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Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

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

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!

[Culture Festival] High school students get hyped at live shows! Recommended collection of Japanese band songs (151–160)

KiLLiNG MESiM

SiM – KiLLiNG ME (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
KiLLiNG MESiM

A four-piece rock band, SiM, fires up fans with their alternative sound that blends loud sonics with reggae elements.

This track, included on their second full-length album, “SEEDS OF HOPE,” cranks up the energy right from the intro featuring a heavy guitar sound.

While it has a driving feel, it also demands tight playing, making it quite challenging for the instrumentalists.

If you aim for a perfect cover, the fidelity of the vocals will likely be crucial.

If it’s hard for a single vocalist to replicate, you can boldly switch to a twin-vocal setup to capture the expression, so try it in a way that suits your members’ skills and strengths.

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.

Our JourneyKaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [Our Journey] Music Video
Our JourneyKaneyori Masaru

“Our Journey” by Kaneyori Masaru, a three-piece girls’ rock band from Osaka, captivates with its pop melodies and sweet, cute vocals.

Released digitally in June 2023, the track was chosen as the theme song for the Lemino drama “Houkago Teibou Nisshi.” Its lyrics, which capture the essence of youth and everyday life, resonated especially with women in their teens and twenties.

With themes of friendship, romance, and unfading school-day memories, the song evokes a warm nostalgia, and the music video features actress Riko.

Play it at a school festival live show, and it’s sure to fill the venue with a bright, refreshing vibe!

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!

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!

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.

[School Festival] High school students get hyped at live shows! Recommended Japanese band song collection (161–170)

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!