RAG MusicSchool Festival
Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

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

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.

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

peace signYonezu Kenshi

As you might expect given that it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime My Hero Academia, this is one of Kenshi Yonezu’s songs that especially suits images of “youth” and “school.” It’s a high-energy rock track with a fast, driving sound rather than a mellow one, so it’s absolutely recommended for anyone who wants a hype rock tune as their theme song.

Just like the anime itself, it would work great performed by a band! I think it’ll be the kind of rock tune that really fires up a hot, exciting day.

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Sukima Switch is a musical duo that made their major debut in 2003, consisting of Takuya Ohashi on vocals and guitar and Shintaro Tokita on piano and backing vocals.

Their song “Zenryoku Shonen” (Full-Throttle Boy) is, just as the title suggests, a wonderful track with a message of pushing past obstacles, facing forward, and giving it your all.

Its straightforward, catchy chorus makes you want to hum along, and the accessible sound makes it perfect for a school festival.

If you play it as a theme or opening song, it feels like you’ll be able to give it your all—literally!

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN is a four-piece rock band that has had a tremendous influence on artists since the 2000s and continues to evolve to this day.

Their third single, Tentai Kansoku, which was used as an insert song for the TV drama of the same name (Sky Watching), is still known as the band’s signature track.

With an intro said to layer eight guitars to evoke shooting stars and a catchy chorus melody, it’s sure to crank up the voltage for any upcoming school festival.

A timeless classic, this exhilarating rock tune gets crowds going across generations.

Theme of JUICE UP!!WANIMA

WANIMA - JUICE UP!! Theme Played (Full ver.) by Ear (Ear-copied)
Theme of JUICE UP!!WANIMA

If you’re talking about bands that are hugely popular among young people, WANIMA is indispensable.

This track is used as the SE at their concerts, so anyone who’s been to their shows will probably recognize it.

With its high tempo that really amps up the energy—perfect for a live show intro—it’s also a great fit for a school festival opening.

Youth Group Filled with DesireONE OK ROCK

A rock number that sings about confronting oneself! Centered on themes of regret from school days and rising from inner darkness, ONE OK ROCK delivers it with a powerful sound and Taka’s emotionally charged vocals.

Riding on an emotional melody, the determination and passion of young people striving once more toward the light will grip your heart.

Released in November 2007, this track is sure to give you a push when you’re chasing your dreams or trying to overcome emotional wounds.

It’s also a perfect match for fiery performances at school festivals and cultural festivals that mark a page of youth!

[Culture Festival / School Festival] Youth songs recommended for theme songs and openings (41–50)

Friendswacci

wacci 'Friends' Short Ver.
Friendswacci

It’s a pop song that virtually any student can relate to.

A school is a place with all kinds of people, and everyone spends the same time together.

This song by wacci sings about how those days—youth spent with someone—are something special.

It was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Uchi Tama?! Have you seen my Tama?”.

The driving sound and bright vocals are sure to lift your spirits.

Let’s kick off the culture festival and school festival with a smile!

Guitar, Loneliness, and the Blue Planetkessoku bando

[Lyric Video] Kessoku Band - “Guitar, Loneliness and the Blue Planet” / In-episode song from TV anime “Bocchi the Rock!” Episode 5
Guitar, Loneliness, and the Blue Planetkessoku bando

The TV anime “Bocchi the Rock!” centers on a girls’ band.

It was heavily featured in media like TV and magazines and became a huge talking point.

The band Kessoku Band, whose guitarist is the show’s protagonist, has a song called “Guitar to Kodoku to Aoi Wakusei” (“Guitar, Loneliness, and the Blue Planet”).

It’s a hard rock number, so playing it as the opening track is sure to get everyone hyped! Dropping an anime song like this amid J-pop makes a strong impact, so try to get creative with the timing!