Lovely anime song

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

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Just hearing them can make your heart surge with passion, or lift you up when you’re feeling down—anime songs have a mysterious power, don’t they?

In this article, we’ve gathered anime songs that are perfect for sports days and athletic festivals.

These are all classic tracks that will fire you up—whether you’re thinking, “We’re going to win for sure!” or “I want to make the best memories with my friends!”

We’ve carefully selected songs recommended for a wide range of ages, from preschool and kindergarten sports days to high school athletic festivals, so feel free to use them as references for BGM or dance routines.

Get Fired Up! Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day (21–30)

1, 2, 3After the Rain

[Pokémon OP] 1・2・3 / After the Rain (Soraru × Mafumafu)

1・2・3After the Rain

A song from the hugely popular Pokémon series, loved by both children and adults.

It’s a track by After the Rain, the musical duo of the popular singers Soraru and Mafumafu, released digitally in 2019.

The exhilarating, fast-paced sound feels great, and there are arrangements that Pokémon fans will love, making it a multifaceted and very interesting piece.

With its energetic tempo, it might suit events that involve a lot of running.

It’s a recommended number for sports days and athletic festivals across a wide range of ages, from kindergarten to high school.

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The DayPorno Graffitti

PORNOGRAFFITTI “THE DAY (Short Ver.)” / PORNOGRAFFITTI “THE DAY (Short Ver.)”

The Day by Porno Graffitti

It’s the opening theme of the anime My Hero Academia.

It’s a song by Porno Graffitti, who have fans across a wide range of generations, and it gets you hyped from the very first line.

It’s a sure-fire track that livens up any event, not just sports days and athletic festivals.

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Get Fired Up! Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival (31–40)

No.1DISH//

DISH// – No.1 [Official Video] (TV Anime “My Hero Academia” Season 5 Opening Theme / MY HERO ACADEMIA OPENING THEME)

No.1DISH//

A sports day where you and your teammates aim for victory.

Just like the title suggests, it’s a rock tune that fires you up to go for No.

1.

It’s a song by the band DISH//, known for hits like “Neko (THE FIRST TAKE ver.)” and “Jindai Hana,” released in 2021 as their 13th single.

It also served as the opening theme for the anime My Hero Academia.

The message woven into the lyrics—win the future together with your friends—truly resonates.

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OLA!!yuzu

Yuzu: "OLA!!"

OLA!! Yuzu

Yuzu’s song “OLA!!,” which also became the theme song for Crayon Shin-chan: My Moving Story! Cactus Large Attack!, is well-known among children.

Its chorus melody makes you want to start dancing, and its warm lyrics are perfect for sports days and athletic festivals where everyone works together! It also works great as a dance track for kids, so be sure to give it a try!

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Aim to be a Pokémon MasterRika Matsumoto

Aim to be a Pokémon Master

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master Rika Matsumoto

This one is recommended for sports days and athletic festivals of any generation.

It’s the original opening theme of the anime Pokémon.

Since remakes and cover versions have been released repeatedly, it might actually be harder to find someone who doesn’t know it.

With that in mind, you could also choose a version that matches the participants’ ages.

The lyrics’ message—working hard with your friends toward your own goals—fits events where everyone unites to seize victory.

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Revolutionary DualismNana Mizuki × T.M.Revolution

Nana Mizuki × T.M.Revolution “Kakumei Dualism” Music Video (Full ver.)

Revolution Dualism Nana Mizuki × T.M.Revolution

A luxurious collaboration featuring two powerhouse vocalists.

This track by Nana Mizuki—also hugely popular as a voice actor—and T.M.Revolution (Takanori Nishikawa) was used as the opening theme for the anime Valvrave the Liberator.

Released in 2013.

The arrangement builds momentum right from the intro, culminating in the two of them shouting in unison.

It’s so cool it gives you chills.

With the song’s seemingly limitless energy, let’s get the crowd roaring!

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Refrain of SoulsYoko Takahashi

Refrain of Souls

Soul’s Refrain by Yoko Takahashi

This song is the theme for the hugely popular anime film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth.

Sung by Yoko Takahashi—also famous for the classic anime tune A Cruel Angel’s Thesis—it showcases her powerful vocal work.

Listen to this energetic track at a school sports festival or athletic meet and it’s sure to give you strength! An essential song for firing up the crowd.

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