Youthful songs recommended as theme songs and openings for cultural and school festivals
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.
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[Culture Festival / School Festival] Youth songs recommended for theme songs and openings (91–100)
Philosophy[Alexandros]
![Philosophy[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jIysnJZewLQ/sddefault.jpg)
[Alexandros] is a four-piece rock band that has gained popularity for its piercing, sky-high high-tone vocals and a rock sound that feels both modern and classic.
Their fourth digital-only single, “Philosophy,” written in 2019 for NHK’s event ‘18-Fes,’ features an ensemble highlighted by the warm tones of acoustic guitar.
Its message, which seems to empathize with the real-life struggles of youth, is likely to resonate especially strongly with younger generations.
It’s a highly recommended track for a school festival BGM—one that many listeners will inevitably find themselves relating to.
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā
It’s the theme song of the 2018 youth drama Cheer☆Dan starring Tao Tsuchiya.
Sambomaster’s energizing, powerful vocals, lyrics that seem to reflect youth, and the exhilarating, fast-paced melody make it perfect as an opening song for a school or cultural festival, don’t you think?
[Culture Festivals / School Festivals] Youthful songs recommended for theme music and openings (101–110)
HomunculusVaundy
A moving youth anthem that resonates with blazing passion and unwavering resolve! Written by Vaundy as the theme song for the anime “My Hero Academia THE MOVIE: You’re Next,” this piece pairs exhilarating guitar rock with a masterful portrayal of the power of words, hope, and inner conflict.
The lyrics, which skillfully capture the protagonists’ emotions, carry a profound message.
Released in July 2024 and captivating audiences on the arena tour, this song brims with courage and hope—perfect for opening a school festival or cultural festival.
To Hikarimiwa
The perfect song for background music at a school festival, where the whole student body comes together to enjoy music and the arts, is Hikari e.
Released in 2012 by miwa, a singer-songwriter active since the 2010s, it was used as the theme song for the drama Rich Man, Poor Woman.
It’s an electronica-pop track distinguished by beautiful synth tones.
Her emotional vocals, filled with hope for the future, are heart-melting.
It’s a song that cheers on each and every person who has worked hard for this special day.
A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY
A rousing cheer song packed with a passionate message that powerfully emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself.
Taken from the album “HomeBase ~Arigatou~,” released in March 2017, this track showcases HIPPY’s powerful vocals that stir deep emotion.
The song topped the 2020 Pro Baseball Players’ Walk-up Music Rankings and has been adopted by many baseball players as their entrance song.
Its sound, which fuses pop rock with an emotional ballad style, is sure to shine on any karaoke competition stage!
Summertime CinderellaRyokushokushakai
A pop tune that sweetly portrays summer romance.
Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s translucent sound and Haruko Nagaya’s vocals beautifully capture both fluttering excitement and bittersweet longing.
Written as the theme song for Fuji TV’s July 2023 drama “Midsummer Cinderella,” the track breezily sings about a love story sparked by a chance encounter, winning listeners’ hearts along the way.
Released digitally in August 2023, it’s also perfect as BGM for school festivals.
Its liberating melody and hopeful lyrics are sure to lift everyone’s spirits!
Liberated zoneASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Liberated Zone by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is a song that voices the cry of a parched soul in the back alleys of freedom.
Against a backdrop of loneliness and alienation in modern society, it paints a strong desire for liberation.
Included on the single Dororo/Liberated Zone, it also became the official support song for Fujieda MYFC.
Its melodious, powerful band sound feels like a push to break free from a sense of stagnation.
Give it a listen when you want to blow away the murky feelings trapped in everyday life—it’s sure to resonate with teens and twenty-somethings in the midst of their youth.
It’s also a perfect track to close out a live set!