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.

[Cultural Festivals / School Festivals] Youthful songs recommended as theme songs and openings (1–10)

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

Dear, boyHump Back

Currently enjoying passionate support from the younger generation is the girls’ rock band Hump Back.

This signature song of theirs is a fiery track overflowing with a sense of youth from start to finish! The exhilarating guitar rock sound paired with the powerful, gritty vocals is incredibly cool and guaranteed to get everyone hyped.

If you get the chance to perform as a band at the opening of your school festival, you should definitely play this song! School festivals are such an important event that marks a page of youth, so this track is a perfect fit!

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BREAKOUTSnow Man

Snow Man「BREAKOUT」Music Video

BREAKOUTSnow Man

A rock tune by Snow Man that expresses a life-or-death resolve to protect a loved one, set to powerful guitar riffs and a vibrant, driving beat.

With its exhilarating sound and energetic dance performance, it inspires courage and hope in the face of adversity.

Released in July 2024, the song serves as the theme for the film “Akabane Honoko’s Bodyguard,” starring member Raul, and its high-impact music video—shot over the course of more than 14 hours in total—also generated buzz.

It’s the perfect track to create an uplifting atmosphere at school festivals and cultural events, or to cheer on friends striving toward their dreams.

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Fanfaresumika

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

Fanfaresumika

A refreshing yet powerful cheer song that portrays facing hardships and holding hope for the future.

Its lyrics gently accompany anxious hearts and give a supportive push to walk forward together, inspiring the courage to take a new step.

Released in August 2018 as sumika’s second single, it also drew attention for being chosen as the opening theme for the feature-length anime Let Me Eat Your Pancreas.

It’s a perfect song for school and cultural festivals—moments that will likely be etched into many students’ memories as a page of their youth.

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Youth songs perfect as theme songs and opening tracks for school festivals (11–20)

Not fleetingSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Not Ephemeral” MV (Theme song for the film ‘Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween Arc -Decisive Battle-’)

Not fleetingSUPER BEAVER

This is a gem of a song imbued with the protagonist’s determination to face the past and save someone dear.

With a melody and lyrics that sink into the heart, it expresses the preciousness of life and living, while questioning the meaning of living in the present and the bonds with loved ones.

Created by SUPER BEAVER in June 2023, it is also included on the album “Ongaku” (Music).

The track was selected as the theme song for the film “Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween Arc – Decisive Battle.” If played during the climax of a school cultural festival, it will surely leave a lasting impression as a song that conveys the bonds between friends and hope for the future.

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Our JourneyKaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [Our Journey] Music Video

Our JourneyKaneyori Masaru

The song features lyrics that capture the youth and everyday life of teens and people in their twenties, paired with a pop melody, and its sweet, cute vocals that tug at the heartstrings are also a highlight.

Kaneyori Masaru, who made their major debut in 2023 with their first full album “Watashi no Nocturne,” released this track digitally in 2023.

It was later included on their fourth mini-album, “Namiutsu Kokoro o Mochinagara,” in 2024.

Among the many youth anthems that liven up school and cultural festivals, this track, with its bright, refreshing tone and rhythm, conveys the momentum and anticipation of a new beginning.

The lyrics evoke friendship, romance, and shining memories—sure to set your heart dancing.

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HomunculusVaundy

Homunculus (Theme song of My Hero Academia THE MOVIE: You're Next) / Vaundy: Music Video

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.

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Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

Yattemiyou

Let's give it a tryWANIMA

A powerful cheering song that blows away anxious feelings! One of WANIMA’s signature tracks, it’s been beloved as the tie-in song for au’s Santaro (Three Taro) commercial series since 2017.

The upbeat lyrics call on us to value not only what’s right but also what’s fun, and the energetic rock sound really stirs the soul.

Featured on the album “Everybody!!,” this song gives you the strength not to give up in the face of hardships and trials, and the courage to move forward toward the future with your friends.

It’s truly a perfect track for a school culture festival or campus festival built together with your peers.

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