[Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer songs and recommended tracks for parody versions
Cheer songs and background music are essential for sports days and athletic festivals! Classic staples that make you want to start running the moment you hear them are a given, but it’s also long been common to rewrite the lyrics of popular J-pop songs and sing them as parodies.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of Japanese songs that are perfect for cheering at school sports events! Of course, we’ve also picked out songs that will hype up the crowd even if you sing them as-is.
Be sure to read through to the end!
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- Before a match or when you feel like giving up! Cheer songs to keep you going in club activities
- Let's send our teammates a powerful cheer! A roundup of cheer calls for sports day.
[Sports Day Cheering Songs] A roundup of classic cheering tunes and recommended tracks for parody versions (101–110)
Begin Againsanari
Rapper Sanari, who’s also active as an actor thanks to his cool looks, is attracting attention with lyrics that capture the true-to-life feelings unique to teens.
Among his songs, the perfect track for a sports day is “Begin Again.” Released in 2022, it was created based on feedback collected from listeners on social media.
The sound has a dreamy atmosphere, and his clear vocals resonate beautifully.
It’s a heartwarming song that makes you want to cherish your “authentic self.” If you’re thinking, “I can’t find a song to cheer on the athletes at the sports festival,” be sure to give it a listen.
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Let’s all belt out the chorus together! It’s a signature song by the popular rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, released as their fifth single in 2004.
It became a hit after being used as the opening theme for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
The powerful vocals riding on that energetic sound… it really stirs your emotions.
There may be no better song to express our fighting spirit.
Given the lyrics, singing it when you’re in a pinch might fire you up even more.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
When it comes to songs that cheer on every student who worked hard for the sports festival, “Eikou no Kakehashi” comes to mind.
Released in 2004 by the folk duo Yuzu, it’s beloved across generations as one of their signature tracks.
Its lyrics, which portray people who keep striving even when they feel like they might lose or give up, will give courage to the athletes.
It’s an uplifting song whose strings and acoustic guitar—enveloping their emotional vocals—also bring comfort.
Be sure to check out this classic that perfectly matches every event at a sports festival.
ImaginationSPYAIR
Released in 2014, Imagination was the theme song for the TV anime Haikyu!!.
Since it was the theme for a sports anime, I think the lyrics also fit well as a cheer song for a school sports day.
It’s got a great groove!
A Distant LoveRADWIMPS
A RADWIMPS song that further elevated their career in 2016 as the theme song for a blockbuster film.
Its refreshing melody, combined with a memorable title, became a major talking point when it was featured in a commercial.
The catchy melody makes you want to hum along.
[Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer tunes and recommended songs for parody versions (111–120)
Blue Springback number
Although back number is strongly associated with love songs, this track has a slightly different vibe.
Also known as a drama theme song, it resonates with its simple, repetitive melody and lyrics that capture the struggles of youth.
MagicMusicKimura Kaera
Kaela Kimura’s 2006 release “MagicMusic” might not exactly be classified as a cheer song, but I feel its content connects with that vibe.
Above all, it’s bright and energizing—that’s what makes it great! According to Kaela, it’s a “song for summer festivals.”