Popular band songs that hype up cultural and school festivals & recommended latest hit songs

Pixels of EmotionOkazaki Taiiku

Okazaki Taiiku “Pixel of Emotions” Music Video

Singer-songwriter Taiiku Okazaki, whose quirky persona has also made him a hit on variety shows, even appeared as an actor in NHK’s morning drama series Manpuku.

His track Emotions Pixel, used as the opening theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV, is included on his second album, XXL.

The contrast between the comedic lyrics and the cool rock ensemble is sure to amp up the audience’s excitement at a school festival.

However, because the performance demands are quite high, it’s a rock tune that requires solid practice to make it sound entertaining.

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Hoshino Takashi

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I am the strongest.Ado

[Ado] I’m the Strongest (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

A rousing anthem that powerfully sings of one’s dreams and hopes! Riding on a melody created by Motoki Omori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, Ado’s commanding vocals surge forward, carrying heartfelt wishes from deep within.

Messages like “overcoming fear and moving ahead” and “a shining future with your companions” resound alongside an aggressive rock sound, gently giving listeners a push from behind.

Featured as an insert song in the June 2022 film ONE PIECE FILM RED, this track brought theaters to life and reached No.

2 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100.

It’s sure to instantly ignite the atmosphere at sports days and school festivals as well.

Strawberry MargaritaELLEGARDEN

ELLEGARDEN – Strawberry Margarita [MUSIC VIDEO]

Since resuming activities in 2018, the four-piece rock band ELLEGARDEN has been energetically active with their consistently powerful performances.

Their second digital-only single, “Strawberry Margarita,” chosen as the campaign song for Amazon Music’s “Have You Heard?” commercial, features exhilarating rock sounds and a cool, all-English melody that really lifts your spirits.

Each part is simple and approachable to play, but the fast tempo requires care to keep the ensemble tight.

With its straightforward, live-ready vibe, this rock tune is perfect for hyping up a school festival stage.

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Hoshino Takashi

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You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon “You Don’t Listen to Rock” — Halloween Live 2021

This is the third major-label single by Aimyon, a female singer-songwriter who has taken today’s J-POP scene by storm with a string of hits like “Marigold” and “Naked Heart.” Centered on the theme of unrequited love, the lyrics make it a perfect song for bands to perform at school festivals.

Although the tempo is slow, there are many chord changes, so it’s important for the guitar and bass to practice to keep the sound from cutting off.

Also, since the opening line of the A section is quite low for a female vocalist, it’s best to adjust the key to suit the singer and play flexibly.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Glass BluesBUMP OF CHICKEN

Glass No Blues

This song by BUMP OF CHICKEN is actually the first track in Japanese that Motoo Fujiwara wrote when he was a first-year high school student.

The lyrics, filled with reflections on the meaning of life and a passion for music, are sure to resonate deeply with students in the midst of their youth.

It’s included on their indie-era album FLAME VEIN and remains a fan favorite that’s often performed live even today.

If you play it on stage at a school or cultural festival, it’ll definitely bring the whole venue together and get everyone excited.

It’s sure to become an unforgettable memory for your friends, too.

Give it a try!

Never Be AloneBecky Hill, Sonny Fodera

Becky Hill, Sonny Fodera – Never Be Alone (Official Video)

A refreshing, catchy melody makes this track irresistible.

Centered on breaking free from feelings of loneliness and longing, it portrays the sense of not being alone by surrounding someone with love.

Becky Hill’s powerful vocals blend perfectly with Sonny Fodera’s stylish production.

Released in January 2024, the song reached No.

8 on the UK Dance Chart.

With elements of bass house and electro house, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd moving as one if performed on a school festival stage.

The lyrics, which evoke friendship and bonds, make it a perfect fit for events.

FREEDOM FIGHTERSSCANDAL

SCANDAL 『FREEDOM FIGHTERS』(STUDIO LIVE ver.)

An energetic rock tune that inspires young people chasing their dreams! Delivering a powerful sound along with a fierce resolve to carve out one’s own destiny, this uplifting anthem by the rock band SCANDAL is included on their album “SCANDAL,” released in February 2017.

It carries a message filled with strong determination when facing the many barriers before you, and hope for the future.

The aggressive guitar riffs and rhythmic drums create a sound that will be a reliable ally in any situation where you want to fire yourself up—whether it’s a performance at a school festival or right before a sports match.