[March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day
When it comes to sports day music, many people might think of classical pieces like ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’ (Infernal Galop from ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’).
However, in recent years, more schools have been using pop songs and anime tracks as background music in addition to the classic staples, making the selection more diverse.
In this article, we’ll introduce lively songs that perfectly match the sports day atmosphere—not only long-standing classics but also popular J-POP tunes among elementary and middle school students.
Use this as a reference for your playlist!
- [Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]
- [Sports Day] Entrance songs that will hype the crowd! A comprehensive roundup from classics to the latest hits
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- From classics to fan favorites! A catalog of music and BGM to liven up your sports day
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- [Dance Tracks] Perfect for School Sports Days! A Curated Selection of Fun, Popular Songs to Dance To [2026]
- [March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!
- [2026] Curated J-POP to Energize Sports Days and Athletic Festivals! Also Great as Entrance Music
- Popular songs recommended for nursery school sports days! A roundup of classic crowd-pleasers and the latest hits
- Recommended exit songs for sports day: A collection of tracks that are perfect for a brisk, quick-march exit.
- Cheer songs to hype up the sports day! A collection of motivational tracks recommended for kids
- Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival
- Perfect for sports day parachute routines! Recommended J-pop songs
[Marching, Footraces, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (61–70)
tee-tee tee te-rette te-re tee-teebusai-ku
Busaiku is a male idol group produced by Masahiro Nakai, the former leader of SMAP, and is a spin-off unit formed by four members of Kis-My-Ft2.
This is their second single as Busaiku, and it’s a song that’s popular with children thanks to its humorous lyrics focusing on butts and its upbeat pop sound.
Since it uses lots of sound effects and onomatopoeia, it’s easy for kids to remember.
It’s perfect not only for kindergarten recitals but also for dances at sports days.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
Sukima Switch is a musical duo that has enjoyed popularity since their debut thanks to their unforgettable, distinctive vocals and colorful ensemble sound.
Their fifth single, “Zenryoku Shonen,” which has been featured in numerous tie-ins including an NTT DoCoMo Kansai commercial, is known as one of their signature songs.
With a refreshing melody and arrangement that perfectly match the title’s image, it’s guaranteed to liven up any sports day.
It’s a powerful pop tune that serves as a cheer for boys and girls giving their all.
1, 2, 3After the Rain（soraru × mafumafu）
“1, 2, 3” by After the Rain, released digitally in 2019.
It’s a collaboration between the singers Soraru and Mafumafu, who both expanded their activities from Nico Nico Douga.
The song is hugely popular with kids as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon, and its slightly fragile yet hope-filled atmosphere and message resonate with adults, too.
If it plays at a school sports day, it would definitely pump you up and make you feel like you can draw out strength you don’t usually have! A high-energy song with a soaring chorus and an amazing sense of release.
Dash through your sports day with “1, 2, 3”!
Soul RevolutionSuperfly
Superfly is known for her soulful vocals and one of the most powerful voices among Japanese artists.
From her small frame, she delivers a singing voice with tremendous power.
Tamashii Revolution is the perfect song to fuel power-filled days.
This brisk, spirited track was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song for 2010 and was used for the World Cup and J.League.
It’s sure to further inspire those aiming for the top.
It would be a great choice to hype up the opening of a school sports day or athletic festival!
Get WildTM NETWORK
This work is characterized by danceable synth sounds and a powerful beat.
Its urban atmosphere and adventurous melody invite listeners into the city at night.
Released in April 1987, the track was also used as the ending theme for the anime “City Hunter,” becoming a major hit.
Thanks in part to the buzz around the “free-to-play uncle” of the Paris Olympics, it continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a perfect fit as BGM for athlete entrances at school sports days and for events like relays.
The exhilarating, fast-paced sound is sure to fire up participants.
Galop of the ClownsKabarefusukī
When you hear it, is there any other song that makes you think “I’ve gotta run!!” as much as this one? It’s a classic go-to for running events like sprints, relays, and scavenger races! Although it’s an orchestral piece, its catchy, slightly playful melody really stands out, making it perfect for cute scenes of children running.
Since everyone’s heard it and recognizes it as a sports day standard, the moment it starts playing, the excitement instantly ramps up.
HeroAmuro Namie
I imagine many parents of the current generation are fans of Namie Amuro, aren’t they? This is the song that was used as NHK’s broadcast theme for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics! The track’s appeal lies in its dynamic development: a ballad-like section where Namie Amuro’s beautiful vocals resonate, contrasted with a powerful, danceable beat.
Overall, it has a very flowing and grand atmosphere, so it’s highly recommended for scenes where you want to create a moving, emotional impression.
It would also suit dance performances, relays, or even group gymnastics.