![[School Festival] High schoolers hype up a live show! A collection of recommended Japanese band songs](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/L262NKlSl4s/maxresdefault.webp)
[School Festival] High schoolers hype up a live show! A collection of recommended Japanese band songs
When it comes to classic events at high school culture festivals, live performances are a must!
Some of you might have even formed a band just for this day.
And maybe hearing a band at a culture festival inspired you to start playing an instrument yourself.
In this article, we’ll introduce the perfect Japanese band songs to perform at culture and school festivals!
From cool tracks to emotional numbers, every pick is sure to hype up the crowd.
Be sure to read to the end and choose the songs that best fit your band!
[Cultural Festival] High schoolers get hyped at live shows! Recommended Japanese band song collection (1–10)
Sugar Song and Bitter StepNEW!UNISON SQUARE GARDEN
This is a song that enjoys high popularity alongside the anime it accompanies, having become a hot topic as the ending theme of the hit series Blood Blockade Battlefront for how well it matches the show’s worldview.
Released in May 2015, it’s known as one of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s signature tracks.
The lyrics, which liken the contradictions of modern society and the everyday spectrum of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure to sweetness and bitterness, leave a strong impression.
It’s a positive number, lifted by vocalist Kosuke Saito’s high-toned voice.
With its cuteness and pop rhythm, it makes you want to start stepping along before you know it.
It’s a staple killer tune at concerts and festivals, so if you perform it at a school festival, the whole venue is sure to light up with smiles and excitement.
Blueberry NightsNEW!makaroni enpitsu
A song by Macaroni Enpitsu that portrays the bittersweet, aching emotions of love from a woman’s perspective.
It’s a pop-rock number that showcases vocalist Hattori’s expressive power.
Released as the lead track on the mini-album “LiKE” in February 2019, it was also selected as the ending theme for the TV program “Baguette” starting in March of the same year.
It has continued to be widely loved across generations, becoming a massive hit with hundreds of millions of streams.
Packed with catchy melodies and the appeal of a full-fledged band sound, it’s a perfect choice for a high school band aiming to create an emotional atmosphere on a school festival stage.
Maximum reachNEW!SEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI is a four-piece band that continues to captivate people with its unique fantasy world and profound messages.
Released in September 2023 as the theme song for the anime ONE PIECE, this track stirs the heart with its uplifting message about accepting weakness and turning it into strength.
The exhilarating, fast-paced melody combined with a grand strings arrangement delivers an overwhelming sense of elation to listeners.
Perform it on a school festival stage, and the entire venue is guaranteed to come together in excitement.
It’s brimming with the kind of energy that perfectly suits a high school band, coloring a page of youth that sprints full-speed toward its goals.
You don’t get it.NEW!WurtS
This track by WurtS, a singer-songwriter and producer who’s been drawing attention, was released digitally in May 2021.
Also included on the EP “MAGICAL SOUP” and the first album “Once Upon a Revival,” it sparked a massive craze after going viral on TikTok.
Its driving melody and simple chord progression feel great, and the guitar-pop sound, tinged with a certain nostalgia, is irresistible.
The lyrics, which capture a sense of frustration, are highly relatable and make it easy to create a bond with the audience.
Play it on a school festival stage, and the whole venue is sure to break into a sing-along!
DarlingNEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is a three-piece rock band known for their exhilarating sound and heartfelt, empathetic messages.
Released for streaming in January 2025, this track was written as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival.” Its warm lyrics gently affirm those struggling with loneliness and uncertainty, giving them the strength to move forward—it really hits home.
With choral elements woven in, it’s perfect for a culture festival stage where the whole venue can raise their voices together.
Beyond band performances, it also shines as background music for class projects or video works—a heartwarming pop tune that truly delivers.
Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalNEW!back number
It’s one of back number’s signature songs.
Released as a single in June 2013, it sets the aching feelings of unrequited love for an unattainably charming woman to breezy pop rock.
The lyrics, which vividly portray the impatience of a one-sided crush and bouts of self-deprecation, have continued to resonate with many, and in 2019 the song was featured in a Kirin Brewery commercial.
With its driving yet emotional melody line, it’s sure to fire up any school festival stage.
Why not perform it live as a cheer for a classmate you’ve got a crush on?
horizonNEW!back number
A perfect song for anyone who wants to deliver a warm message that gently reaches many hearts.
It’s a track officially released in August 2021 by the three-piece band back number, known for lyrics that carefully scoop up everyday emotions.
Created with high school students aiming for the Inter-High during the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, it resonated deeply.
The lyrics find beauty within despair and sadness, and express a wish for personal growth and renewal, all carried by a calm yet emotional band sound.
Portraying the strength to overcome setbacks, this piece is an ideal number to perform as an encouraging message to classmates and friends at a school festival.