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

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!

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

It’s not easy to put feelings of gratitude toward one’s parents into words.

This song gently embraces the heartfelt emotions of exam-takers who feel that way.

Released by DISH// in November 2021, it drew attention as the theme song for the NTV drama “The Winners in February.” Co-written by DISH// vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu, it carefully portrays the pressure and anxiety students feel, as well as their gratitude toward family.

With a powerful, march-inspired sound and wishes embedded in the daphne’s flower language—“glory” and “victory”—it’s sure to resonate with anyone awaiting the fruits of their efforts.

Deliver a breathtaking performance with this moving band number and leave your audience in awe!

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

A heartwarming friendship song from DREAMS COME TRUE, filled with hopeful cheers and a powerful anthem.

Released in January 2025, the track features an energetic, vibrant rhythm that blends ’80s disco sounds with modern Latin grooves.

It carries messages of friendship, the courage to take on challenges, and encouragement for those stepping into something new.

Created as the theme song for the “Osaka-Kansai Expo Commemorative ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025,” this lively tune is perfect for singing and dancing with friends at school or cultural festivals.

It’s also ideal for choral or dance performances practiced with friends, as well as background music for video projects.

Enjoy this uplifting cheer song that adds color to cherished memories with your friends.

RunLittle Glee Monster

『Run』 – Little Glee Monster

It’s a youth-boosting anthem that sings about the courage to move forward and the bonds between friends.

With an exhilarating, up-tempo melody and powerful harmonies, this track stands out as a collaboration with Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1, created by Little Glee Monster in March 2025 to cheer on new first graders.

Included on the album “Ambitious,” it’s also slated to be performed on their nationwide tour.

It’s the perfect song to sing and dance to with friends at school events like cultural festivals and sports days.

We’re delivering a message song bursting with energy—one you’ll want to share with friends striving toward their dreams.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

This song leaves a strong impression with a powerful message that feels like a snapshot from the pages of youth.

It embodies the courage to move toward the future and the resolve to cherish memories with friends, all delivered through ONE OK ROCK’s signature emotional vocals that resonate deeply.

Featured on the album Zankyo Reference, the track was released in October 2011 and skillfully fuses elements of metalcore and post-hardcore.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Futa Kuriki’s New Challenge,” captivating the hearts of many.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to sing at cultural festivals, school festivals, or choir competitions.

Raise your voices together, and it will surely become an unforgettable memory.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

Wherever you are

A ballad filled with gentle affection and vows.

The desire to always be by someone’s side and make them smile, along with the resolve to pledge eternal love, resonates deeply.

Though simply arranged around piano and acoustic guitar, Taka’s emotive vocals leave a strong impression.

Featured on the album “Niche Syndrome,” the song was used in 2015 as NTT Docomo’s commercial theme for the “Family” campaign, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s also highly popular as a wedding staple, taking first place in the ISUM Bridal Music Awards in both 2017 and 2018.

This is a perfect song to perform on stages at school cultural and campus festivals—events that can’t be created without bonds among friends and teachers.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

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

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?