Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival

READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

【L`Arc~en~Ciel】READY STEADY GO

This is a song that gets the crowd roaring at L’Arc-en-Ciel’s concerts—the opening theme of the hugely popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist, which also received a live-action adaptation.

It’s infused with the message, “If you’ve got time to stand still, just keep running!” True to the spirit of the lyrics, it’s highly recommended as background music for a relay.

Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji

Lupin the Third Theme ’78 – Yuji Ohno

This is “Theme from Lupin the Third,” the song used as the main theme for the anime Lupin the Third, originally created by Monkey Punch.

The composer is Yuji Ohno, a jazz pianist and composer-arranger.

It’s an anime song every Japanese person knows! It’s also often used as a cheer song at high school baseball games.

If you want to make your sports day or athletic festival cool and exciting, this is the track to choose!

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sasashina

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The Zero Sense10-FEET

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

10-FEET is a three-piece rock band that has fused a loud rock sound with reggae and hip-hop influences, radiating a unique appeal since their debut.

Their 22nd single, The First Sense (Dai Zerokan), released as a digital-only track, is a rock tune written as the ending theme for the animated film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.

Its dramatic song structure and catchy chorus melody can get you pumped up even if you haven’t seen the movie.

It’s a modern, high-energy track perfect for hyping up competitive events like school sports days and athletic festivals.

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Hoshino Takashi

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DeterminationLASTGASP

LASTGASP "Determination" MUSIC VIDEO (Opening Theme of "Yowamushi Pedal GRANDE ROAD")

This song was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Yowamushi Pedal GRANDE ROAD and became a hit.

Its fast-paced, driving sound is sure to add extra excitement to school sports festivals and athletic events.

The lyrics, written from the perspective of someone pushing forward wholeheartedly in a world of competition, are impossible not to relate to.

Be sure to check out the music video too, which showcases the band members’ full-throttle performance.

LionMay’n / Nakajima Ai

Lion – Macross Frontier (Full)

It’s the opening theme of the anime Macross Frontier, a duet by May’n and Megumi Nakajima.

It was released as a single in 2008.

Even people who haven’t seen the anime often know it, and it’s an upbeat, hype track.

mixed nutsOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Mixed Nuts [Official Video]

A song I recommend both when competing for victory and when you want to hype things up with a festival-like vibe is “Mixed Nuts.” The band Official HIGE DANDism, known for their one-of-a-kind musicality, released it in 2022, and it was used as the opening theme for the anime SPY×FAMILY.

It features a high-energy band sound intertwined with bright brass tones.

The song carries a message that embraces the bittersweet feelings and honest emotions everyone holds, giving you the courage to move forward.

Try incorporating this popular anime track, beloved by students, into your sports day playlist.

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mutō

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Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Tatsuya Kitani’s song “Ao no Sumika” captivates with a beautiful, heart‑stirring melody that feels like a snapshot of a fleeting moment in youth.

Released in July 2023, it drew attention as the opening theme for the second season of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen.

The lyrics, which portray lost time and feelings that never reached their destination, resonate deeply with listeners.

Its sense of speed and drive makes it perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.

It’s a track I especially recommend to those who are right in the midst of their youth.