A Collection of Moving Songs Perfect for Sports Days and Athletic Festivals: Coloring the Drama of Youth

MagicNEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Magic」Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is a rock band widely supported for their music that fuses a variety of genres.

The single they pre-released in June 2023 is a key track that opens the album ANTENNA.

Written specifically for Coca-Cola’s summer campaign TV commercial, the song is a summer anthem that combines the propulsive energy of breezy dance-pop with the vitality of rock.

While empathizing with the bitter emotions of everyday life, its message—“why not just have fun?”—gives you a push forward and brings a refreshingly uplifting feeling like magic that changes the color of your heart.

Beloved to the extent of surpassing 300 million total streams, it’s highly recommended as the perfect cheer song to hype up the heated events of school sports days and athletic festivals, creating a sense of unity with the crowd!

RunNEW!timelesz

Run

A number released by timelesz during their Sexy Zone era, whose driving rock sound and emotional message resonate deeply.

It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Miman Keisatsu: Midnight Runner,” starring Kento Nakajima and Sho Hirano in dual lead roles, and was released as a single in August 2020.

The song portrays a determination to keep moving forward by trusting in the bonds with teammates even in extreme situations, offering heartfelt support to many people living through uncertain days.

Its chorus delivers a surge of exhilaration that feels like the horizon suddenly opening up, making it a perfect, fiery cheer for those giving their all in fast-paced events like sprints and relays at school sports days.

It’s an inspiring rock tune that colors a page of youth in vivid hues, giving listeners the courage to dash on without giving up until the very end.

R.Y.U.S.E.INEW!Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

The dance-vocal group Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, known for their emotional vocals and polished dance performances, gained widespread popularity.

Released as a single in June 2014 and selected as the TCK 2014 campaign song, this track captivates with its pop EDM sound themed around the passion of chasing dreams and the bonds with friends.

The song won the Japan Record Award in December of the same year, and its “running man” choreography during the instrumental break became a social phenomenon.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced melody makes it a perfect dance number for everyone to synchronize and perform together at school sports days and athletic festivals.

HappinessNEW!arashi

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

Released in September 2007 as Arashi’s 20th single, this track was used as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari.” Its shimmering, guitar-forward sound and bright, catchy melody are captivating.

Gently conveying the importance of moving forward and believing in the future even in difficult times, it gives listeners a powerful push from behind.

Brimming with a sense of speed, it’s perfect for events where you run your heart out, like relays and sprints.

At a sports day held under blue skies, it’s sure to further highlight children’s smiles and passion.

A timeless classic loved across generations—why not use it to unite and energize the entire venue?

horizonback number

back number – Horizon

There’s a backstory that vocalist Iyori Shimizu himself once aimed for the Inter-High in track and field, and he wrote this song with competing athletes in mind.

Every day you keep moving toward what you’re striving for.

There are times when unreasonable events steal your time, but we want you to treasure the certainty of your own feelings.

It’s a cheer song imbued with back number’s wish for that.

Masanori Shimada’s masterful arrangement—he’s also worked with Ikimonogakari and aiko—amplifies the bittersweet emotion, and I’m sure it’ll fit perfectly with those moving moments at school sports days and athletic festivals.

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KEI

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Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

Arashi’s “Kite,” written and composed by the hugely popular singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, was created as the “NHK 2020 Song.” It feels like it’s set to become a staple cheering anthem for sports from here on out! With its relaxed tempo and lyrics that carry messages of dreams, hope for the future, and moving forward, it’s a perfect fit for school sports days and athletic festivals.

It’s a track that’s sure to get everyone excited while quietly touching the heart and leaving you moved.

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Hane Keisuke

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Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

An anthemic song brimming with dazzling energy that makes every fleeting moment of youth shine.

Released by Ryokuoushoku Shakai in July 2024, this work powerfully voices the straightforward feelings and passion of young people.

Written as the theme song for ABEMA’s original romance show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita: Summer Break 2024,” it’s also drawing attention for its music video, featuring a grand collaboration with a 40-piece orchestra.

As a track that colors those irreplaceable moments spent with friends, it’s sure to resonate in the hearts of students taking on events at school sports days and athletic festivals.