RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Sports Day] Entrance songs that will hype the crowd! A comprehensive roundup from classics to the latest hits

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] The Ultimate Entrance Songs to Hype Everyone Up! From Classics to the Newest Hits, All in One Go (71–80)

Jamboree Mickey!Marco Marinangeli

[I Tried Dancing] Jamboree Mickey [Kindergarten, Elementary School, Sports Day, Recital, Gymnastics, Dance, I Tried Dancing]
Jamboree Mickey!Marco Marinangeli

A catchy, rhythmic song that thrills children.

Composed by Marco Marinangeli for a dance program featuring Disney characters.

The CD was released in December 2022, with digital distribution also available.

It was covered by Nogizaka46 on the 2019 FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri, and featured in the special “Disney Special Medley” at the 73rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

With fun lyrics and dance moves, it’s something everyone—from kids to adults—can enjoy together.

Use it as an entrance song for a school sports day or athletic festival, and it’s sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces!

William Tell OvertureRosshīni

[Yuri Simonov] William Tell Overture Gioachino Rossini: Opera “William Tell”, Overture (March of the Swiss Army)
William Tell OvertureRosshīni

The overture to a grand opera by Rossini, one of Italy’s most iconic composers.

Structured in four parts, it begins at dawn, passes through a storm scene, moves into pastoral tranquility, and then unfolds into a heroic march—a truly masterful progression.

Premiered in 1829, this work became widely known as the opening theme of the American TV series The Lone Ranger and was also used on Fuji TV’s Oretachi Hyokin-zoku, lodging itself in the memories of many.

Its powerful rhythms and dynamic melodies make it perfect for the exit scene at a school sports day, heightening the excitement as participants leave the field and bringing the event to a rousing, resonant close.

Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]
Kitearashi

Kenshi Yonezu, a nationally beloved singer-songwriter, wrote and composed Arashi’s song “Kite.” From the very first melodic line, it has that distinctive Yonezu flair—a richly textured track with a unique atmosphere.

Its forward-looking lyrics about dreams are perfect for students in their school years.

On top of that, the grand and beautiful string arrangement makes it ideal as an entrance piece.

It’s great not only for marquee events like relays and tug-of-war, but also recommended as the entrance music for moving performances such as group gymnastics and choreographed displays.

[Sports Day / Athletic Festival] The ultimate entrance songs to hype up the crowd! A comprehensive roundup from classics to the latest hits (81–90)

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.

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.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Live Music Video
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

With its lively beat and pop sound, UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is perfect for school sports festivals.

Released as a single in 2015 and used as the ending theme for the UHF anime “Blood Blockade Battlefront,” it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

“Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is a technically demanding track, featuring many moments where the music briefly stops, which is why many people use it for dance routines.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube, so why not check them out for inspiration for your sports day dance?

rainbowAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)
rainbowAqua Timez

A representative song by Aqua Timez, with very positive lyrics, making it perfect for cheering and dance-type events.

It pumps you up to believe you can still do it and bring out more than your usual strength.

It’s a track that would get everyone fired up if it played at a school sports day or athletic festival.