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

I want to tell you how I feel (my love)NEW!aimyon

Aimyon – “I Want to Tell You I Love You” [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A number crafted by singer-songwriter Aimyon, whose light, groovy, funk-tinged sound feels effortlessly comfortable.

The lyrics portray a slightly clingy, awkward love story that carries a bittersweetness anyone can relate to.

Released in May 2017 as her second major-label single, it’s one of her signature songs, also included on the album “Seishun no Excitement” and the acclaimed “Oishii Pasta ga Aru to Kiite.” With its bouncing rhythm and approachable melody, this track is perfect for shaking up the venue at a school festival live.

A recommended pick for bands that want to captivate the audience with a slightly mature vibe.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

A rousing anthem that portrays someone carrying the busyness and anxieties of the workweek, yet walking forward with hope, sustained by the precious person they can meet on the weekend! This song is included on the album “SHISHAMO 4,” released in February 2017.

It was inspired by the electric atmosphere felt at the stadium of Kawasaki Frontale, the soccer team from the band’s hometown of Kawasaki City.

Brimming with energy, it’s a track sure to hype up any school festival stage, stirring the heart with the image of a hero who keeps running without giving up, no matter how tough or painful things get!

All of the YouthFujifaburikku

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

Fujifabric is a three-piece rock band that continues to captivate fans with lyrics that vividly conjure scenes and melodies that linger in your ears.

Their 10th single, “Wakamono no Subete” (All About the Youth), which has been featured in numerous tie-ins including as the opening theme for the music variety show “Oto Moe!”, is a song that stirs the heart with the bittersweet atmosphere of summer coming to an end and the sense that something new is about to begin.

The difficulty isn’t particularly high, and because it’s full of catchy phrases, even beginner bands should be able to play it with confidence and enjoy themselves.

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asking for the moonKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Naimono Nedari” Music Video

Included on KANA-BOON’s mini-album “Boku ga CD wo Dashitara,” released in April 2013, this track deftly expresses dissatisfaction and jealousy toward a lover—and the love that lies beneath them.

With its up-tempo melody, catchy guitar riffs, and tightly synced band performance, the song surpassed 10 million views in March 2020 on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE.

Its lyrics capture subtle emotional shifts, and its exhilarating sound can bring a school festival crowd together.

It’s also a great pick for anyone who wants to talk about love with friends or share memories of their youth.

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

An uplifting anthem whose passionate cheer for those who keep chasing their dreams resonates in the heart! Formed in a high school light music club, Hump Back delivers a rock number that stands by everyone facing setbacks and anxieties.

It powerfully depicts the protagonist as they converse with themselves and their cherished friends, striving to move forward without giving up on their dreams.

Released as their major-label debut in June 2018, it was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02” and as a commercial song for Shinken Zemi’s High School Course.

This piece is perfect for a school festival live show! Performing it together with friends who share the same dreams will unite the entire venue in an emotional, unforgettable experience.

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

A searing, emotional masterpiece that grabs high schoolers’ hearts and never lets go! Its grand melody and exhilarating, driving guitar sound will fill the entire school festival venue with excitement.

The lyrics portray real, down-to-earth youth who question their own purpose, face failure, and keep moving forward—sure to stir your soul.

Released by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION in August 2004, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

It’s a classic that begs to be performed live, uniting the whole crowd in a frenzy.

Highly recommended even for those just starting out with band performances!

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

A heart-pounding rock tune that gives you a push on the back—“trust your instincts and carve out your future!” Released by ONE OK ROCK in February 2010, this song prioritizes instinct over logic, powerfully voicing a message from youth determined to move forward despite a mix of confidence and anxiety.

It was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Arabiki-dan” and reached No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The surprise performance at their Tokyo Dome show in April 2023 sent many fans into a frenzy.

With its energetic, unforgettable melody, it gives you the courage to believe in yourself and sprint toward your dreams—a go-to number to fire up any school festival live.