High School Light Music Grand Prix 2026 Spring: Rikkyo Niiza High School's "Peta" Crowned Champion, 200,000 Enthusiastic Fans Witnessed a Heated Live Stage

On Thursday, March 26, Rikkyo Niiza High School's "Peta" brilliantly won the Grand Prix at the final round of the "2nd High School Light Music Grand Prix 2026 Spring" held in Yokohama Minatomirai.

The "High School Light Music Grand Prix" is a national competition for high school bands organized by the YouTube music program "atagi x Yuyuta's Otonari Radio." High school bands selected through video screening perform their original songs live on air. Professional musicians judge the performances to determine the No. 1 high school band.

In the final round, unique and talented bands from all over the country gathered in Yokohama Minatomirai. The live broadcast saw 15,000 simultaneous viewers, with over 200,000 people witnessing the soulful performances of the high school students.

The winning band, Rikkyo Niiza High School's "Peta," performed their original song "Asaake." The vocalist's overwhelming clarity, the earnest lyrics written from past defeats, and the band's high level of perfection captivated the judges. Judge atagi commented, "The chorus was wonderful. All band members should learn from them." Fellow judge Junichi Kato praised them, saying, "This song resonates even when I, at 40, feel down. It's amazing that they can express this so purely."

As a prize, "Peta" will receive professional recording and song distribution. Furthermore, they will perform as the opening act at "Oto Radi 3rd LIVE," to be held on December 23, 2026, at Zepp Shinjuku, a large live music venue with a capacity of 1,500 people.

Additionally, the "3rd High School Light Music Grand Prix 2026 Summer" has been scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026. As a valuable stage for new generation talents who will lead the next music scene to become known to the world, many high school bands are expected to participate in the next competition.

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