Recommended Songs for Beginner Bands at School Culture Festivals

I love youback number

back number – I Love You

A heartwarming love song that begins with the scene of fallen leaves swirling in a park.

Conveying the feelings of thinking about someone through its melody and lyrics, the piece overflows with a pure desire to make the other person happy.

Released in October 2022, it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Maiagare!” and drew attention as back number’s first theme song for an asadora.

Filled with tenderness that stays close to the feelings of someone in love, this work will gently seep into the hearts of high school students harboring a faint crush.

THANXWANIMA

WANIMA「THANX」（from 1st DVD&Blu-ray「JUICE UP!! TOUR FINAL」）

It’s a message song filled with heartfelt gratitude, included on WANIMA’s album “Are You Coming?” released in November 2015.

With straightforward lyrics, it conveys thanks to someone important and a positive view of parting, expressed through a driving melody and powerful vocals.

This piece offers a sincere cheer to those facing farewells at life’s milestones or setting out on new journeys.

It’s also well-suited for cultural festivals and live events, where it can create an exciting sense of unity with the audience.

Opening DeclarationNovelbright

Novelbright – Opening Declaration [Official Music Video]

It is a highly message-driven song that conveys sincere feelings and a powerful drive toward a bright future.

It vividly depicts youthful figures stepping out from ordinary daily life to chase their dreams with friends.

The passionate resolve to walk together under the vast sky resonates with a grand orchestral sound in this masterpiece.

Released in April 2021 as the title track of the album “Kaimaku Sengen” (Opening Declaration), it has become a signature work symbolizing Novelbright’s major-label debut.

In 2022, it was also selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s nationwide high school dance club support project on the program “Sukkiri.” This piece is certain to shine as BGM for entrance marches and competitive scenes at sports days and athletics festivals.

It’s the perfect cheer song to boost the feeling of wanting to dash full speed toward your dreams together with your friends.

Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK

Kimisidai Train

This ambitious work by ONE OK ROCK is marked by powerful vocals and a fast-paced, exhilarating sound.

Interweaving English and Japanese lyrics, it expresses a determination to move forward—believing in one’s own potential and drawing strength from past experiences.

The members’ passionate performance blends perfectly with a message that pushes listeners onward.

Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011, it’s cherished as a staple in live shows that fosters a strong sense of unity with fans.

More than just a boost during sports day practices, this song serves as a source of support when standing at life’s crossroads or taking a new step forward.

GRADUATIONSBACK-ON

GRADUATIONS (Theme song for V-Cinext 'Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS')

This is a song that gently encourages you as you say goodbye to close friends and take a step onto a new path.

Holding the memories of precious friends you spent time with, it captures the wavering feelings of young people heading toward their respective futures through an emotional melody and powerful guitar sound.

The track serves as the theme song for “Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS,” released by BACK-ON in February 2025, and stands as a supportive anthem that stays close to the major life turning point of graduation.

It blends seamlessly with the worldview of the V-Cinext production, further heightening the work’s emotional impact.

It’s a perfect song for the grand finale of a school or cultural festival and for making memories with friends.

While feeling the importance of friendship and bonds, this song gives you the courage to take your first steps toward the future.

VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Vertigo」

A powerful track that fuses a sharp perspective on society with an energetic sound.

It’s a song by MAN WITH A MISSION that sounds an alarm about the modern world.

It skillfully depicts the psychological state of people tossed about by an overload of information, expressing a dizzying sense of chaos.

Even amid instability, it carries a will to move forward, resonating deeply with listeners.

Included on the EP “XV e.p.” released on March 12, 2025, it was also chosen as the promotional song for the near-futuristic sci-fi mecha game “Mecha BREAK.” The music video presents a unique world through lighting that highlights the colors of the five members.

It’s a work that will motivate you as you strive toward a goal with your friends during school festival preparations.

Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS

Hito ni Yasashiku – The Blue Hearts (Be Kind to People)

This is a powerful anthem that resonates most when facing hardship and setbacks.

A straight-from-the-heart cheer is delivered in a powerhouse vocal that feels like it’s leaping from the mic.

While acknowledging the reality that kindness alone isn’t enough to love someone, it carefully depicts the genuine compassion that arises from that truth.

This signature piece of THE BLUE HEARTS was born in February 1987 as an independently produced single.

In 2002, it was also used as an insert song for a Fuji TV drama, moving many listeners.

Play it on a school festival stage, and the entire venue will surely unite in a shared spirit of “Hang in there.” With its driving sound, it’s a song that will set the hearts of your bandmates and audience ablaze.