Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals

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.
DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.

For entrance BGM at sports days and athletic festivals, you want tracks that ignite your fighting spirit and instantly boost the excitement.

Having a different entrance song for each event definitely amps up the atmosphere.

For your picks, the classic marching tunes that are staples at sports days are great, of course, but recent J-pop hits are also highly recommended.

In this article, we’ll introduce songs that light a fire in your heart and get you motivated—perfect for entrances!

We’ve gathered tracks with a variety of vibes, so choose the ones that best match the participants’ ages and the feel of each event.

[Sports Day / Athletic Festival] Songs That Hype Up the Athlete Entrance (61–70)

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

This is a song released by Kocchinoken-to in May 2024, an uplifting anthem that pairs a catchy rhythm and melody with a heartwarming message.

The “Giri Giri Dance,” which spread mainly through social media, became a hot topic as an easy, accessible performance for everyone and has been a huge hit as background music and a cheer song at school sports days.

The track packs a powerful, confidence-boosting message into its up-tempo sound, keeping you feeling positive from start to finish.

It also garnered major buzz on TikTok and even led to a collaboration with Sanrio characters.

Its breezy, get-you-running rhythm and friendly, singable melody are part of its charm.

Perfect not only for school sports festivals and athletic events, it’s also a great pick-me-up for everyday motivation.

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The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJohn Philip Sousa

March "The Stars and Stripes Forever"

The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJohn Philip Sousa

A march composed by John Philip Sousa, former Director of the United States Marine Band.

It premiered in Philadelphia in 1896 at the unveiling of a statue of George Washington.

It is said that Sousa conceived the melody for this work aboard the ship returning to America from his European tour.

Sousa himself stated that the final trio section represents three elements of America: the main theme symbolizes North America, the piccolo obbligato represents South America, and the bold trombone melody depicts Western America—making it a march that truly embodies the spirit of the United States.

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March, April, MayYabe Masao

1993 Required Piece (IV): March—April—May

March, April, MayYabe Masao

A piece selected as a required work for the 1993 All-Japan Band Competition.

In May, when the cold winter has ended and the weather gradually improves, the leaves in parks turn green, and on holidays, local music enthusiasts gather in the shade of the trees with their instruments, happily performing together.

Even those who don’t play instruments somehow feel their hearts lift just by being there.

Composed with that scene in mind, this march is simple in character, yet its melodies that evoke the warmth of spring and its rhythms that stir excitement make it a pleasantly uplifting piece.

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Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji

Lupin the Third Theme (Rock Version) [Wind Ensemble Hit]

Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji

A piece centered on the piano of Yuji Ohno, a leading figure in Japan’s jazz scene.

Its thrilling, dynamic performance and chord progressions inspired by Spaghetti Westerns vividly portray the protagonist’s dazzling exploits.

Released as a single in October 1977, it added color as the opening theme for the anime series.

From its impactful opening, the rhythmic call-and-response of the chorus leading into the refrain leaves a strong impression on listeners.

Arranged as a march, it would also make a commanding presence at sports days and other events.

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We are!kitadani hiroshi

ONE PIECE 'We Are!' Ritsumeikan University Cheerleading Squad Wind Ensemble

We are!kitadani hiroshi

This is one of Hiroshi Kitadani’s signature songs, blending an up-tempo, powerful rock sound with irresistibly positive lyrics.

The words, which express the courage to chase dreams with your friends and the strong will to face challenges, make it perfect for school sports day marches! Released in November 1999, it earned high acclaim as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime ONE PIECE.

Its driving sound and energetic vocals will add vibrant color to entry and exit scenes at sports events.

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ECHOLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster 『ECHO』

ECHOLittle Glee Monster

Once the intro of this song starts playing, it feels as if the opening shot of the battle has already been fired—that’s the atmosphere it exudes.

It’s “ECHO,” a 2019 track by the female vocal group Little Glee Monster.

The powerful arrangement in the intro radiates heat, but the song shifts suddenly into a bright pop feel at the chorus.

I wonder what the athletes make of such a dynamically arranged track.

I think it’s a reassuring number that can elevate your day like a scene from a drama.

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Murakami Shinpei

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RaijinJohn Philip Sousa

March “Raijin”

RaijinJohn Philip Sousa

Among the many works by John Philip Sousa—the “March King,” who wrote an enormous number of marches throughout his life—this is one of the most popular.

Its introduction, built solely from two contrary-motion scales, is simple yet strikingly impactful.

Throughout, the unforgettable, catchy melodies and the colorful timbres of the brass band are especially appealing.

With its bright character and rhythm that evoke sun-drenched midsummer scenes and a thunder god conjuring sudden summer showers, this march is invigorating and uplifting.

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