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

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

[Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer anthems and recommended tunes for parody versions [2026] (1–10)

Sounds goodNEW!M!LK

M!LK – Ii jan (Official Music Video) [76th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen performance song]
Sounds goodNEW!M!LK

This song is captivating for its uplifting message that affirms you just as you are and gives you a push forward.

Its warm words that evoke a sense of camaraderie, along with the dynamic shift from classic pop to club sounds, are seriously addictive! It was released by the dance and vocal group M!LK in February 2025 and included on the album “M!Ⅹ,” which came out in March of the same year.

It was also selected as the entrance march for the 98th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament held in spring 2026.

The rhythmic sound is perfect for scenes like the entrance march where everyone moves in step, or for cheer battles.

Since the melody is sung in short, snappy phrases, why not swap in your team’s slogan and enjoy making your own original parody version?

STARSNEW!Snow Man

Snow Man ‘STARS’ Music Video
STARSNEW!Snow Man

An energetic anthem that powerfully propels people toward the grand stage of sports.

Sung by Snow Man, an idol group that captivates with overwhelming performance power, this track was released in February 2026.

Chosen as the theme song for TBS Sports 2026, you’ll likely hear it frequently during Winter Olympics broadcasts.

Its hopeful, dynamic beat makes it perfect as a cheer song for school sports days.

The lyrics celebrate the greatness of taking on challenges, so it’s ideal for uniting the whole team in song.

It could also be fun to play it during entrance scenes for relays or sprints to match the exhilarating chorus—the energy in the venue is sure to soar.

NonfictionsNEW!Da-iCE

Da-iCE / “Nonfictions” Music Video
NonfictionsNEW!Da-iCE

This is the perfect track to play on the field at a sports festival where passions run high: the song performed by Da-iCE.

Chosen as the cheer song for the 107th National High School Baseball Championship, which kicks off in August 2025, as well as the theme for “Netto Koshien,” the piece was written and composed by the members themselves.

Its dramatic, fast-paced sound and melodies tinged with the bittersweetness of youth bring a refreshing rush, as if you’re sprinting across the field.

The baseball-inspired world it paints is ideal for scenes of uniting in pursuit of victory.

With a melody that’s easy for brass bands to play, it’s also great for chant remixes and mass sing-alongs during cheer battles.

How about creating the best memories together with your teammates?

Double Double FIGHT!NEW!CANDY TUNE

If you want to unite everyone’s hearts at the sports festival, CANDY TUNE’s “Baibai FIGHT!” is perfect.

Released in April 2024, this track went viral the following year as its dance videos spread on TikTok, creating a huge buzz.

The lyrics, which depict a forward-looking spirit that faces challenges time and again and the struggle to stay true to oneself, are striking.

With its up-tempo rhythm and catchy melody, it’s sure to send a powerful cheer to your teammates.

Accompanied by energetic call-and-response chants, it will shine in moments when you want to energize the whole team.

Turning it into a parody version and trying it as an original cheer song will definitely be fun, too!

Give it all you’ve got!NEW!FRUITS ZIPPER

[First-Ever Performance Live Video] “Buchikamase yo!” / 2026.03.08 @ KAWAII LAB. 4th Anniversary Special LIVE KAWAII LAB. SESSION in Kobe
Give it all you’ve got!NEW!FRUITS ZIPPER

Its exhilarating, fast-paced sound instantly amps up the crowd’s energy from the intro! It carries a powerful message that ignites the fighting spirit for competition and strongly rallies yourself and your teammates.

Sung by the hugely popular idol group FRUITS ZIPPER, this track was released as a single in March 2026.

It drew attention after being selected as the theme song for MBS’s professional baseball broadcasts, “MBS Baseball Park.” RYOJI from Ketsumeishi was involved in its production, and the approachable melody is another highlight.

It’s perfect for hyping everyone up by spinning towels together during cheer battles and similar moments.

With many easy-to-understand phrases, it’s also ideal for creating parody lyrics tailored to your class goals!

one secondNEW!SixTONES

SixTONES – One Second [YouTube ver.]
one secondNEW!SixTONES

An emotional cheer song that stirs fighting spirit, capturing the weight of those split-second moments that decide victory or defeat.

Messages drawn from the athletes’ own voices combine with rich, powerful vocals to push you forward.

Performed by SixTONES, this track was selected as Nippon TV’s “2026 Athlete Support Song” for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics opening in February 2026.

Announced as a tie-in in January 2026, the song’s driving sound is especially compelling.

Play it during decisive moments at school sports days—like relays or sprints—and the entire venue will come together as one.

It’s also great to turn into a parody version, putting your class goals to the melody for a rousing sing-along.

OutlineNEW!imase

If you want to further energize an intense competition, a rousing anthem that echoes through the stadium is perfect! This piece was created by imase, a singer-songwriter from Gifu Prefecture.

Released in October 2024, it drew attention when it was selected as the support song for the 103rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Produced following the previous album “Bonsai,” this work is characterized by a dramatic melody that blends powerful beats with expansive strings.

It carries a warm message that gives you the courage to stand up again and again.

There’s also a chorus section that everyone can sing together, so a big sing-along during a school sports day cheer battle would surely strengthen your class bond!