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

Starting Oversumika

sumika / Starting Over [Music Video] - TV Anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky” Opening Theme

A refreshing and powerful message song that gently pushes the backs of those taking their first steps toward their dreams.

Released by sumika in June 2023 as the opening theme for the anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky,” this track celebrates the joy of growing together with friends and the importance of cherishing what you love.

It supports and stands by anyone trying to take a step forward in a new environment.

Play it at the start of a school festival or cultural festival, and it will make everyone feel the beginning of a new story.

Make up your mind!Sabasusutā

Sabasister – Make Up Your Mind! Music Video

Saba Sister’s exhilarating rock number.

Its candid lyrics and powerful sound hit straight to the heart.

Featured on their first full album “Kakugo o Kimero!” released in March 2024, this track is a perfect fit for their major-label debut.

Centered on themes of youth, growth, and inner struggle, it boldly sings about having the resolve to choose your own path.

With its straightforward message and driving, high‑energy melody, it’s ideal for kicking off a school culture festival or campus event.

It’s a song everyone can sing along to and get excited about.

For creating special memories that color a page of your youth, why not choose this track?

Zankyo SankaAimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

Aimer’s “Zankyosanka” is a truly captivating track, featuring her uniquely moving lyrics and powerful vocals! It was specially written as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc and released as a single in January 2022.

With its driving, fast-paced sound, it’s sure to get everyone pumped if you play it at a school or cultural festival!

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.

Endless JourneyMr.Children

Mr.Children “Endless Journey” MUSIC VIDEO

A song that expresses, through music, a way of life that cherishes individuality, driven by the powerful message, “You don’t have to imitate anyone.” As one of Mr.Children’s signature works, it inspires the courage to overcome setbacks and doubts and to follow your own path.

Released in October 1998 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Naguru Onna,” it became a hit, selling 516,000 copies in its first week.

Despite running over seven minutes, its appeal lies in an intricate arrangement featuring nine key changes and a grand sound built on a compelling guitar riff.

Even those just starting out with band performance should be able to present it confidently on a school festival stage by playing a simple arrangement together with friends.