Imagination,” the opening theme of the anime Haikyu!!, has a straightforward, exhilarating band sound that should get the crowd going at a school festival performance.

If the whole band focuses on making a clean cut in the pre-chorus break, it will add dynamic contrast to the song.

When you want to build momentum in the final chorus, it’s still all about being conscious of the interplay between quiet and loud.

If you play it well, it’s a song that really lets you feel the joy of locking in as a band.

Once you’re comfortable, adding the chorus vocals near the end of the hook will boost the sense of unity even more.

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cloudy skyDOES

DOES 'Donten' (TV Tokyo anime 'Gintama' opening theme)

Overcast DOES

The opening theme of the anime Gintama.

For DOES, this is their second tie-in with the same anime.

The deep bass that resonates in your gut feels incredibly good, and the husky vocals match the hard sound perfectly! It’s a cool track, but it’s actually quite easy to play.

A rock number recommended for beginner bands.

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Don't cover it up with selfishness.THE ORAL CIGARETTES

THE ORAL CIGARETTES “Don’t Cover It Up with Selfishness” Music Video <TV Anime “revisions” Opening Theme>

Don't cover it up with selfishness - THE ORAL CIGARETTES

This is the song used as the opening theme for the anime “revisions.” It was released in 2019 as the ninth single by THE ORAL CIGARETTES, a four-piece rock band from Nara Prefecture.

The highly addictive rhythm and sweet vocals are wonderful.

If performing it live, you’d want to put thought into the outfits too and go for a mature look.

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Distortion!!cable tie

TV anime “Bocchi the Rock!” ending video / “Distortion!!” #KessokuBand

Distortion!! Kessoku Band

Kessoku Band is a group formed by the characters in the TV anime Bocchi the Rock!, which depicts the band activities of high school girls.

In 2022, they actually released an album as Kessoku Band titled “Kessoku Band,” which dominated the Oricon and Billboard charts and became a big hit.

It’s packed with songs that are perfect for school festivals.

Among them, “Distortion!!,” used as the anime’s first ending theme, is especially recommended because its simple chord progression and mid-tempo 8-beat make it easy to tackle.

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