Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

[High School] Perform at the Cultural Festival Live! A Collection of Exciting Japanese Band Songs

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

When it comes to classic events at high school culture festivals, live performances are a must!

Some of you might have even formed a band just for this day.

And maybe hearing a band at a culture festival inspired you to start playing an instrument yourself.

In this article, we’ll introduce the perfect Japanese band songs to perform at culture and school festivals!

From cool tracks to emotional numbers, every pick is sure to hype up the crowd.

Be sure to read to the end and choose the songs that best fit your band!

[High School] Perform at the Culture Festival Live! A Compilation of Exciting Japanese Band Songs (131–140)

Happy New DayKaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [Happy New Day] Music Video

Happy New DayKaneyori Masaru

A three-piece girls’ rock band, Kaneyori Masaru, delivers a youthful pop tune.

Its charm lies in the catchy melody and lyrics packed with a positive message.

The words convey a feeling of cherishing the small joys of everyday life, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself humming along.

The energetic guitar rock sound is exhilarating, too! If you perform it on a school festival stage, it’s sure to bring the whole venue together!

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Make up your mind!Sabasusutā

Sabasister – Make Up Your Mind! Music Video

Make up your mind!Sabasusutā

Sabasista’s track “Kakugo o Kimero!” (“Make Up Your Mind!”) centers on the themes of inner conflict and the resolve to choose a path, vividly capturing the complex feelings young people experience as they grow.

The song is included on their first full-length major debut album, also titled “Kakugo o Kimero!”, released in March 2024.

It’s a recommended pick for anyone who wants to play unadorned, straight-ahead rock ’n’ roll.

Perform it on a school festival stage, and it has the power to transform the atmosphere of the entire venue!

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Recommendation to head northNekura Tōkī

NekratoKey MV “Kitakami no Susume”

Recommendation to head northNekura Tōkī

Nekraitoukey was formed around Asahi, who plays guitar.

Given Asahi’s background of originally working as a Vocaloid producer, I imagine many high school listeners have their eyes on Nekraitoukey.

This song they released in 2020 features an intriguing interplay between the guitar and synth with a pleasantly off-kilter rhythm, topped by Mossa’s clear and captivating vocals.

It’s especially recommended if you’re looking for a band with keyboards or a band with a female vocalist.

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PlayHanbureddāzu

Hambredders “Playback” Music Video

PlayHanbureddāzu

A song by Humbreaders that weaves the unique emotions and experiences of adolescence into its lyrics.

Released in November 2021, it drew attention as the lead track from the album “Guitar.” Set to a melodious rock sound, it captures the movements of the heart felt in everyday life.

The rhythmic guitar riffs and catchy chorus leave a strong impression, carrying a positive message and a firm resolve to keep looking forward.

It’s a bright, energetic number—perfect for getting hyped with friends or recharging your spirits!

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junkieFurederikku

Frederic “Junkie” Music Video / frederic “Junkie”

junkieFurederikku

A four-piece rock band from Kansai centered around the fraternal Miharas, Frederic’s track serves as the opening number of their major 3rd album, “Frederhythm 3,” and that intro—kicking off with a striking synth sound—has an addictive pull, doesn’t it? With intricate melodies, sharp guitar cutting, a complex bass line, and drum beats that shift rapidly, it’s packed with fine technique, so it might be a bit challenging for a high school band to fully replicate.

That said, the higher difficulty also means you’re less likely to overlap with other bands’ setlists, so if possible, we’d love for you to get it performance-ready by the school festival and show off this high-energy tune.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

Yattemiyou

Let's give it a tryWANIMA

WANIMA is a three-piece rock band leading today’s melodic hardcore scene, drawing attention for activities overflowing with hometown pride.

Their first digital-only single, “Yatte Minayo,” used as the theme song for au’s Santaro series commercial “Spring Door: Give It a Try,” is notable for its uplifting, encouraging lyrics.

While there aren’t many technically difficult sections, the tempo is fast, so be careful not to let the ensemble fall apart.

It’s a catchy number with a melody almost everyone has heard at least once, and we hope you’ll also take on their trademark choral work.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Youth Group Filled with DesireONE OK ROCK

Youth Group Filled with Desire

Youth Group Filled with DesireONE OK ROCK

A rock number that sings about confronting oneself! Centered on themes of regret from school days and rising from inner darkness, ONE OK ROCK delivers it with a powerful sound and Taka’s emotionally charged vocals.

Riding on an emotional melody, the determination and passion of young people striving once more toward the light will grip your heart.

Released in November 2007, this track is sure to give you a push when you’re chasing your dreams or trying to overcome emotional wounds.

It’s also a perfect match for fiery performances at school festivals and cultural festivals that mark a page of youth!

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