RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals

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: Crowd-Pleasing Entrance Songs for Athletes (101–110)

I am the strongest.Ado

[Ado] I’m the Strongest (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)
I am the strongest.Ado

A powerful anthem of will and resolve from the film ONE PIECE FILM RED.

Released by Ado in June 2022, the song is notable for lyrics brimming with self-affirmation that wells up from deep within and heartfelt care for one’s companions.

The energetic, exhilarating rock sound crafted by Motoki Omori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and Ado’s distinctive vocals truly shine.

The song expresses the feelings of the film’s character Uta, depicting the process of acknowledging one’s own weaknesses and anxieties while overcoming them to grow stronger.

It’s a perfect track for rallying yourself at a sports day or athletic festival, or when you want to strive together with your teammates.

VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Vertigo」
VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

This is a powerful track whose sharp, incisive message captures the turmoil of modern society and the feelings of its people.

The lyrics, which warn against a society that blindly charges forward in pursuit of something “better” and portray the emotional instability of hearts swayed within it, speak to a universal theme anyone can relate to.

Included on the EP “XV e.p.” released in March 2025, it was also used as the promotional song for the near-futuristic sci-fi mecha game Mecha BREAK.

Perfectly linked to the game’s worldview, the song features MAN WITH A MISSION’s signature energetic sound.

It’s an ideal choice for school festivals or cultural festival performances as an anthem cheering on friends taking their next step.

dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

2023 Parachute Balloon ♪ Dance Hall
dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

An uplifting anthem whose light rhythm and bouncy melody remind you of the joy of living! Comparing the world to a dance hall, this Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track sends a positive message to enjoy life more.

Released on the July 2022 album “Unity,” it was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi 8.” It appears in the film “The White Lounge in CINEMA,” where its on-screen performance helped boost the song’s success.

Its dance-inducing vibe and happy mood make it perfect as background music for races or marches in sports day scenes.

Brimming with positive energy, this song is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

winding roadNovelbright

Novelbright – Winding Road [Official Music Video]
winding roadNovelbright

An uplifting coming-of-age anthem that depicts the journey from boyhood to adulthood along the winding road of life, set to a sweeping melody.

The track brings out Novelbright’s appeal to the fullest, portraying the anxieties and inner conflicts of everyday life, as well as the strength to overcome them.

Yudai Takenaka’s expansive vocals and the invigorating sound unique to a rock band resonate deeply.

Released for streaming in January 2025, the song was chosen as the theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Courtroom Dragon,” and its music video—directed by Hiroshi Tamaki—also became a hot topic.

It’s the perfect song for those moments when you strive to achieve something together with friends, like in club activities, cultural festivals, or school festivals.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

This song leaves a strong impression with a powerful message that feels like a snapshot from the pages of youth.

It embodies the courage to move toward the future and the resolve to cherish memories with friends, all delivered through ONE OK ROCK’s signature emotional vocals that resonate deeply.

Featured on the album Zankyo Reference, the track was released in October 2011 and skillfully fuses elements of metalcore and post-hardcore.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Futa Kuriki’s New Challenge,” captivating the hearts of many.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to sing at cultural festivals, school festivals, or choir competitions.

Raise your voices together, and it will surely become an unforgettable memory.

[Sports Day / Athletic Festival] Songs that hype up the athletes’ entrance (111–120)

Stand Out Fit InONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: Stand Out Fit In [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
Stand Out Fit InONE OK ROCK

This is a highly message-driven song that powerfully sings about the importance of staying true to yourself.

Included on the album “Eye of the Storm,” it features a polished sound that embraces pop rock and electropop with a global market in mind.

It’s a track that, with every listen, draws out the potential hidden in your heart, and its refreshingly exhilarating ONE OK ROCK–style melody is deeply stirring.

Released in November 2018, it was also used as the theme song for the global campaign “Go, Vantage Point.” by the world-renowned automaker Honda.

With a tempo and dynamism perfectly suited to group gymnastics performances, along with a message that encourages students’ individuality and growth, it’s an ideal choice for BGM at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism

An ambitious work crafted by Official HIGE DANDism as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers.

The song fuses lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview with an innovative sound that shifts keys roughly ten times.

It sings of the protagonist’s indomitable spirit in the face of fate, his comeback from setbacks, and the bonds with his friends, inspiring courage and emotion in listeners.

Since its release in May 2021, it peaked at No.

4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100.

It continued to be a long-running hit, ranking 13th on the year-end chart for 2021.

When you want to strive toward your goals together with your cherished friends, this song is sure to be a pillar of support.