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] (181–190)

pureTakuro Yoshida

Takuro Yoshida – Jun

Pure Yoshida Takuro

This is the opening theme of the anime “Sakigake!! Cromartie High School.” You could call it a slightly mysterious coming-of-age song, suffused with the seasoned melancholy of a man as expressed by Takuro Yoshida.

While there are parts that are quite tricky to replicate—like the slow-paced, sinuous guitar solo—let’s aim for a cool, rugged delivery! The chords are simple, so it’s also a great song for singing and playing guitar.

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Theme of Lupin the ThirdYuji Ohno

Lupin the Third Theme ’78 – Yuji Ohno

Lupin the Third Theme Yuji Ohno

This is the opening theme of the TV anime Lupin the Third.

It’s a tune almost everyone has heard.

It’s versatile—you can play it with a band or a wind ensemble, and arrange it in a rock style or as a ballad.

The instrumental version is famous, but there’s actually a vocal version as well.

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GATE — Like the Dawn —Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets - GATE ~So, Like the Dawn~

GATE ~Like the Dawn~ Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

The opening theme of the anime “GATE: Thus the JSDF Fought There.” It’s a song made for live shows, where the sing-along after the chorus creates a strong sense of unity with the crowd.

The swirling bassline in the chorus is essential.

Bassists will find it really rewarding to practice.

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Innocent AlwaysAzusa Tadokoro

Azusa Tadokoro / 3rd Single – Junshin Always – Music Video

Innocent Always Azusa Tadokoro

It’s the ending theme of the anime “Myriad Colors Phantom World” and Azusa Tadokoro’s third single.

It features a lively band sound that captures the feeling of enjoying the present to the fullest and charging ahead.

With a straightforward, classic song structure, it should be easy for the audience to get into it at a live performance.

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for all eternityGod does not play dice.

Anime World Trigger Season 2 Ending Non-Credit Version (Song: Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai – “Miraieigo” [Eternity])

God will never roll the dice for all eternity.

A Fukuoka-born rock band affectionately known as “Kami-Sai,” the full name being Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai.

Their song Mirai Eigo, which drew attention as the ending theme for the second season of the anime World Trigger, is included on their 2021 debut single, The True Nature of Ether.

In the latter half, the vividly expanding worldview seems to overlap with a story of growth.

The melodious, emotionally rich chorus really leaves an impression.

The shimmering tonal gradations and the band’s powerful groove are just plain cool! It’s the kind of song that makes you want to stop in your tracks when it comes on, and it feels like it would beautifully color a school festival.

It’s a number packed with every emotion of youth, one you’ll want to perform with all your heart.

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When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – When It Shines (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “The Heike Story” Opening Theme]

When It Shines by Hitsujibungaku

Hitsuji Bungaku’s “Hikaru Toki” was written as the opening theme for the much-talked-about anime adaptation of the classic masterpiece The Tale of the Heike.

Released in 2022 as their seventh single, it features vocalist Moeka Shiotsuka’s emotive singing, and the band’s performance—crafted with a dreamy sound—really hits home.

Each instrument is played with a simple approach, making it perfect for a school festival performance.

If your band has a female vocalist, definitely give it a try!

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INNOCENCEEir Aoi

Eir Aoi 'INNOCENCE (Music Video) Short Ver.'

INNOCENCE Eir Aoi

It’s a high-energy, fast-paced rock number.

It served as the opening theme for the anime Sword Art Online: Fairy Dance arc and is sung by Eir Aoi, a singer from Hokkaido.

Released in 2012 as her third single, its lyrics emphasize the importance of moving forward, leaving a strong emotional impression.

If you’re performing it with a band, pay special attention to keeping the tempo steady.

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