[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for School Culture Festivals and Campus Live Shows [2026]

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko

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

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.

cloudy skyDOES

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

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.

-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)SUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Rashisa” Music Video

This is a song released by SUPER BEAVER in 2014 that really makes you think deeply about its message.

Take in the message sung over a driving, fast-paced band sound, and try singing it either for yourself or for someone important to you.

Band members should aim to create a sound that highlights and supports the vocals.

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Murakami Shinpei

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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>

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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Araki Jakkan

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Sky-Colored DaysNakagawa Shoko

Shoko Nakagawa “Sorairo Days” music video

Since its release in 2014, the opening theme of the anime Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann—sung by Shoko Nakagawa—has captivated fans and never let go.

It’s a quintessential anison-style track, with a gritty rock sound layered under a female vocal.

The song is packed with technically intricate phrases that don’t get in the way of the vocals and features richly layered instrumental rhythms, making it a highly rewarding piece to cover.

Be sure to recreate the electronic sounds playing in the background as well.

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Murakami Shinpei

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HE IS MINEkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp 'HE IS MINE'

A bittersweet song that uses count-song-like lyrics and a striking melody to depict the progression and shifts of a romance.

It vividly portrays the protagonist’s wish to deepen their bond through physical intimacy and the emotional sway caused by a gap in feelings with their partner.

Released in September 2010 and included on the album “From the Landing, With Love,” this track distills the allure of CreepHyp’s indie era, combining a medium-tempo sense of drive with Sekai Kan Ozaki’s lustrous vocals that resonate deeply.

Known as a live favorite that fosters a strong sense of unity with the audience, performing this song at a school or cultural festival is sure to draw plenty of attention.

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

It’s an inspirational song marked by a driving melody and powerful vocals.

It gives listeners a strong push forward—the courage to charge down the path you believe in even if no one’s watching, the kindness that keeps comforting a wounded heart, and the joy of taking flight into the future with your friends.

Included on [Alexandros]’s single “Wataridori/Dracula La,” released in March 2015, this track was used as the theme song for the film “Akegarasu.” Play it at a school festival concert, and the whole venue is sure to come together and erupt with excitement.