RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Coloring the drama of youth! Heartwarming songs perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals

Sports days and athletic festivals are full of drama born from everyone giving their all.

For teachers and parents, they’re also great opportunities to truly feel the students’ and children’s growth.

Seeing them compete so earnestly can be unexpectedly moving.

On a stage where everyone shines, the right music is essential to set the scene.

In this article, we introduce touching songs recommended for sports days and athletic festivals.

From classic sports anthems to inspiring cheer songs, why not feature these treasured tracks that color a page of youth in your event’s production?

Color Your Coming-of-Age Drama! Heartwarming Songs Perfect for Sports Days and Athletic Festivals (81–90)

PhotographEXILE ATSUSHI feat. Tōkyō Sukaparadaisu Ōkesutora

EXILE ATSUSHI feat. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Horn Section 'Photograph' 2023 Summer High School Baseball Cheer Song / 'Netto Koshien' Theme Song
PhotographEXILE ATSUSHI feat. Tōkyō Sukaparadaisu Ōkesutora

This is a rousing anthem that sings of the dream of Koshien on a grand scale.

A message-driven work that engraves in the heart the efforts and friendships of high school baseball players, the bonds with teammates, and gratitude toward family.

EXILE ATSUSHI’s deeply emotive vocals blend beautifully with the brilliant horn section of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.

Since its release in June 2023, it has been used as the support song for the 105th National High School Baseball Championship and as the theme song for “Netto Koshien,” stirring the hearts of baseball fans across the country.

Sheet music for school wind bands has also been published and is widely performed.

Poppin’ RunAina ji Endo

AiNA THE END – Poppin’ Run [Official Music Video]
Poppin' RunAina ji Endo

This is a song by Aina The End that carries a powerful message to ignite the hearts of athletes.

With a bright, light, and upbeat rhythm, it’s a pop dance tune that evokes courage and hope to move forward.

While expressing the beauty of keeping on running and striving toward your goals, it gently reminds us of the importance of not being fixated on winning or losing.

The music video released in November 2024 includes a scene where people celebrate on the podium, raising a gold medal.

It’s the perfect track for daily training or for giving your best while encouraging your teammates.

BraveNaoto Intiraymi

Naoto Inti Raymi – Brave [with lyrics]
BraveNaoto Intiraymi

Released in April 2011, this is a motivational song by Naoto Inti Raymi, brimming with courage and positivity.

With its catchy melody and powerful beat, it calls on listeners to believe in their own potential.

Carrying a strong, encouraging message that gently supports those taking on challenges, the song was performed at the 63rd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen and has become widely known as one of Naoto Inti Raymi’s signature tracks.

It’s a perfect song to listen to during daily training or in those tense moments before an important match.

weedberii guddoman

Berry Goodman 'Weeds' Music Video
weedberii guddoman

A powerful cheer song by Beverly Goodman that supports everyone’s challenges toward their life dreams and goals.

The refreshing melodies woven by the Osaka-born trio and the sound that fuses J-pop with hip-hop leave a strong impression.

Its message-rich lyrics, which celebrate the process of hard work, give courage to hearts on the verge of giving up.

Released in August 2022, the song was also chosen as the theme for Asahi Broadcasting Radio’s “ABC Fresh Up Baseball” and featured in the Virtual High School Baseball spot video for the 104th National High School Baseball Championship.

It’s a track that gently yet powerfully pushes forward not only those striving in baseball, but everyone fighting to carve out their own path.

AgainWANIMA

WANIMA “Again” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
AgainWANIMA

This is a powerful message song by WANIMA that passionately sings of second chances and hope.

The protagonist’s strong will to face forward after overcoming failure and setbacks resonates with an energetic melody.

Included on the single “Good Job!!,” released in March 2019, and used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Maison de Police,” the track expresses the resolve to rise again despite carrying past pain and regret, as well as the courage to believe in oneself and move forward.

It’s a perfect song for those looking back on both the good and tough times of their school days and trying to lift their heads and keep going.

Outlineimase

An inspiring support song for the 103rd All Japan High School Soccer Championship, vividly portraying the passion of high school students taking on the challenge of competition.

Imase—who devoted his own high school years to soccer—wove this piece from his personal experiences.

Within its majestic soundscape and powerful beat, it paints a striking picture of a boy facing trials, the resolve to rise again after tears, and a future brimming with hope.

Released in October 2024, the song was also performed at the final held at the National Stadium.

It is a warm-hearted anthem that stands with everyone who dedicates their youth to sports and all those who keep challenging themselves in pursuit of their dreams.

Color Your Youthful Drama! Moving Songs Perfect for Sports Days and School Athletic Festivals (91–100)

ultra soulB’z

[Wind Band Hit] ultra soul / B’z
ultra soulB'z

This single, released in March 2001, is an uplifting anthem delivered with a powerful rock sound and a message that strikes straight to the heart.

It conveys encouragement to those striving toward their dreams, depicting the emotions that waver between hope and disappointment, as well as the courage to challenge one’s own limits.

It’s a track where B’z’s signature sense of speed and Koshi Inaba’s dynamic vocals blend seamlessly.

The song was continuously selected as the official theme for the World Aquatics Championships from 2001 to 2024, becoming a staple that energizes the sports scene.

It’s also highly recommended as a cheer song for school sports days and athletic festivals, boosting participants’ morale and uniting everyone in excitement.