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

Csikos PostHermann Necke

Csikos Post

Speaking of sports festivals, there are lots of running events, and when it comes to background music for running, many people probably think of this song, right? In fact, once you hear it, you just can’t help but start running (lol).

The title might not ring a bell for many, but it’s that classic, go-to song for sports days.

It’s a staple at school sports festivals, and since it has no lyrics, it’s also perfect for parody versions.

Run, Honest OneSaijō Hideki

ED2 – Run, Honest Man

The ending song of Chibi Maruko-chan.

It’s an exhilarating track, so it might be perfect for sports days and athletic meets, or even for making a parody version to cheer with.

Since it was a TV anime theme song, its broad recognition among both adults and children is also a plus.

flying getAKB48

[MV full] Flying Get (Dancing Version) / AKB48 [Official]

Let’s get hyped with this high-energy dance number! It’s one of AKB48’s signature songs, released in 2011 as their 22nd single.

The lyrics capture a straight-ahead, single-minded feeling of love—basically a love song—but its positive message also fits perfectly for sports days and athletic festivals! The upbeat, danceable groove makes it extra fun.

Sing and dance with lots of energy to boost your team’s morale! You can check the choreography in the music video, so give it a look.

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It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

An encouraging song by DREAMS COME TRUE that sings of life’s challenges and hopes through the lens of an ekiden relay race.

Its lively rhythm fuses ’80s disco with contemporary reggaeton, showcasing a cosmopolitan, borderless musicality.

Beyond cheering on the runners, it’s a powerful anthem that gives courage to anyone taking a new step forward.

Released in January 2025, the track was written as the theme song for an ekiden event commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

It has also been chosen as the theme song for the film “Kaminofude: The Island of Kaiju,” drawing significant attention.

It’s a perfect choice to stage a unifying finale for all participants during the exit scene of a school sports day.

A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

Ukasukazy “A Victorious Smile With You” Music Video

This track is packed with the appeal of a fiery cheer song that amps up any sports day scene.

Its exhilarating sound fusing J-pop and hip-hop, along with its message of encouragement for those who take on challenges, really resonates.

Released in May 2014 as a digital-only single by Ukasuka-G, it also served as the lead single for the album “AMIGO,” released in June of the same year, and was adopted as an official cheer song for the Japan national soccer team.

The song has been featured in numerous tie-ins, including Kirin’s “Nihonjuu ga Kata o Kumu” commercial and Mizuho Financial Group’s “ONE MIZUHO Power of Blue” commercial.

It’s recommended not only for exit scenes at school sports days, but for a wide range of moments that call for passion and energy, such as sporting events and competitions.

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a cheer song overflowing with youthful passion and hope.

It portrays a protagonist who carries deep pain in their heart and is on the verge of losing themselves, yet by accepting that suffering, they find the courage to take a new step forward.

Released by Sambomaster in August 2018, the track was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan,” and, alongside the story of high school students aiming to conquer the United States, it left a lasting impression on many viewers.

This piece is also perfect as a cheer song or parody song for school sports days and athletic festivals, gently encouraging students who are sweating it out and striving together with their friends.

Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo

Dokimeki Diary – asmi feat. Chinozo (Official Music Video)

Like weaving together precious memories, this song is filled with uplifting messages brimming with hope and anticipation.

asmi’s clear, transparent vocals and Chinozo’s refined compositional sense blend beautifully, creating a pleasant sense of elation.

Portraying the courage and determination to take a new step forward while overcoming the anxieties and confusion of a journey of self-discovery, the track has been beloved as the opening theme for the Pokémon TV anime since April 2023.

It also received its first full-size performance during the special program “Anime Pokémon Music Festival,” broadcast on the TV Tokyo network on March 31.

It’s a powerful cheer song that gives you a supportive push at moments of new challenges—such as before events at sports days or athletic festivals.