[School Festival] High schoolers hype up a live show! A collection of recommended Japanese band songs

Distortion!!kessoku bando

TV anime “Bocchi the Rock!” ending video / “Distortion!!” #KessokuBand

Kessoku Band is a group formed by the characters in the TV anime Bocchi the Rock!, which depicts the band activities of high school girls.

In 2022, they actually released an album as Kessoku Band titled “Kessoku Band,” which dominated the Oricon and Billboard charts and became a big hit.

It’s packed with songs that are perfect for school festivals.

Among them, “Distortion!!,” used as the anime’s first ending theme, is especially recommended because its simple chord progression and mid-tempo 8-beat make it easy to tackle.

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Hamada Takuya

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No doubtOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – No Doubt [Official Video]

An especially memorable track with lyrics that cast a sharp eye on society, chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Confidence Man JP.” It sounds an alarm about today’s world, where information spreads instantly, and delivers a powerful message about the importance of discerning the truth in an age full of deceit.

Released in April 2018 as Official HIGE DANDism’s major-label debut, the song became a massive hit, surpassing 300 million streams on Billboard Japan’s Streaming Songs chart.

Its punchy sound and powerful melody are sure to energize any school festival live stage.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

A song by Tatsuya Kitani that portrays the fleeting yet beautiful nature of youth.

It’s packed with the complex emotions unique to young people—summer love, friendship, lingering regrets, and more.

Released in July 2023 as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, it became a major topic of conversation.

This track resonates with a wide range of listeners, from adults nostalgic for their school days to students living through that time right now.

Perform it on a school festival stage, and everyone will be swept up in an emotional mood.

NorseShingāzuhai

Singer’s High “Nulls” Music Video

Rather than sweet words, I want love to be shown through concrete actions.

Infused with that heartfelt wish, Singers High’s track explores the theme of emotional mismatch in romance.

It captures the complex feelings where deep affection and frustration for the other person intertwine, conveyed through high-tone vocals and a powerful band sound.

Released as a digital single in June 2022, it was also included on the mini-album “Melody,” released in November of the same year.

The song gained traction on social media and has become popular, especially among younger listeners.

Its breathtaking arrangement—where the band sound gradually builds in step with the emotional swell—makes it a perfect finale piece for a school festival band!

possibilitySambomasutā

Sambomaster “Possibility”

With a fiery rock spirit and a positive message, this song will turn your school festival stage into a full-on festival venue! Released in May 2015 as the theme song for the film “Biri Gyaru” (“Flying Colors”), it’s a cheering anthem for those striving toward their dreams.

Loved by fans as one of Sambomaster’s signature tracks, it teaches the importance of strong will and hard work to make dreams come true—a perfect number for you in the midst of your youth!

Beloved daysyangusukinii

Young Skinny – Oh, Beloved Days [Official Music Video]

Young Skinny is a rock band that enjoys immense popularity, especially among the younger generation.

Their song “Beloved Days” centers on the theme of friendship and was created based on conversations with high school students.

It’s included on the EP If We Could Find Happiness in Anything, released in September 2023, and was also chosen as the campaign song for Ezaki Glico’s “Seventeen Ice.” The lyrics portray the depth of a friendship that fully accepts each other’s existence, striking a chord in the heart.

Sing it with your best friend at a school or cultural festival, and it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory!

1999Hitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku “1999” (Official Music Video)

Set on Christmas Eve of 1999, this song by Hitsujibungaku portrays the transience of the end of the century and the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

Released in December 2018, it is known as one of the band’s signature tracks.

Lyrics and composition grounded in Moeka Shiotsuka’s unique worldview, Yurika Kasai’s soaring high harmonies and bass, and Hiroa Fukuda’s delicate drumming intertwine to create a sonic world that resonates deeply with listeners.

Bring this stylish, ennui-tinged rock number to your school festival stage!