Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

[2026] Fire it up! A roundup of recommended Western songs to hype up your school culture festivals

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
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 for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.

Are you struggling to choose songs that will send the energy on your school festival stage or at your event soaring to the max?If you want to hype up the crowd with BGM or a dance performance, Western hits that transcend language barriers and make everyone move intuitively are perfect.We’ve gathered a wide range—from trending tracks blowing up on TikTok to classic anthems everyone’s heard at least once.Here are some hype-worthy Western songs that will make you want to jump in unison with your classmates and the audience!You’re sure to find the perfect music to vividly color a page of your youth.

[2026] Hype It Up! A Selection of Recommended Western Songs to Energize Your Culture and School Festivals (161–170)

Lose YourselfEminem

Eminem – Lose Yourself [HD]

Lose YourselfEminem

With exceptionally high-level rap skills and polished lyrics, Eminem is a rapper who’s popular among heads all over the world.

He’s hugely popular in Japan as well.

His track “Lose Yourself” is one of his signature works, and as the theme song for the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, it became a global hit.

It’s a song that people of all ages have heard at least once, so playing it at a school or cultural festival is sure to get the crowd hyped! Hip-hop has been booming in Japan lately too, so definitely check it out.

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The Final CountdownEurope

Europe – The Final Countdown (Official Video)

The Final CountdownEurope

If your concert buddies veto Bon Jovi, how about Europe? They’re just as classic, but not quite as well-known in Japan.

This song is guaranteed to get the crowd hyped, packed with a treasure trove of gem-like melodies, so I think it’s a great pick.

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[2026] Hype It Up! A Recommended Collection of Western Songs to Energize School Culture Festivals (171–180)

Green Green GrassGeorge Ezra

George Ezra – Green Green Grass (Official Video)

Green Green GrassGeorge Ezra

George Ezra is a British singer-songwriter.

Like Rick Astley—another British singer-songwriter who was hugely popular back in the day—he’s known for his distinctive deep vocals.

Among his works, the track I especially recommend for school or cultural festivals is Green Green Grass.

It’s a big hit on TikTok and features an upbeat, lively sound.

I think it’s a song every student has heard at least once, so be sure to check it out.

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Welcome To The JungleGuns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses – Welcome To The Jungle

Welcome To The JungleGuns N' Roses

If you absolutely want to hype up your school festival, this song is the top recommendation.

This monster rock band from the ’80s to ’90s isn’t just known for massive sales—their legendary status and intense live performances are famous too.

Plus, their songs have a great groove, making them perfect for a school festival.

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YummyJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Yummy (Official Video)

YummyJustin Bieber

If you dance to this song at a school or cultural festival, it would look really cool—Justin Bieber’s “Yummy.” It’s a very sultry, mood-filled track, but elements like Justin’s pink hoodie and the title “Yummy” offer lots of inspiration for performances and costumes.

Imagine pink hoodies for the dance outfits and props like sweets—just thinking about it is exciting.

The catchy melody is another draw, and it might be one of those songs you remember well into adulthood.

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Stairway to HeavenLed Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven (Official Audio)

Stairway to HeavenLed Zeppelin

If your band is confident in its performance level—especially if soaring vocals and guitar are your calling cards—it could be fun to try covering Led Zeppelin.

They’re one of the greatest hard rock bands with all kinds of legends surrounding them, so let’s make a legend of our own at the school festival.

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Morning GloryOasis

Oasis – Morning Glory (Official HD Remastered Video)

Morning GloryOasis

This song is recommended for anyone struggling to pick a Western track for a school festival live.

I think performing something by Oasis would be a great choice.

If there isn’t a single song that everyone absolutely agrees on, then it’s best to choose one with a good melody that the instrumental members will enjoy playing!

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