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 / Athletics Festival] Crowd-Pumping Songs for Athlete Entrance (131–140)

Fly Highmilet

milet “Fly High” MUSIC VIDEO (NHK Winter Sports Theme Song)

Fly Highmilet

The grand sound that’s perfect for opening and closing ceremonies at school sports festivals is Fly High, sung by milet.

It’s included on her 2022 album, visions.

The song was used as NHK’s winter sports theme and played at figure skating competitions, so some people may have heard it.

Its lyrics, which teach you to believe in your own potential, make it an ideal track for children competing in sports.

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Z Legend ~The Fanfare Won’t Stop~Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Momoclo [LIVE] Z Legend ~The Fanfare Won’t Stop~ / from Momoiro Clover Z 10th Anniversary The Diamond Four -in Momo Kyō Dōmu-

Z Legend ~The Fanfare Won't Stop~Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto

As the fanfare rings out, the athletes make their entrance with fiery determination in their hearts.

A song worthy of illuminating such a scene was performed by Momoiro Clover Z.

It was also featured in a Tokyo Joypolis commercial and celebrates the importance of teamwork.

Reworked after Ariyasu Momoka’s graduation in 2018, this track is included on the album “Momo mo Tō, Bancha mo Debana.” Its lyrics, which depict the courage to face challenges and the power of unity, are sure to give strong encouragement to those taking part in sports days and athletic festivals.

It would also work well as background music for group gymnastics.

It’s a song that warmly cheers on athletes as they come together as one to perform.

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Adolescent RhapsodySambomasutā

Sambomaster – Seishun Kyousoukyoku – Live

Adolescent RhapsodySambomasutā

When it comes to songs that amp up the excitement of a school sports day—students’ big moment—“Seishun Kyosokyoku” is a top pick.

Released in 2004 by the three-piece rock band Sambomaster, it sings of the determination and courage of people who overcome loneliness and anxiety to live alongside those they cherish.

Even when things don’t go smoothly, it can inspire pride in having worked together to make it to the big day.

With passionate band performance and Takashi Yamaguchi’s emotional vocals, it’s a powerful rock number.

Why not play it during a fiery, high-energy scene at your sports day?

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peace signYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

peace signYonezu Kenshi

Peace Sign was the opening theme song for the anime My Hero Academia.

Kenshi Yonezu is known for songs with occasional dissonance and quirky twists, but this one is standard and straightforward, with a strong “hero anime theme song” feel.

It’s an uplifting, motivational anthem that really fires you up—perfect for a school sports day, too.

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The Zero Sense10-FEET

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

The Zero Sense10-FEET

This is a song by 10-FEET, a three-piece rock band from Kyoto.

It drew attention when it was chosen as the ending theme for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, released in December 2022.

The powerful guitar sound is captivating, and it also gained popularity on TikTok.

The track is included on their ninth album, Collins, their first in about five years.

With its up-tempo feel, it’s perfect for athlete entrances at school sports days or field days, and it would fit scenes where participants trot into the venue.

The lyrics, which sing about taking on challenges in pursuit of your dreams, are sure to ignite the athletes’ spirits.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a song that sets your heart ablaze and gets you fired up.

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Weigh anchorCharles Zimmerman

United States Navy official march “Anchors Aweigh” / Anchors Aweigh

Weigh anchorCharles Zimmerman

A march characterized by powerful brass and percussion, created to inspire the Naval Academy’s football team.

Composed in 1906 by Charles A.

Zimmermann, this piece brilliantly captures the proud spirit of the Navy.

Its bold melody and driving rhythm, which make listeners stand up straight, vividly evoke the excitement of setting out on a new voyage.

It left a significant mark on American culture as well, being used as the title song in a musical film released in 1945.

Born as a football fight song, it is now widely performed at ceremonies and enlistment events, and its sense of courage and hope makes it a perfect fit for school sports festivals and similar occasions.

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HeroAmuro Namie

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)

HeroAmuro Namie

Namie Amuro’s “Hero” adds a touch of brilliance as the children exit the field, no matter the outcome of the competition.

The song was chosen as NHK’s theme for its Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts.

With its grand, sweeping sound and uplifting lyrics—telling you “You’re not alone” and “Everyone’s got your back, so believe in yourself and move forward!”—it’s a perfect fit for a school sports day where classmates support one another as they compete.

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In conclusion

We introduced lots of great songs for athlete entrances at sports days and athletic festivals.

In addition to classic marches and popular J-pop, there were also tracks actually used as entrance themes or theme songs by real athletes! If you choose entrance music from the songs introduced here that fits the athletes’ ages and the type of events, it will motivate the students and make the competitions even more exciting!