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 Festivals and Campus Festival Gigs [2026] (41–50)

Shunkan SentimentalSCANDAL

SCANDAL “Shunkan Sentimental” / Shunkan Sentimental – Music Video

Instant Sentimental SCANDAL

A song released in 2014 by the all-female rock band SCANDAL.

It’s a track distinguished by a heavy, hard-hitting sound that rivals male bands.

It would be great to perform it with a lineup of female members, just like the original.

With technical elements like the guitar solo, slap bass, and choral work, it’s a song that can wow everyone who comes to the live show.

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[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for School Culture Festivals and Campus Live Shows [2026] (51–60)

Kokoro-eRoad of Major

Road of Major / Kokoro-e

Kokoro-e Road of Major

Among the many theme songs of the anime Major, this opening theme is arguably the most popular.

Its full-throttle, youth-punk drive mirrors the protagonist’s single-minded determination to give everything to sports, making it incredibly stirring.

For students performing at cultural or school festivals, it will surely strike a chord.

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Trace OrionUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Tracing Orion” LIVE MUSIC VIDEO

Tracing Orion - UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

It’s the opening theme of the anime “TIGER & BUNNY.” Since UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is well-known on its own, it’s a great recommendation for a school festival whether or not it’s considered an anime song.

Capture the audience’s hearts with its catchy sound!

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Real worldnano.RIPE

[Official Video] nano.RIPE – Real World – Real World

Real World nano.RIPE

It was used as the opening theme for the anime Humanity Has Declined.

Since many of nano.RIPE’s songs have simple band arrangements, I think they’re easy to cover.

This track has a bouncy tempo and is easy to groove to, so definitely try using it in scenes where you want to hype things up.

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VORACITYMYTH & ROID

MYTH & ROID 「VORACITY」 Music Clip short ver.

VORACITYMYTH & ROID

This is the opening theme of the popular anime Overlord Season 3, released in 2018.

It makes a strong impact right from the start and instantly pulls you in.

The anime’s worldview is conveyed very well.

I recommend it to those who like songs with a mature vibe.

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nameless storyKishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets New Single “nameless story”

Nameless Story - Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

The ending theme of the anime A Certain Scientific Railgun T is “nameless story” by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets.

I recommend this song to anyone who wants to perform a cool, band-style anime song at a school festival.

It starts off cool right from the intro, and the chorus feels incredibly refreshing.

It’s written for a four-piece band, but there are keyboard parts in the track, so it’s also fun to play with a five-person lineup.

Once the vocalist gets comfortable with the song, try singing with performance in mind as well.

Coming up with cool stage moves together with your bandmates to hype up the crowd is one of the joys of being in a band!

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Bright Burning ShoutTakanori Nishikawa

Takanori Nishikawa – Bright Burning Shout

Bright Burning Shout Takanori Nishikawa

Released in 2018, this is Takanori Nishikawa’s third single under his own name, and it was used as the opening theme for Fate/EXTRA Last Encore.

The lyrics and composition are by Tomoya Tabuchi and Satoru Kōsaki.

The overwhelmingly powerful vocals, supported by a thick rock sound, leave a lasting impression.

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