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

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – StaRt

A captivating track featuring an up-tempo, high-energy pop-rock sound and a powerful message that encourages taking a bold new step.

Released from the major debut mini-album “Variety” in July 2015, this song was featured in a Kao Merit commercial and used as the theme for Fuji TV’s “Cho Hamarru! Bakusho Character Parade,” significantly boosting Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s recognition.

The vocals, expressing a hopeful and positive spirit, blend beautifully with the light, breezy melody.

Perfect for kicking off a school festival or as background music to cheer on club activities! Listen to this song at the moment you and your friends begin a new challenge, and it will surely fill you with courage.

We areONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

An empowering anthem that stands by the anxieties and struggles of young people, powerfully singing the importance of living true to yourself! Taka from ONE OK ROCK delivers an emotionally rich vocal performance, and the fusion with the emotive melody creates a soul-stirring sound that leaves a lasting impression.

Featured on the album “Ambitions” and released in January 2017, this track was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song and deeply moved many viewers.

It’s a warm song that supports and encourages not only students in the midst of their youth, but also those who feel unable to face societal pressures and surrounding prejudice, and those on the verge of losing their sense of self.

A Distant LoveRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Saihate Aini [Official Music Video]

A heartwarming rock tune themed around love and longing, singing of a powerful yearning for someone who has qualities you yourself lack.

RADWIMPS’ signature poetic expression and melodious sound blend beautifully, lifting the listener’s spirits.

Released in May 2017, this work captivates with its fresh, energetic musicality and lyrics that deeply portray relationships with loved ones and the finiteness of time.

Ideal for band performances or background music at school and cultural festivals, its resonant message and powerful musicality will unite the audience and make it a perfect choice to energize any event.

single-minded; earnest; wholehearted; dedicatedSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Hitamuki” Music Video (TV Anime “My Hero Academia” Season 6 Opening Theme)

The opening theme for season 6 of the anime My Hero Academia was chosen to be a song by the rock band SUPER BEAVER.

HeroAca’s theme songs are packed with masterpieces, and this track is no exception—it’s an exhilarating, fast-paced anthem that really gets you hyped.

The first thing that hits your ears is a guitar riff that blends sharp, choppy brushing with single-note picking despite its simplicity.

Following that, the bass line stands out with its distinctive high-fret fingering, paired with tight, driving drums.

It’s by no means an easy piece to perform, but if you can pull it off, your stage is guaranteed to look awesome! I highly recommend intermediate and advanced players give it a shot.

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Hane Keisuke

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Not fleetingSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Not Ephemeral” MV (Theme song for the film ‘Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween Arc -Decisive Battle-’)

This is a gem of a song imbued with the protagonist’s determination to face the past and save someone dear.

With a melody and lyrics that sink into the heart, it expresses the preciousness of life and living, while questioning the meaning of living in the present and the bonds with loved ones.

Created by SUPER BEAVER in June 2023, it is also included on the album “Ongaku” (Music).

The track was selected as the theme song for the film “Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween Arc – Decisive Battle.” If played during the climax of a school cultural festival, it will surely leave a lasting impression as a song that conveys the bonds between friends and hope for the future.

Fanfaresumika

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

A refreshing yet powerful cheer song that portrays facing hardships and holding hope for the future.

Its lyrics gently accompany anxious hearts and give a supportive push to walk forward together, inspiring the courage to take a new step.

Released in August 2018 as sumika’s second single, it also drew attention for being chosen as the opening theme for the feature-length anime Let Me Eat Your Pancreas.

It’s a perfect song for school and cultural festivals—moments that will likely be etched into many students’ memories as a page of their youth.

Youth Lineikimonogakari

Youthful Line♪ Ikimonogakari YOKOHAMA STADIUM 2011

Ikimono-gakari is a two-member band that launched activities under a new structure in 2021, and each member’s individual work is also drawing attention.

Their 6th single “Seishun Line,” released as a double A-side with “Natsuzora Graffiti,” was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Big Windup! The lyrics, packed with encouragement for those giving it their all, are perfect for a festival celebrating students sprinting through their youth.

With its refreshing melody and beat, this pop, upbeat tune will light up any event.

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Hoshino Takashi

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