[High School] Perform at the Cultural Festival Live! A Collection of Exciting Japanese Band Songs

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

Crafted by Sakanaction, this song gently encourages young people chasing their dreams toward an unknown world.

Blending band-driven instrumentation with synthesizer elements, it achieves a retro vibe while remaining fresh and poppy.

Produced in September 2015 as the theme song for the film “Bakuman,” it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and peaked at No.

9 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

The music video is sprinkled with staging that evokes Showa-era music programs, resulting in a richly varied presentation.

Consider featuring it as a main-stage performance at a school festival or as background music to energize the entire venue.

GLAMOROUS SKYNakajima Mika

GLAMOROUS SKY / Mika Nakashima

The theme song of the film “NANA,” woven from a powerful guitar sound, striking melodies, and soul-stirring lyrics.

It’s an ambitious work in which Mika Nakashima makes a bold shift from her previous ballad style to a rock-tinged approach.

Infused with a strong will to keep moving forward despite the emptiness and loneliness of everyday life, it gives listeners courage and hope.

Released in August 2005, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks.

This star-studded collaboration features composition by HYDE of L’Arc〜en〜Ciel and lyrics by the original author, Ai Yazawa.

With its simple rhythms and catchy melodies, this piece is perfect for band performances at school and cultural festivals—great for practicing and enjoying with friends.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

It’s not easy to put feelings of gratitude toward one’s parents into words.

This song gently embraces the heartfelt emotions of exam-takers who feel that way.

Released by DISH// in November 2021, it drew attention as the theme song for the NTV drama “The Winners in February.” Co-written by DISH// vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu, it carefully portrays the pressure and anxiety students feel, as well as their gratitude toward family.

With a powerful, march-inspired sound and wishes embedded in the daphne’s flower language—“glory” and “victory”—it’s sure to resonate with anyone awaiting the fruits of their efforts.

Deliver a breathtaking performance with this moving band number and leave your audience in awe!

AM11:00HY

HY – AM11:00 (Official Music Video)

A love song notable for its male–female back-and-forth.

Beginning with a peaceful morning scene shared by lovers, it’s a heartwarming piece that captures everyday moments of happiness.

Included on HY’s album “Street Story” and released in April 2003, the song was featured in a RecoChoku commercial and later used as an insert song in the 2012 NHK morning drama “Jun to Ai.” It’s a mixture rock track that blends elements of rock, punk, and hip-hop, distinguished by a unique sound that evokes the atmosphere of Okinawa.

The instrumental parts aren’t overly complex, making it a great choice for bands looking to perform at school or cultural festivals.

Endless JourneyMr.Children

Mr.Children “Endless Journey” MUSIC VIDEO

A song that expresses, through music, a way of life that cherishes individuality, driven by the powerful message, “You don’t have to imitate anyone.” As one of Mr.Children’s signature works, it inspires the courage to overcome setbacks and doubts and to follow your own path.

Released in October 1998 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Naguru Onna,” it became a hit, selling 516,000 copies in its first week.

Despite running over seven minutes, its appeal lies in an intricate arrangement featuring nine key changes and a grand sound built on a compelling guitar riff.

Even those just starting out with band performance should be able to present it confidently on a school festival stage by playing a simple arrangement together with friends.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

Wherever you are

A ballad filled with gentle affection and vows.

The desire to always be by someone’s side and make them smile, along with the resolve to pledge eternal love, resonates deeply.

Though simply arranged around piano and acoustic guitar, Taka’s emotive vocals leave a strong impression.

Featured on the album “Niche Syndrome,” the song was used in 2015 as NTT Docomo’s commercial theme for the “Family” campaign, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s also highly popular as a wedding staple, taking first place in the ISUM Bridal Music Awards in both 2017 and 2018.

This is a perfect song to perform on stages at school cultural and campus festivals—events that can’t be created without bonds among friends and teachers.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

This is a RADWIMPS song created for director Makoto Shinkai’s animated film, singing of a fateful love that transcends time.

It’s a pop tune that conveys strength amid poignancy, marked by energetic guitar sounds and a driving, up-tempo rhythm.

Included on the album “Your Name.” released in August 2016, the track drew major attention alongside the film’s mega-hit success, and it’s also beloved as a staple at school festivals where everyone can get excited together.

If you simplify the guitar and drum rhythm parts, it can be enjoyed in performance regardless of skill level.