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 Culture Festivals] Youthful songs perfect for theme music and openings (21–30)

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

migratory bird[Alexandros]

This is one of the signature songs by [Alexandros], a band that’s especially popular among young people.

The track opens with a refreshing guitar sound and has the perfect feel for an opening number—guaranteed to get the crowd excited.

The lyrics revolve around themes of challenge and hope, making it a perfect fit for a youthful school festival.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE

This refreshing and emotional song captures the very start of summer.

The lyrics vividly portray the sweet-and-sour feelings of youth, sure to resonate with many listeners.

Released in August 2018 as their seventh single, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-Nichi” (Blue Summer: The 30 Days I Fell in Love with You).

With the lively, unmistakably Mrs.

sound, it overflows with a festival-like excitement that brings to mind a school fair and keeps the thrill going.

It conveys a heartfelt message about treasuring love, friendship, and human connection, packed with positivity that makes you want to get up and dance.

It’s a perfect pick not only for teens in the thick of their youth, but also for teachers who want to recapture those sparkling days!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Youth Songs Perfect for Cultural and School Festivals: Great for Theme Songs and Openings (31–40)

Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog is a three-piece rock band that’s especially popular among young people.

They’ve also appeared on THE FIRST TAKE, the hit YouTube channel known for one-take recordings, performing songs like “Itsuka” and “Yui.” While many of their tracks feature emotional lyrics, “Genzai o Ikiru no da” is a standout pick for school festivals, carrying a message about valuing the present.

Take a moment to savor the here and now as you listen to this song together.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Starting Oversumika

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

Starting Oversumika

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

TEENAGE RIOTYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – TEENAGE RIOT / Kenshi Yonezu

TEENAGE RIOTYonezu Kenshi

This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who started as a Vocaloid producer and has now become a leading artist in the J-POP scene.

With a title like “TEENAGE RIOT,” it’s perfectly suited for school festivals at junior highs and high schools where teenagers take center stage.

The passionate sound and lyrics are especially appealing, so it could be great as an opening number for everyone to sing together.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster's Flower Song)Vaundy

Vaundy’s songs showcase his talent as a singer-songwriter, with empathetic lyrics that stir the heart.

Originally included on the album “strobo” and later re-recorded for “replica,” this track is filled with memories shared with the companions who raced through the live scene together.

It portrays complex emotions where disappointment and hope intersect, all from a distinctive perspective.

I’m deeply moved by the way it sings of longing for the past and a profound devotion to human connection.

As a symbolic anthem of overcoming the COVID era, it’s surely etched in many people’s hearts.

It’s a song that lets you savor a sparkling, uplifting feeling—like being right in the middle of youth.

It’s guaranteed to be the perfect theme to fire up a school festival! Be sure to make memories together with this song.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

ImaginationSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Imagination” TV anime “Haikyu!!” opening theme

ImaginationSPYAIR

SPYAIR is a four-piece rock band whose announcement of a new vocalist in April 2023 has raised expectations for their future.

Their 14th single “Imagination,” used as the opening theme for the TV anime Haikyu!!, features an exhilarating, fast-paced ensemble that really amps up the energy.

With melodies and messages that evoke a favorable tailwind, it seems perfect for opening a school festival.

It’s a rock tune with a crisp band sound that feels great and will liven up any event.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem