Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

Youthful songs recommended as theme songs and openings for cultural and school festivals

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.

Music that makes school culture festivals even more special.

It can boost excitement as BGM for stage performances, as a theme song, or as an opening track.

In this article, we’ve picked recommended Japanese songs and J-pop perfect for culture festivals and school festivals.

From tracks that refresh your mood, to songs overflowing with youthfulness, to tunes that capture the momentum of a great start—there’s plenty to choose from! Create unforgettable memories with a colorful soundtrack to match.

[School Culture Festivals] Youthful songs perfect for theme music and openings (71–80)

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

one’s true feelingssumika

A cheering song that stays close to the days of youth and gently wraps the bonds among friends! This is a track by sumika, released in January 2021 as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

With a refreshing touch, it portrays young people who, even while carrying setbacks and regrets, encourage one another and strive forward together.

Included on the album “AMUSIC” and featured in a TV commercial for Aisin Corporation, this song warmly supports not only students devoted to sports, but everyone who throws themselves wholeheartedly into something—be it a school festival, a club activity, or any passionate pursuit.

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We againSG

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

We againSG

This work by SG has gained support as an encouraging song that resonates deeply during graduations and farewells.

Its gentle melody, which accompanies young people as they overcome partings and take new steps forward, and its lyrics filled with hope for reunion are especially appealing.

Released in April 2021, it has become a popular track with a cumulative 150 million streams.

Starting in November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a concert band version by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble has been making waves.

It’s a heartwarming song for farewells, graduation ceremonies, and moments when you long to see someone special again.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to cherish your memories while looking ahead and doing your best.

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MAGICsumika

sumika / MAGIC【Music Video】

MAGICsumika

The blaring horn section gets you pumped up whether you like it or not! It’s a song by the pop-rock band sumika, included on their 2016 release SALLY e.p.

That lively, fun sound is so quintessentially sumika! Even when you’re weighed down by worries or run into a wall, this song makes you feel like you can push through.

It’s a wonderful piece that adds a brilliant splash of color to the quintessential youth events of school and culture festivals!

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Youthful Songs Perfect for Cultural and School Festivals: Great for Theme and Opening Tracks (81–90)

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

A song that captures the feelings of someone who, despite weekday fatigue, keeps pushing forward for the “hero” they can meet on the weekend.

It’s a track from SHISHAMO’s album “SHISHAMO 4,” released in February 2017, and was featured in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Gakuwari” commercial, as well as performed at the 68th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Widely known as an anthem for young people, it is also beloved as a cheer song for Kawasaki Frontale.

Offering the courage to keep moving toward tomorrow even in tough times, this youth anthem is perfect for those who have someone they want to support and for people who want to share moving moments with hard-working friends.

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A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] Bouquet for Me Official Audio

A bouquet for meAdo

A refreshing pop song produced by HoneyWorks, filled with self-affirmation and gratitude, has arrived! Ado’s powerful vocals match perfectly with the bright, uplifting melody.

The song carries a warm message that stays close to the listener’s heart, celebrating everyday little joys and hard work.

Selected as the tie-in song for Coca-Cola’s canned coffee “Georgia” commercial airing from March 2025, it will also be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” scheduled for release in April 2025.

It’s the perfect track to color the moments of getting ready for a school festival or practicing for a performance with friends.

Highly recommended for times when you want to encourage yourself and face forward together with your crew.

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Everyone is a heroAI

Minnagaminna Au (Full Version)

Everyone is a heroAI

The lyrics, which capture a slice of everyday life, deftly express emotions we all carry—setbacks, failures, and anxieties—while reminding us of the importance of keeping on moving forward.

Even when we’re troubled by headwinds, we’re encouraged by the message that hope still shines like stars when we look up at the sky.

Familiar as the theme song for au’s “Santaro” commercial series in 2016, the track has also been released in a new version titled “Everyone’s a Hero 2024.” If you’re struggling or in pain right now, give this song a listen.

You just might discover a new you.

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Starlight ParadeSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Starlight Parade” from SHOW DVD ‘ARENA TOUR 2013 “ENTERTAINMENT” at Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Stadium’

Starlight ParadeSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI is a four-member band with a pop, colorful worldview that’s loved by a wide range of generations.

Their 2011 release “Starlight Parade” is a song that can transform the whole atmosphere of a school into something fantastical.

The wistful yet beautiful piano sound that evokes a starry sky is striking, and Keisuke Fukase’s clear vocals resonate in perfect harmony with the classical melody line.

The lyrics portray fleeting feelings that many teens are likely to relate to.

If you’re looking for ending BGM for a school culture festival, be sure to give it a listen.

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