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 Cultural Festival] Youth songs recommended as theme and opening tracks (121–130)

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake’s youth-affirming anthem delivers indescribably precious feelings alongside a grand sound.

Serving as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Eye Love You” and selected as the entrance march for the 97th National High School Baseball Tournament, the track was released in February 2024 and is also included on their major second album, “Pieces.” Its bright, refreshing melody contrasted with bittersweet lyrics makes for a moving listen.

For your school festival karaoke contest, why not share its uplifting, relatable message in your own voice with the audience?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

THE BALLERSSixTONES

SixTONES – THE BALLERS [YouTube ver.]

THE BALLERSSixTONES

A high-energy cheer song that brilliantly fuses the heat of youth with the dynamism of sports! A track included on the album “GOLD,” released in January 2025, has been chosen as the official theme song for the B.League basketball 2024–25 season.

As SixTONES’ first sports song, it strikingly portrays overcoming adversity and fighting with all your might as a team toward a shared goal.

The spirit of never giving up and the hunger for victory resonate alongside an exhilarating, upbeat sound.

Also recommended as BGM for school festivals and for dance performances!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

THANXWANIMA

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

THANXWANIMA

WANIMA’s nationally distributed debut release captivates with an energetic sound and heartfelt lyrics centered on themes of gratitude and farewell! Included on the album “Are You Coming?” released in November 2015, this track powerfully expresses the courage to move forward after parting and the feeling of gratitude toward loved ones, carried by a driving, exhilarating melody.

Its outdoor live-style music video—featuring motocross bikes soaring through the air—also drew attention, and the song has grown into an indispensable staple at WANIMA’s concerts.

It’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that will capture hearts at cultural and school festivals alike.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Glory Bridge (Yuzu cover by Sundaysaty’s)

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

This is a celebrated song by Yuzu that has become a shining presence in Japanese music history as an anthem of hope and courage that captivates everyone.

Its lyrics gently embrace the tears shed through earnest effort and the difficult days overcome, paired with a melody that resonates deeply.

Released as a single in July 2004, it was selected as NHK’s official theme song for the Athens Olympics.

Why not boldly perform this uplifting anthem—beloved across generations—at your school festival?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

[Culture Festival / School Festival] Youthful songs recommended for theme songs and openings (131–140)

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Crafted by Sakanaction, this song gently encourages young people chasing their dreams toward an unknown world.

Blending band-driven instrumentation with synthesizer elements, it achieves a retro vibe while remaining fresh and poppy.

Produced in September 2015 as the theme song for the film “Bakuman,” it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and peaked at No.

9 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

The music video is sprinkled with staging that evokes Showa-era music programs, resulting in a richly varied presentation.

Consider featuring it as a main-stage performance at a school festival or as background music to energize the entire venue.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

BetelgeuseYuuri

Yuuri “Betelgeuse” Official Music Video

BetelgeuseYuuri

A song by Yuuri that grandly portrays the bonds between people and eternal love, inspired by stars shining in the night sky.

Its structure builds emotion toward the chorus, and the arrangement—featuring piano and strings woven in to great effect—is striking.

Written in November 2021 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “SUPER RICH,” it reached No.

1 on Billboard JAPAN’s Streaming Songs chart.

With moving lyrics and a sweeping melody, this track is perfect for those who want to showcase their vocal prowess at a karaoke competition.

With Yuuri’s music that seems to envelop the entire venue, you’re sure to move the audience’s hearts.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

GO FOR IT!!Nishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'GO FOR IT!! (short ver.)'

GO FOR IT!!Nishino Kana

A cheerleader-like anthem that pushes you forward with positivity! Centered on the theme of “the courage to take the first step,” it gently embraces the worries and inner conflicts of a girl in love while warmly encouraging everyone striving toward their dreams.

Kana Nishino’s soft vocals pair perfectly with the energetic melody in this track, which was released in July 2012 and also featured in Yamazaki Baking’s Lunch Pack commercial.

It’s a sure-fire song to light up any moment where you want to get the crowd pumped, like school festivals or live events.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem