Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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

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.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

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 Youthful Drama! Perfectly Moving Songs for Sports Days and Athletic Festivals (141–150)

heartbeat soundMiura Daichi

Daichi Miura / Heartbeat Sound - Music Video -

heartbeat soundMiura Daichi

A track by Daichi Miura released in July 2024 as the official support song for TEAM JAPAN challenging the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Centered on the theme of athletes’ heartbeats, it expresses through music the effort built up second by second over a lifetime and the new challenges that lie ahead.

Symbolizing the beginners’ mindset and fresh starts when athletes take their first step, the song features a powerful beat paired with a warm tone.

It is also used in the concept movie “The Courage to Take a Step,” which depicts athletes setting out toward the dream stage of the Olympics.

Beyond the fierce contests of the actual Games, it is crafted to inspire everyone who cheers—sports days included—and is sure to heighten the emotion of moving moments.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

SunMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Sun

SunMy Hair is Bad

It’s a heartwarming cheer song that gives you the courage to face the brilliance of youth.

The lyrics paint springlike scenes, beautifully capturing the hopes and anxieties of those taking a new step forward.

With My Hair is Bad’s characteristically powerful rock sound and warm vocals, it gently gives listeners a supportive push.

Released in March 2024, the song was written as the official MBS theme for the 96th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament (Senbatsu).

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone starting a new chapter or about to take an important step.

Brimming with hope, it conjures up the sound of brass bands echoing across the field and the sight of young people giving their all.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

breakthroughSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Toppakō” MV (TV anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP, 2nd cour opening theme)

breakthroughSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER is a four-piece rock band that captivates fans with passionate lyrics delivered through straightforward vocals.

Their 13th single, Breakthrough, released as a double A-side with I Want to Be Your Boast, was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP.

The lyrics, which portray a stance of fighting fair and square without tricks, encourage you to enjoy this very moment instead of being fixated solely on winning or losing.

With its driving melodies and tight ensemble that raise the energy, it’s a no-frills, straight-up rock tune.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

[Coloring the Drama of Youth!] Moving Songs Perfect for Sports Days and Athletic Festivals (151–160)

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

HarukaYOASOBI

This is a heartwarming song by YOASOBI that weaves a story watching over a girl’s growth from the perspective of a mug.

Told by an inanimate object, its down-to-earth emotional expression and the carefully drawn bond between the girl and the item draw you in.

Anyone starting a new chapter in life will find themselves in the forward-looking protagonist.

Released digitally in December 2020 and included on the album THE BOOK, the song was also used as the image song for “Art Aquarium Exhibition 2021: Hakata—Festival of Goldfish” and in a Takara Tomy commercial.

It’s a track we especially recommend to those about to take their first step in a new environment.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

If you laugh at the skywacci

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

If you laugh at the skywacci

wacci is a rock band that delivers music that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

Their song “Sora ni Waraeba,” included on the 2018 album Gunjō Refrain, empowers people striving toward their dreams and goals.

The lyrics unfold like a portrait of days spent working hard with classmates toward a school sports festival.

Even when things get tough, you can picture everyone overcoming it together.

With a warm band arrangement incorporating beautiful strings, it’s a moving song that resonates with the heart.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

WE CAN!Adachi Kana

Kana Adachi “WE CAN!” (Music Video)

WE CAN!Adachi Kana

Kana Adachi is a singer-songwriter who studied vocal music and musicals during her school years and won the Grand Prix at the LINE × SONY MUSIC Audition.

“WE CAN!”, included on her fifth single “little flower,” was selected as Jubilo Iwata’s 2019 season song.

Its lyrics resonate with listeners even as it delivers a dynamic pop sound, offering a cheer that feels like a push forward for anyone giving their all.

With powerful choral work that makes you want to sing along, it’s a track meant to be heard with friends to boost morale.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu is a rock band especially popular among younger generations.

Their 2019 release “Seishun to Isshun” (“Youth and a Moment”) is a song that captures the real emotions felt during school days.

It sings about students throwing themselves into various pursuits like love, studying, and club activities.

Because it conveys the importance of days spent with friends, it’s a perfect match for various sports day events where classmates unite as one.

With a band performance that feels both slightly wistful and warmly comforting, it’s a rock number that colors unforgettable scenes.

Listen to its message and feel the joy of having met precious friends.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem