Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

[Choral Songs] Recommended for cultural and school festivals! Classic choir pieces & the latest popular songs

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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.

Choral performances by the choir club and whole-school or class-wide chorus numbers are staple events at cultural and school festivals.

“You want to pick popular, classic songs to get everyone hyped!”—but many of you may be struggling to find a track that really clicks.

So in this article, we’ll introduce perfect songs for cultural and school festival performances, from timeless choral standards to J-pop arranged for chorus.

Consider the performance setting and the overall vibe of the event, and choose the best song!

[Choral Songs] Recommended for cultural and school festivals! Classic choir pieces & the latest popular songs (91–100)

Become a flowerLyrics: Ikuya Sashida ・ jam / Composition: Ikuya Sashida ・ Toshiyuki Mori

[SSA Women’s Chorus] Become a Flower / ensemble LEMON

Become a flower Lyrics: Ikuya Sashida, jam / Composition: Ikuya Sashida, Toshiyuki Mori

Watch “Become a flower Lyrics: Ikuya Sashida, jam / Music: Ikuya Sashida, Toshiyuki Mori” on YouTube

This is a ballad characterized by a gentle, translucent melody and the warm timbre of the piano.

Released in June 2012, it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK BS Premium period drama “Hidamari no Ki.” It also drew attention when figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu used it for his exhibition program.

The piece shines in women’s chorus as well, where its delicate harmonies and graceful melody highlight the soft beauty of female voices.

It’s an ideal choice for groups looking to take on choral singing.

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skySakushi: SKY-HI / Sakkyoku: UTA, LOAR, SKY-HI

[NHK School Choir Contest 2025 Junior High Division Set Piece] Sora [Mixed Three-Part Chorus]

skySakushi: SKY-HI / Sakkyoku: UTA, LOAR, SKY-HI

A song by SKY-HI released in 2025 as the compulsory piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, Junior High School Division.

Featuring a warm, piano-driven melody and lyrics that convey a message to today’s youth who grapple with anxiety and inner conflict, this piece leaves a strong impression.

Arranged for choir by Masanori Kato, it is structured to be easy for middle school students to sing.

It’s an encouraging anthem that gives listeners the courage to move forward with their friends—without hiding their vulnerabilities or worries, and while embracing their true selves.

Be sure to check out the BE:FIRST version as well, which offers a different vibe.

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[Choral Songs] Recommended for Culture Festivals and School Festivals! Classic Choir Pieces & the Latest Popular Songs (101–110)

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

This song leaves a strong impression with a powerful message that feels like a snapshot from the pages of youth.

It embodies the courage to move toward the future and the resolve to cherish memories with friends, all delivered through ONE OK ROCK’s signature emotional vocals that resonate deeply.

Featured on the album Zankyo Reference, the track was released in October 2011 and skillfully fuses elements of metalcore and post-hardcore.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Futa Kuriki’s New Challenge,” captivating the hearts of many.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to sing at cultural festivals, school festivals, or choir competitions.

Raise your voices together, and it will surely become an unforgettable memory.

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We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

We againSG

From lyrics that gently depict nostalgic scenes—like intersections, the way home, and rain-soaked memories—you can feel the strength of accepting a parting with a loved one as a passing point and walking forward, believing you’ll meet again.

SG’s gentle voice and crystal-clear delivery beautifully capture both the loneliness of farewell and the hope for the future.

Released in April 2021, the song was also featured from November 2024 in CalorieMate’s exam-season support commercial.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you face a farewell at a life milestone or when you’re hoping to reunite.

Resonating with students who repeatedly experience meetings and partings at each turning point, this work is a perfect choice to perform at a school festival.

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JourneyFuji Kaze

"Tabiji" by Fujii Kaze❣️ Okayama Joto High School Choir♪ The final scene is a "smile" expressing gratitude to our beloved senior, Kaze.

JourneyFuji Kaze

A song by Fujii Kaze that gently embraces the many experiences and emotions encountered along the long journey of life.

Created in March 2021 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama Nijiiro Karte, it weaves in the acceptance of mistakes made in youth, an attitude of learning together, and a growing awareness of the value of everyday life.

Included on the album LOVE ALL SERVE ALL, the track reached No.

1 on the Billboard JAPAN Download Songs chart.

It’s highly recommended for high school students who, standing at life’s crossroads, want to reaffirm their bonds with friends through choral singing, as it closely resonates with the hearts of young people.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced choral songs recommended for school culture festivals.

Did you find a song you’d like to sing? This time, we chose a wide range—from classic choir staples to popular pop hits.

Think about factors like your vocal arrangement and the kind of stage you want to create, then pick the one song that feels like “This is perfect!” and perform it with confidence!