[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for Cultural and School Festival Live Performances [2025]

Climber’s High!Manami Numakura

“Climber’s High!” Manami Numakura Music Clip (2-chorus ver.)

It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Fuuka, which aired in 2017.

In the story, it’s presented as being performed by the band HEDGEHOGS.

It’s an up-tempo track full of drive that lifts your spirits.

I think it’s great to listen to when you’re feeling tired.

KICK BACKKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who is taking the J-POP scene by storm with music that is innovative yet never loses its originality.

His 13th single, “KICK BACK,” written as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, also drew attention for featuring Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu on arrangement and performance.

With not only intricate arrangements but also frequent key changes, it’s a song that requires tight ensemble work whether you’re playing solo or as a band.

Its powerful, fast-paced energy makes it a modern rock tune that’s guaranteed to fire up a school culture festival for his generation.

Zankyo SankaAimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

A high-impact, fast-paced track released in December 2021 as Aimer’s 20th single.

Written specifically as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc, it features a dynamic sound that makes effective use of brass and piano.

Aimer’s signature husky voice brilliantly conveys the love and hate lurking beneath a dazzling world.

The lyrics carry a powerful message about overcoming painful pasts and inner conflict while holding on to hope, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for school festivals or cultural festival live performances, guaranteed to bring the audience together.

DifferentBAND-MAID

BAND-MAID / Different (Official Music Video)

If you’re looking to unleash some hard-hitting hard rock at a live show, how about this song? It’s a track by the all-female band BAND-MAID, released in 2020 as their seventh single.

It was written specifically as the opening theme for the isekai reincarnation anime “Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table.” The aggressive band sound really gets your adrenaline pumping! It demands a high level of musicianship, but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding to play!

Thousand-Night ReverieCIVILIAN

CIVILIAN “Chiya Souka” Music Video

If you’re looking for a mature, cool track, this one’s a must.

It’s a song by the three-piece rock band CIVILIAN, released in 2021 as their eighth single.

The Chinese-born online novel Mo Dao Zu Shi was adapted into an anime, and this track is the opening theme for the Japanese-dubbed version.

The band’s sound has an oriental vibe and is insanely cool.

Hidekazu Koyama’s lustrous vocals really shine, too.

If you can pull this off with your band, you’re sure to capture everyone’s attention in the venue.

Crow SongGirls Dead Monster

Girls Dead Monster – Crow Song

This is the theme song of the TV anime “Angel Beats!” released in 2010.

It’s a track notable for its simple instrumentation and distinctive guitar sound.

The arrangement brings the vocals very much to the forefront, with plenty of unison passages with the guitar and other interesting ideas.

While highlighting the female vocals, it’s also a song where the guitarist should step forward and play aggressively during the guitar solo.

Dark CrowMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION 『Dark Crow』

The opening theme of the anime Vinland Saga, Dark Crow by MAN WITH A MISSION.

It’s a rhythmic, easy-to-groove-to track that will definitely hype up the crowd if you perform it at a school festival.

The drums use a four-on-the-floor beat, and the guitar and bass parts are simple.

If crafting the synthesizer tones is difficult, you could substitute with a keyboard.

If you can ride the rhythm and deliver the rap well, you should be able to bring out the cool vibe of this song.