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

One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – One Heart (Official Music Video)

As a cheer song coloring a page of youth, a moving track was released by ATARASHII GAKKO! in March 2025.

Conveying the importance of living true to yourself and packed with the courage to face forward together with your friends, this work deeply resonates with the younger generation.

With powerful vocals and dynamic dance performances, it’s full of strength that seems to blow away the anxieties and doubts everyone feels.

Written specifically as the theme song for Bourbon’s “Fettuccine Gummi” commercial, the music video—filmed together with 300 fans—has been crafted into an inspiring visual that unites the hearts of its viewers.

It’s the perfect song not only for students feeling uneasy while preparing for school festivals and cultural events, but for anyone about to take a new step forward.

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

A searing, emotional masterpiece that grabs high schoolers’ hearts and never lets go! Its grand melody and exhilarating, driving guitar sound will fill the entire school festival venue with excitement.

The lyrics portray real, down-to-earth youth who question their own purpose, face failure, and keep moving forward—sure to stir your soul.

Released by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION in August 2004, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

It’s a classic that begs to be performed live, uniting the whole crowd in a frenzy.

Highly recommended even for those just starting out with band performances!

catDISH//

DISH// – Cat [Official Live Video 2019]

This is a gentle, lyrical song that symbolizes the bittersweet feelings for someone you’ve parted ways with through an elusive cat.

Written and composed by Aimyon, and brought to life by DISH//’s expressive performance, it has become a masterpiece that leaves a deep resonance.

The song was used as an insert song in TV Tokyo’s Drama 25 “Neko,” which aired from October 2020, and was included on the album “X” released in February 2021.

Wrapped in a tender acoustic sound, this track is perfect for showcasing your vocal skills at a karaoke contest.

Try expressing both the ache and the warmth with a richly nuanced, dynamic vocal delivery.

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster

“Someday These Tears Will” – Little Glee Monster

An uplifting anthem with majestic choir and dramatic sound, powered by Little Glee Monster’s striking harmonies that truly move the heart.

It sings of the hope that the tears shed through effort and challenge will one day turn into a badge of honor, while its warm vocals gently but firmly embrace a heart burdened by doubt.

Included on the album “juice” and released in January 2018, the song was chosen as the support anthem for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It wraps you in a feeling of wanting to grow together with friends striving toward their dreams, encouraging one another along the way.

to youMONGOL800

To You by MONGOL800

This is a signature melodic punk rock song by MONGOL800, bursting with the explosive energy of youth.

Its straightforward message—conveying gratitude through a soulful vocal performance—and its simple yet powerful instrumentation strike listeners directly at the heart.

Featured on the album MESSAGE and used in the detergent “Top” commercial, the song has been covered and cherished by many artists since its release in September 2001.

Further appearances in the 2008 film “Utatama♪” and the 2012 drama “Late Blooming Sunflower” have cemented its status as a timeless classic across generations.

It’s a heartwarming number perfect for singing at the finale of school festivals and events, filled with thanks to those who matter most.

GOATNumber_i

Number_i – GOAT (Official Dance Performance M/V)

This is Number_i’s long-awaited debut song, delivering their message with powerful rap.

It’s filled with a fiery determination to carve out a new horizon in a chaotic world, and its message—believing in their own skills and charging forward with their crew toward a shining path—really resonates.

Released for streaming in January 2024, it achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing 10 million views on YouTube in just three days after its release.

Beyond its moody sound and passionate lyrics, the free-form choreography makes it easy to dance to, making it a perfect fit for a school festival performance!

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

A heart-pounding rock tune that gives you a push on the back—“trust your instincts and carve out your future!” Released by ONE OK ROCK in February 2010, this song prioritizes instinct over logic, powerfully voicing a message from youth determined to move forward despite a mix of confidence and anxiety.

It was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Arabiki-dan” and reached No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The surprise performance at their Tokyo Dome show in April 2023 sent many fans into a frenzy.

With its energetic, unforgettable melody, it gives you the courage to believe in yourself and sprint toward your dreams—a go-to number to fire up any school festival live.