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

Vermillionsumika

sumika / Vermillion【Music Video】

This is a refreshing, pop-tinged song by sumika that evokes the spring season, where anxiety and anticipation about new surroundings intermingle.

With clear, gentle vocals, it tenderly recounts how feelings from a time when spring wasn’t yet lovable gradually turned positive through experiences as a musician.

Released in advance from the March 2025 album “Vermillion’s” and chosen as the theme song for Duskin Co., Ltd.’s new TV commercial “Let’s Connect Our Feelings,” the track charms with lyrics that convey the warmth and joy of walking forward together with someone.

It would be perfect for a band set at a school festival, helping everyone share the resolve to face forward and move ahead.

Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala

Yosugala – Kono Yubi Tomare

This song by yosugala delivers a powerful message centered on encouragement and compassion for those facing hardship.

It reaches out to anyone feeling defeat or loneliness, expressing—through an emotional melody—the importance of extending a hand and continuing to believe in their inner light.

Created by members of the band AliA, the piece premiered at the hall concert “progress the night -LINE CUBE SHIBUYA-” held in February 2025 and was released in March of the same year.

As a heartwarming anthem that supports friends practicing for school festivals and cultural events, and companions walking together toward their goals, it is sure to resonate with many people.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Glory Bridge (Yuzu cover by Sundaysaty’s)

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?

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

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.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

A heartwarming message song that reminds you of the bonds with cherished friends.

It’s a track where a driving, high-energy rock sound—packed with Road of Major’s musical essence—beautifully harmonizes with straightforward lyrics.

Portraying encounters and partings, friendship, and hope for the future, the words continue to resonate deeply with many young people.

Released as an indie single in September 2002, it remained in the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks and achieved an astonishing total of 900,000 copies sold.

In 2009, it was also featured in a commercial for the Taiwan-market Mazda Mazda3, becoming a song loved across borders.

Its band-friendly arrangement makes it easy to perform, and it has the power to unite the audience during live shows.

BetelgeuseYuuri

Yuuri “Betelgeuse” Official Music Video

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.

GO FOR IT!!Nishino Kana

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

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.