Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Recommended for older kindergarteners! A collection of dance songs perfect for sports day

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

As the sports day approaches, children are filled with excitement, aren’t they?

Here, we’ll introduce recommended songs for dances that will get the kids moving with energy!

From timeless classics to the latest hits, we’ve got a fun lineup.

For the oldest kids especially, this will be their last sports day.

It’s also a valuable chance for parents and guardians to see how hard they’ve practiced.

Please find some wonderful songs to liven up the children’s big moment.

On the day of the event, let’s all get along and make fun memories together!

Recommended for older kindergarteners! A collection of dance songs you’ll want to perform at the sports day (11–20)

Poppin’ Hoppin’ Lovinnaniwa danshi

[Poppin’ Hoppin’ Lovin’] Naniwa Danshi “Easy Dance” — A simple arranged dance you can do at recitals and sports days!

Poppin’ Hoppin’ Lovinnaniwa danshi

This song from the album “POPMALL” is a fun dance number packed with all of Naniwa Danshi’s charm.

With its pop, catchy melody and energetic lyrics, just listening to it makes your heart dance.

Released in July 2023, it’s also a fan favorite at live shows.

In the music video, the members’ smiling dance scenes leave a strong impression.

We also recommend it to teachers looking for a lively song for sports day.

It could be fun to come up with choreography and dance together with the kids.

The upbeat lyrics and rhythm will fill the venue with smiles!

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CharacterRyokushokushakai

[Easy Choreography] Party!! by Ryokuoushoku Shakai [Delicious in Dungeon Ending Theme Song] <Sports Day Dance for Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students>

CharacterRyokushokushakai

It’s a cheer song filled with a message of kindness.

It encourages you by saying that everyone is needed, and that even someone like me—an “ordinary character” in a story—is an irreplaceable presence in the world.

The lively sound, drawing on elements of Motown and disco, is striking, and the rhythmic groove carries a message that boosts self-esteem and resonates deeply.

Included on the album “Actor,” released in January 2022, this track was also used in a Morinaga “in Jelly” commercial and struck a chord with many listeners.

It’s the perfect song for a memorable moment—like during sports day practice, when the older kids are doing their best to learn the dance for their families to see.

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swallowYOASOBI with Midorīzu

[Aoki Iro] “Swallow” Dance Music Video Full ver. YOASOBI with Midories | SDGs | NHK

swallowYOASOBI with Midorīzu

The song “Tsubame” is known as the theme song for NHK’s SDGs program “Hirogare! Iro Toridori.” It’s performed by YOASOBI together with the elementary school student music unit Midories.

The lyrics are a story based on a picture book, and there’s an adorable dance choreography to match.

Be sure to try it while watching the official dance video! Another nice point is that the moves are linked to the story, making it fun and easy to learn.

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Soran Bushi/Nanchū SoranItō Takio

[Soran-bushi/Nanchu Soran] “Original Version & Naruko × Easy Dance” — A simple arranged dance you can perform at sports festivals and recitals!

Soran Bushi/Nanchū SoranItō Takio

How about “Soran Bushi/Nanchū Soran,” a piece that grabs children’s hearts? Created by Takio Ito, this powerful song blends traditional folk music with a modern arrangement.

Its rhythmic performance and dynamic vocals make kids want to move their bodies.

It gained nationwide recognition after being used in the TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B.” It’s a vigorous number in which older kindergarteners can express both cuteness and coolness through their dance.

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Refreshing and invigoratingTokyo Dizunīrando

Refreshing Beat Cheer / Disney Summer Festival [Sports Day & Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

Refreshing and invigoratingTokyo Dizunīrando

This is a song themed around a show that entertains guests with music and dance during Tokyo Disneyland’s special summer performance.

Released in July 2012, the track is an upbeat, energetic pop tune that creates a dazzling atmosphere perfect for summer festivals.

It features dance battles performed by Disney characters, with a highly memorable dance beat that draws the audience in.

The lyrics, which mix English and Japanese, are another hallmark that heightens the event’s excitement.

It would make for a fun, memorable group dance at a school sports day!

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dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

Dance Hall / Mrs. GREEN APPLE [Sports Day, Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

An upbeat dance track that excites children’s hearts has arrived! Used as the theme song for a morning information program, this piece energizes the start of the day.

The lyrics convey courage to overcome challenges and the importance of having fun, delivering a positive message to children.

It’s such a catchy tune that your body starts moving just by listening—when the kids dance, their parents will naturally start moving too, and the venue is sure to be filled with smiles!

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Recommended for kindergarten seniors! Dance songs for sports day (21–30)

Smileyuzu

Smile

Smileyuzu

It’s also a great idea to choose “Smile,” which carries the message of enjoying the sports day to the fullest.

This pop song by the musical duo Yuzu features a march-like sound.

The sleigh bells keep the tempo, making it easier to coordinate choreography.

As you work on it, pay attention to the lyrics’ message that “everyone’s smiles make life wonderful.” That sentiment is sure to warm the hearts of the parents watching, too.

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