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 Classics & Motivational Songs That Support Practice (11–20)

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu - Eikou no Kakihashi (Glory Bridge)

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu’s “Eikou no Kakehashi” is famous as a graduation song, but its lyrics—depicting the steady steps taken toward a dream—are also perfect for sports days and athletic festivals! The grand melody builds toward the chorus, making it a moving backdrop for speed-based events like relays.

While sports day playlists tend to favor fast-paced BGM, adding a song like this is highly recommended!

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Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.

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Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude” ONE PIECE Lyric MV

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

Here is a song that vividly colors the drama of youth.

Chosen as the opening theme for Season 25 of the anime ONE PIECE, which began airing in September 2023, this piece sings about the importance of overcoming hardships, believing in your own potential, and moving forward.

Its powerful message—that by accepting your weaknesses you can aim higher—will gently encourage everyone giving their all at sports days and athletic festivals.

The up-tempo, energetic rhythm is perfect for competitions like relays and dances.

The brilliant tones of the brass section leave a strong impression and pair exceptionally well with flag dances.

It’s a captivating track that blends SEKAI NO OWARI’s distinctive worldview with lyrics that resonate deeply.

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MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

MiracleGReeeeN

It fired up the drama with passion as the theme song for TBS’s series ROOKIES.

That song always played during the best scenes, and Ryuta Sato’s powerful performance brought me to tears…

I think many people are reminded of the drama whenever they hear this track.

Of course, even apart from the show, the song’s emotional impact doesn’t fade—it’s perfect for livening up sports festivals and field days.

It would also be great as the entrance music for a baton relay.

Be sure to play it at the most thrilling moments, like the final battle or the championship match!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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horizonback number

back number – Horizon

horizonback number

Back number is a rock band famed for poignant love songs that depict the complexities of relationships.

Their 2021 release “Suiheisen” (Horizon) is a song that honors those who worked hard for the day of their sports festival.

It was written for high school students who had aimed for the 2020 Inter-High, which was canceled.

The lyrics, brimming with realism around themes of “dreams” and “goals,” are deeply moving.

With a warm, mid-tempo band sound, it resonates across generations.

It’s the perfect song to applaud not only the athletes who took first place, but everyone who took part.

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One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

Quintessential youth! It’s an uplifting song that’s so true to them.

Since it was used as the theme song for Koshien and the music video focuses on the baseball team, I think many people remember it as an anthem for high school ballplayers.

When you’re giving it your all, there are plenty of times when you feel “just a little more, one more step and I’ll reach my goal.” This song is popular as a cheer-up anthem that makes you want to push through that “one more step.”

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[Sports Day / Athletic Festival BGM] Moving Masterpieces & Cheer Songs That Support Practice (21–30)

Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK

Kimisidai Train

Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK

This ambitious work by ONE OK ROCK is marked by powerful vocals and a fast-paced, exhilarating sound.

Interweaving English and Japanese lyrics, it expresses a determination to move forward—believing in one’s own potential and drawing strength from past experiences.

The members’ passionate performance blends perfectly with a message that pushes listeners onward.

Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011, it’s cherished as a staple in live shows that fosters a strong sense of unity with fans.

More than just a boost during sports day practices, this song serves as a source of support when standing at life’s crossroads or taking a new step forward.

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