Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Sports Day/Field Day BGM: Moving Classics & Uplifting Anthems to Power Your Practice

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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.

When it comes to undōkai and school sports festivals, they’re among the biggest school events—a special day that colors a page of your youth! Besides the marquee relay race, there are usually all kinds of events like dance performances and cheer battles, right? In this article, we’ve selected support songs that keep you going through the hard work of practice and preparation leading up to the day, as well as tracks that give you a push during the nerve‑wracking main event.

Listen closely and you might just burst into tears… Use this as a guide to choose the perfect BGM to color your wonderful memories!

[Sports Day / Athletic Festival BGM] Moving Masterpieces & Cheer Songs That Support Practice (121–130)

Our Starting LineHIPPY

Our Starting Line

Our Starting LineHIPPY

A new song from HIPPY, brimming with passion and hope, has arrived.

Co-created with high school students in Hiroshima Prefecture, it will be released digitally in August 2024.

It’s the official support song for the 2025 All Japan High School Athletic Championships.

The lyrics are packed with youth and a passion for sports, paired with a catchy, powerful pop melody.

This anthem portrays the drive to take on new challenges—an irresistible track for J-pop fans.

It’s perfect not only for young people devoted to sports but also for anyone ready to take a new step forward.

Imbued with HIPPY’s love for his hometown and a heartfelt message to young people, the song especially celebrates the brilliance of youth experienced through sports.

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SpecialSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER 'Special' Music Video

SpecialSUPER BEAVER

What will further liven up a heated sports day or athletic festival is “Special.” It’s included on the rock band SUPER BEAVER’s 2022 album Tokyo; they’re known for songs themed around “life” and “love.” The energetic, one-take music video leaves a strong impression.

The straightforward, driving band sound delivers a real sense of speed.

It’s a heartwarming message song that embraces worries and anxieties.

Give it a listen when you want to boost the excitement at events like the opening ceremony or the relay during a sports day or festival.

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Outlineimase

Outline

Outlineimase

It’s a powerful song that portrays young people’s challenges and growth.

Written specifically as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Championship, it features beautiful string tones, a sing-along quality, and a driving beat.

Its grand, dramatic sound and progression are deeply moving.

The lyric “Run toward your goal” reflects imase’s own high school experiences, carrying an emotional message that resonates.

It’s perfect for those facing difficulties or about to embark on new challenges.

Released in October 2024, this track is sure to add a touching backdrop to scenes at sports days and school athletic festivals as well.

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Runnerbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump - Runner (High Quality)

Runnerbakufū suranpu

It’s a classic tune that’s been played at countless sports days from long ago to today.

You also hear it often as background music on TV shows.

The chorus never loses its luster and leaves a strong impression on listeners—it’s undeniably powerful.

Since friendship and bonds matter most in school events that get you moving, I hope this song lifts everyone’s spirits and helps strengthen their friendships.

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[Sports Day / Athletic Festival BGM] Moving Masterpieces & Motivational Songs to Support Practice (131–140)

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi

A heartwarming song by Kenshi Yonezu that gives a boost to the spirit of doing your best at sports days and athletic festivals.

It’s included on the acclaimed album STRAY SHEEP, released in August 2020.

The lyrics, which use the metaphor of a horse and a deer to portray the importance of holding on to sincere feelings even when you’re awkward, leave a strong impression.

Created amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the piece reflects Yonezu’s search for his role in a chaotic situation.

Singing of a resilient heart that strives to rise even when it’s on the verge of breaking, this song will gently encourage everyone working hard in practice and on the big day.

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Critical HitRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Masterstroke [Official Music Video]

Critical HitRADWIMPS

This song, included on RADWIMPS’ 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to,” is a powerful rock number that captures the feelings of someone torn over a major life decision.

While grappling with anxiety and uncertainty about the future, it portrays the wavering yet determined resolve to follow one’s true feelings.

The lyrics also incorporate baseball-themed imagery, depicting a dramatic comeback from a seemingly hopeless situation that gives listeners a strong push forward.

It’s a track we hope those struggling in various situations—club activities, studies, friendships, and more—will listen to.

There may be times when you feel like giving up, but this song will surely give you the courage to stand up again.

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BelieveFolder5

Folder 5 – Believe-всё прексно..но..но..нооо.

BelieveFolder5

Believe, the signature song by Folder5 that once served as the opening theme for the anime ONE PIECE.

Its Eurobeat-inspired approach brings back memories of the music scene of that era, while the message in the lyrics is truly moving.

With its catchy and energetic vibe, it’s a fun choice not only as background music for competitions but also as a track for dancing.

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