Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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

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

Last updated:2025/6/15

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 Coming-of-Age Drama! Heartwarming Songs Perfect for Sports Days and Athletic Festivals (1–10)

horizonback number

back number – Horizon

horizonback number

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

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

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

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.

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DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

An encouraging anthem that gently stays by your side and gives you a push forward, dedicated to everyone who feels anxiety or uncertainty in their youth.

With Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature emotional, catchy melodies and lyricism that powerfully boosts self-affirmation, it strikes a chord in the heart.

Released in January 2025, the song was written for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-sai Matsuri,” and featured a special performance with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.

It’s the perfect track to listen to when you feel like you’re losing your sense of self or want a chance to face your true self—and it’s also ideal for school sports days and athletic festivals.

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Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Watch “Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves. berii guddoman” on YouTube

An uplifting song that earned popularity on NHK’s Minna no Uta, celebrating the dignity of those who support others.

Warm and heartfelt, it expresses gratitude to people who, like soil, may not stand out but nurture others’ growth.

Created by MOCA of Berry Goodman, inspired by his experiences as a high school baseball player and by the words of Seiryo High School baseball coach Tomoshige Yamashita, the piece was released in December 2024.

It gently supports and encourages those who work tirelessly out of the spotlight or struggle with their own roles, making it a perfect fit for school sports days and athletic festivals where the “unsung heroes” behind the scenes play a crucial part.

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BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

This is a cheer song written by Kenshi Yonezu as the opening theme for the anime Medalist, which is set in the world of figure skating.

Using a bow and arrow as its motif, it powerfully portrays young people who keep moving toward their dreams while overcoming setbacks.

Played at a school sports day or athletic meet, it’s sure to resonate as encouragement for friends who continue to take on challenges—and as motivation for yourself.

Its exhilarating melody and lyrics filled with determination to chase one’s dreams will deepen the bonds with teammates striving alongside you.

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Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

Kitearashi

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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Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

This song is Yuzu’s 21st single, released in 2004.

As the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics broadcast, it strongly evokes a sports image, and many listeners may be reminded of the Olympics.

The message, which seems to acknowledge the efforts built up over time, is particularly striking.

It’s one of those school sports day/field day songs that packs passionate feelings into a calm musical tone.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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