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

VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Vertigo」

A powerful track that fuses a sharp perspective on society with an energetic sound.

It’s a song by MAN WITH A MISSION that sounds an alarm about the modern world.

It skillfully depicts the psychological state of people tossed about by an overload of information, expressing a dizzying sense of chaos.

Even amid instability, it carries a will to move forward, resonating deeply with listeners.

Included on the EP “XV e.p.” released on March 12, 2025, it was also chosen as the promotional song for the near-futuristic sci-fi mecha game “Mecha BREAK.” The music video presents a unique world through lighting that highlights the colors of the five members.

It’s a work that will motivate you as you strive toward a goal with your friends during school festival preparations.

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.

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.

winding roadNovelbright

Novelbright – Winding Road [Official Music Video]

There are always trials along the path of life, and the staircase to adulthood is lined with thorns.

Novelbright expresses the heart that wavers between pure hopes and reality with warm vocals that gently embrace those feelings.

This work is the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Courtroom Dragon,” airing in January 2025.

Its refreshing, grand melody is sure to encourage young people as they move step by step toward their dreams.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend as a companion to memories of youth—growing together while lifting each other up, and the friendships that deepen while preparing for school culture festivals.

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.

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.

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.