Lovely anime song

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

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.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

Speaking of anime songs, they’ve become mainstream in the music industry recently, haven’t they?

If you look at music charts, it’s not unusual to see anime theme songs lined up at the top.

In this article, we’ll introduce popular anime songs that are sure to hype up your school festival for those who want to perform anisongs and get the crowd going!

We’ve selected not only the latest hits, but also classic favorites and songs that are easy for beginner bands to cover, so use this as a reference when choosing your setlist!

[For Band Members] Recommended Anime Songs for School Culture Festival Live Performances [2025] (111–120)

Calendar GirlWaka, Fūri, Sunao, Risuko

Delivering the Aikatsu! music video “Calendar Girl”♪

Calendar girls Waka, Fūri, Sunao, Risuko

It’s the ending theme of the anime Aikatsu!.

The composition and arrangement were handled by Hidekazu Tanaka from MONACA, whose exceptional sense shines through; as expected, the song features a very satisfying chord progression.

If you’re confident in your slap technique, be sure to try performing it live.

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CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAHironobu Kageyama

Dragon Ball Z – Cha La Head Cha La + Lyrics

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA Hironobu Kageyama

It’s the opening theme of the TV anime Dragon Ball Z.

Its appeal lies in a powerful, relentlessly upbeat worldview that perfectly suits the protagonist, Son Goku.

Any boy who’s ever been into Dragon Ball is sure to get fired up.

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unravelTK from Ling tosite sigure

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure 'unravel (short version)'

unravelTK by Ling tosite sigure

The opening theme of Tokyo Ghoul.

Its sharp guitar sound, which breaks away from the typical anime song image in a good way, is captivating.

It’s quite a technical track, but if you want to set your band apart from the others, this is definitely the right choice.

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Funny Bunnythe pillows

the pillows / Funny Bunny

Funny Bunnythe pillows

There are quite a lot of people who like slightly older Japanese rock.

For those people, I recommend the song “Funny Bunny” by the pillows.

It gained popularity among anime fans because an in-story band performed it in the TV anime SKET DANCE.

It’s simply a cool track, and it goes over well not just with anime fans but with general audiences too.

That’s why I think it’s easy to perform at school cultural festivals.

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GATE II ~Beyond the World~Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets_GATE II ~Beyond the World~_MUSIC VIDEO

GATE II: Beyond the World — Kishida Kyodan & The Akeboshi Rockets

The opening theme for season 2 of the anime “GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri.” While it carries over the vibe of the season 1 opening, it has an even stronger rock flavor.

It might be fun to perform both the season 1 and season 2 openings live!

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absolute zeroRed Park

Red Park 'Absolute Zero' Music Video

Absolute Zero Red Park

The ending theme of the anime “Drifting Dragons,” Akai Koen’s “Absolute Zero,” has a dark, distinctive atmosphere.

Since the song moves back and forth between 4/4 and 3/4, be mindful of how you feel the rhythm as you play.

If you approach the 3/4 sections with a bouncy feel, you can create an elegant texture.

For the 4/4 chorus, focusing on the offbeats should give it more drive.

The melody is catchy and easy to listen to, so if you perform it well, you’ll bring out the song’s unique world where darkness and brightness blend together.

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beaming smileFujifabric

Fujifabric “Hagan” -YouTube EDIT-

Beaming Fujifabric

“Hagan” basically means “smile.” It’s the song used as the ending theme for Season 2 of the anime 3D Kanojo: Real Girl.

It’s a work by the rock band Fujifabric and is included on their 2019 album F.

The sound conjures up a grand image, like the sky and earth spreading out before you.

The lyrics convey a message that even on ordinary days, just being with you makes me happy.

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