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

junkieFurederikku

Frederic “Junkie” Music Video / frederic “Junkie”

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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Summertime CinderellaRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Summer Time Cinderella' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Summer Time Cinderella

Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s summer love song “Summertime Cinderella” is striking for Haruko Nagaya’s translucent vocals and its catchy melody.

A love story that begins with a chance encounter is portrayed over a bright, uplifting sound.

The song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Midsummer Cinderella” and was released digitally in August 2023.

Perform it on a school festival stage, and the whole venue is sure to light up!

The Zero Sense10-FEET

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

10-FEET is a three-piece rock band that leads Japan’s rock scene with its wide-ranging musicality and also organizes Kyoto Daisakusen, a major festival synonymous with Kyoto.

Their 22nd single, Dai Zero Kan, used as the ending theme for the animated film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, is an aggressive rock track with a memorable melody.

Since it’s the theme song of a high-profile work, many people know it, so it should get the crowd going at a school festival as well.

However, the song demands a high level of tightness as a band, so don’t rely only on individual practice—focus on band rehearsals, too.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Youth Group Filled with DesireONE OK ROCK

Youth Group Filled with Desire

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!

LOVE ROCKETSThe Birthday

The Birthday – LOVE ROCKETS [MV] (Opening theme song of the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK”)

Released in December 2022, this is the opening theme for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, which became a major sensation and even a social phenomenon.

The track was created by The Birthday, fronted by guitarist-vocalist Yusuke Chiba, a longtime figure in Japan’s rock scene.

It’s a rock tune with a dark atmosphere, highlighted by Chiba’s husky, cool vocals.

If your band’s singer has a husky voice, this is definitely a song to try.

The intro layers bass, drums, and guitar one by one, so it could also work well as the first number in a live set, with each member making their entrance in turn.

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Hane Keisuke

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Starting Oversumika

sumika / Starting Over [Music Video] - TV Anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky” Opening Theme

A refreshing and powerful message song that gently pushes the backs of those taking their first steps toward their dreams.

Released by sumika in June 2023 as the opening theme for the anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky,” this track celebrates the joy of growing together with friends and the importance of cherishing what you love.

It supports and stands by anyone trying to take a step forward in a new environment.

Play it at the start of a school festival or cultural festival, and it will make everyone feel the beginning of a new story.

℃rakkuraifu

Luck Life / Degrees Celsius [Music Video] (TV Anime 'Tsurune: The Linking Shot' Opening Theme)

This song by Luck Life, a four-piece rock band from Osaka, is the opening theme for the anime Tsurune: The Linking Shot.

It’s a track that shines with Luck Life’s signature freshness, and it’s easy to imagine how much it would hype up a school festival performance! Each instrument has its own key points to focus on, but the standout is the drums.

In addition to nailing the numerous breaks throughout the song, there are many drum fills that really stand out on their own, so make sure to practice those thoroughly! You’ll also encounter some phrases that don’t often appear in other songs, so it’s best to listen closely and copy the details as accurately as you can.

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Hane Keisuke

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