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

six feet undercoldrain

coldrain – Six Feet Under (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

coldrain is a five-piece rock band whose loud rock sound is highly acclaimed not only in Japan but overseas as well.

“SIX FEET UNDER,” included on their second mini-album Through Clarity, features a thrilling and dramatic ensemble that really fires you up.

The emotional melody of the chorus, combined with the heavy sound, will make any school festival come alive.

However, since every part is quite technical, we recommend thorough practice, both individually and as a band, before performing it live.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Wish Upon a Starflumpool

flumpool “Wish Upon a Star” MUSIC VIDEO

A heartwarming medium ballad that begins with the sense of loss from losing someone important and portrays the protagonist’s earnest desire to win them back after realizing how much they meant.

It was flumpool’s first CD single, released in February 2009, and was featured in NTT Communications’ MUSICO commercial.

Debuting at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, it’s a celebrated song that was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Built on fundamental rhythm patterns that form the basis of band performance, this piece is a perfect fit for school cultural festivals and campus stages.

Vermillionsumika

sumika / Vermillion【Music Video】

This is a refreshing, pop-tinged song by sumika that evokes the spring season, where anxiety and anticipation about new surroundings intermingle.

With clear, gentle vocals, it tenderly recounts how feelings from a time when spring wasn’t yet lovable gradually turned positive through experiences as a musician.

Released in advance from the March 2025 album “Vermillion’s” and chosen as the theme song for Duskin Co., Ltd.’s new TV commercial “Let’s Connect Our Feelings,” the track charms with lyrics that convey the warmth and joy of walking forward together with someone.

It would be perfect for a band set at a school festival, helping everyone share the resolve to face forward and move ahead.

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

A cheering song that stays close to the days of youth and gently wraps the bonds among friends! This is a track by sumika, released in January 2021 as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

With a refreshing touch, it portrays young people who, even while carrying setbacks and regrets, encourage one another and strive forward together.

Included on the album “AMUSIC” and featured in a TV commercial for Aisin Corporation, this song warmly supports not only students devoted to sports, but everyone who throws themselves wholeheartedly into something—be it a school festival, a club activity, or any passionate pursuit.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

A gentle love song by Remioromen that wraps together the changing seasons and a feeling of gratitude.

Written as a gift for a friend’s wedding, the song blends down-to-earth lyrics drawn from the real experiences of the three band members with the tight-knit sound only childhood friends from Yamanashi Prefecture could create.

Released in March 2004, it was later featured in an AOKI Holdings commercial and as the ending theme for an information program on the TBS network.

It was also used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” and a remake version was released in 2007.

Because it can be performed with a limited instrumental setup, it’s perfect for creating memories at a school culture festival.

Profile of the Wind feat. Narashino High School Wind EnsembleToukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora

“Profile of the Wind” feat. Narashino High School Wind Orchestra — Music Video / Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

An inspiring cheer song whose message of connecting generations and dreams strikes a chord! Featured on the November 2019 album Tsugihagi Colorful, this is Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra’s first collaboration with a high school brass band.

NARGO’s buoyant ska sound is powerfully brought to life by the youthful energy of the Narashino High School Brass Band.

First unveiled on TV Asahi’s Music Station, the track gained further attention as the CM song for KIRIN “Hyoketsu Ready for Refresh!” Brimming with the wonder of music that blows on across generations like an unending wind—and the passion of those who play it—this is a refreshing, powerful tune.

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

A power-charged, feel-good song that captures the straight-from-the-heart spirit of youth in sound and lyrics! Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound is packed with the passion of young people chasing their dreams head-on.

Featured on the album “Channel U,” this track was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s original romance show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita: Summer Vacation 2024,” and was released in July 2024.

This piece, which gives a strong push to everyone living in the here and now, is also perfect as stage BGM to brighten the opening of school and culture festivals!