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

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.

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A youthful, bittersweet song that portrays the tender feelings between two people with different musical tastes.

Aimyon’s unique worldview and melodic sensibility blend beautifully, gently wrapping the desire to bridge the distance through the music you love.

Released by Warner Music Japan in August 2017, this track’s simple yet resonant sound strikes a chord with listeners, becoming a massive hit with over 300 million streams.

Perform it on a school festival stage, and it’s sure to move the audience as well.

It’s a perfect song for creating memories of your youth.

Song Not to Forgetmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu 'Wasurena Uta' MV

This is a heartwarming song that sings of the bittersweetness and hope of youth.

Released in April 2024, it paints the image of young people running toward their dreams with a powerful, refreshing melody.

Macaroni Enpitsu created this piece as the ending theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” based on Eko Mikawa’s original work.

While accompanying the coming-of-age story of the anime’s protagonists, it also carries a message that anyone can relate to.

The lyrics carefully depict the strength to overcome setbacks and hardship, as well as the courage to keep looking forward, making it a perfect track for cultural festivals and class memories.

With its bright, uplifting melody and emotionally resonant lyrics, it’s sure to be a hit at karaoke and at school.

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.

Opening DeclarationNovelbright

Novelbright – Opening Declaration [Official Music Video]

It is a highly message-driven song that conveys sincere feelings and a powerful drive toward a bright future.

It vividly depicts youthful figures stepping out from ordinary daily life to chase their dreams with friends.

The passionate resolve to walk together under the vast sky resonates with a grand orchestral sound in this masterpiece.

Released in April 2021 as the title track of the album “Kaimaku Sengen” (Opening Declaration), it has become a signature work symbolizing Novelbright’s major-label debut.

In 2022, it was also selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s nationwide high school dance club support project on the program “Sukkiri.” This piece is certain to shine as BGM for entrance marches and competitive scenes at sports days and athletics festivals.

It’s the perfect cheer song to boost the feeling of wanting to dash full speed toward your dreams together with your friends.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

This is a powerful song that celebrates youthful passion and friendship, included on the album “Zankyō Reference,” released in October 2011.

Within its heavy sound that fuses metalcore and post-hardcore, ONE OK ROCK’s signature refreshing melodies shine through.

It portrays the earnest determination of young people who, carrying the bonds and memories shared with their friends, move forward into the future.

The track was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” It’s a perfect choice as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals, resonating deeply with teammates who sweat together and encourage one another.