[Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer anthems and recommended parody-song picks [2026]

YELL ~Yell~Kobukuro

Kobukuro “YELL ~Eru~”

Kobukuro, the folk duo known for soothing listeners with their grand, atmospheric ballads, included the song “YELL ~Eiru~” on their 2001 album Roadmade.

It’s a track that gently cheers on students giving their all at sports festivals.

Warm, acoustic-driven melodies resonate throughout, and their signature twin-vocal harmonies are sure to lift your spirits.

The sound carries a touch of nostalgia that will delight fans of classic tunes.

It’s the perfect anthem to support students facing anxiety or nerves.

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R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

Released in 2014 as the 13th single by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE.

It was selected as the Tokyo City Keiba 2014 campaign song and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The song is notable for the “Running Man” dance, which became a social phenomenon.

It’s an energy-boosting track, making it perfect for events like school sports days and athletic festivals.

loveHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)

One of Gen Hoshino’s signature songs, with a very pop feel, so it can be used in any scene at a school sports day or athletic festival.

It’s extremely popular among younger generations, so many people know the choreography; it’s used not only during competitions but also for cheering and dance-related events.

Shanghai HoneyORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE Shanghai Honey @ Makuhari Messe LIVE

This is a song that will get you pumped up unconditionally if you listen with a festival-like vibe.

Its lively tune will instantly lift your spirits, making it a perfect recommendation for cheering at a sports day! It’s ideal as a rallying anthem for key moments like footraces or tug-of-war.

RISING SUNEXILE

EXILE / Rising Sun -short version-

The perfect cheer song for a school sports day—the students’ big moment—is “Rising Sun.” Released in 2011 by EXILE, a dance and vocal group known for their acrobatic moves, it was also used as a charity song to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

It’s a dazzling electro-pop track that conveys a sense of “hope.” Their emotional yet refreshing vocals will blow away the heat.

If you’re good at dancing, cheering while dancing is highly recommended!

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TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” — from the DVD released on March 2: ‘Mayo Okamoto 20th Anniversary Tour ~Your Only Story Is Here~’

The ultimate go-to cheer song, “TOMORROW.” It’s a signature hit by singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto from Kochi Prefecture, released in 1995 as her debut single.

It became a massive hit after being chosen as the theme song for the drama ‘Second Chance.’ Her straightforward vocals and the powerful lyrics—like a firm, reassuring handclasp—are truly wonderful.

If you’re making a parody version, it might be better not to change it too much, so the song’s original charm can really shine.

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Araki Jakkan

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oneselfTani Yuuki

My True Self – Tani Yuuki [MV]

The sports day, one of the biggest events in school life, makes everyone nervous, doesn’t it? The perfect song to cheer on those butterflies-in-the-stomach athletes is “Jibun Jishin.” Singer-songwriter Tani Yuuki, whose signature song “Myra” went viral on TikTok and gained popularity, released it in 2022.

The piano sound marked at a slow tempo is striking.

You can’t help but swoon at the way he sings so emotionally about the worries of teens.

How about listening to a song that cheers on students who’ve been practicing so hard?

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