Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals

Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

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.

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Hane Keisuke

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life-formHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Living Being (Official Video)

It’s a song packed with passion! It’s a track by the multi-talented singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino.

Released in August 2023 as a digital-only single, it became a hot topic after being selected as the theme song for the World Athletics Championships and the Asian Games.

Its lively, upbeat sound brimming with vitality is perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.

The lyrics, which sing about the importance of living true to yourself, really resonate.

Listening to this song will surely fill you with energy.

It might be fun to sing it together and get everyone hyped up.

IlluminationB’z

B’z / Illumination

This heartwarming theme song for NHK’s morning drama series Omusubi blends hopeful lyrics with a memorable melody.

It warmly portrays bonds with those close to us and the joys of life, turning dreams and hopes found beneath the lingering evening sky into a beautiful piece that shines like illuminations.

Released by B’z in October 2024, this ambitious work marks their first contribution to a morning drama theme, featuring a gentle sound that stands apart from their previous hard rock style.

It’s a perfect song for when you want to cherish the small happinesses of everyday life or move toward your dreams together with friends.

It also resonates as a support song that balances tenderness with strength, making it great for school sports days and cheering scenes.

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “RPG,” perfect for a closing ceremony, has a good tempo and is also recommended for the exit march.

It’s a song that will let you feel fulfilled and accomplished after taking part in the sports day with your classmates and having fun together.

In the end, the entire venue will surely become one, with everyone holding hands for a moving moment.

The powerful vocals and the band’s performance make it a song that sends encouragement to children stepping into the future.

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mayumi

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Symphony No. 5 “Revolution,” Fourth MovementDmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 “Revolution,” Fourth Movement

A masterpiece that combines power and grandeur, this work dynamically conveys the appeal of Dmitri Shostakovich’s symphony.

The orchestra’s commanding performance instantly elevates the atmosphere of a gymnasium, creating excitement befitting a tense competition.

At its premiere in Leningrad in November 1937, Yevgeny Mravinsky and the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra achieved great success with their performance.

Featuring march-like phrases and a forceful rhythm, this piece is an ideal BGM to lift the spirits of all participants and lead them onto a grand stage.

Used for the main events of a sports day or for entrances and exits, it will foster a strong sense of unity throughout the venue.

Young powerShinichi Takada

“Young Power” (National Sports Festival Song) — Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band, Concert at the 2018 Gunma Prefecture Encouragement Rally for Prospective SDF Enlistees and Trainees

This is a classic sports day staple that everyone in Japan knows, created during the postwar reconstruction period.

Composed by Shinichi Takata as a sports song to enliven the National Sports Festival venues, it is notable for its bright and powerful melody.

At the second National Sports Festival held in Kanazawa in October 1947, about 4,200 sixth-grade boys and girls performed a group routine to this piece, captivating the audience.

Since then, it has been widely loved as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals across the country.

With an up-tempo beat that makes you want to run, it was also used at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Koshien High School Baseball Exchange Games.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a march for sports days or a lively piece for group performances.

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

The opening theme of the TV anime Dandadan captivates listeners with beats that get under your skin and intelligent wordplay.

Its world built around the theme of the occult blends perfectly with a high-velocity sound, expressing—through an occult lens—the way music seizes the human heart.

The unique atmosphere, where eeriness and dynamism coexist, further accentuates the anime’s worldview.

This track is perfect for moments when you want to boost your spirits or take on a new challenge.

With Creepy Nuts’ signature powerful sound, it’s sure to energize events like sports days and athletic festivals.