[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]
- Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- [Dance Songs] Recommended for school sports days and athletic festivals! A curated selection of popular tracks that are fun to dance to
- 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]
- Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs.
- [March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!
- 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
[March, Sprint, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest tracks to liven up sports day (71–80)
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
A song by the four-piece rock band RADWIMPS, known for handling numerous film scores and showcasing their unique creativity.
This track was created as an insert song for their first foray into film music, the animated movie “Your Name.” Along with the film’s popularity—which became a social phenomenon—it’s also known as a number that brought RADWIMPS widespread recognition.
With a high-velocity arrangement that bursts into top speed right from the intro, it seems perfect as background music for a school sports day sprint.
Its catchy melody and sense of speed lift your spirits—a refreshing rock tune.
room for growthCreepy Nuts
This song by Creepy Nuts explores the timeless theme of growth, skillfully weaving together elements of hip-hop and pop.
It captures the struggles and confusion of becoming an adult, as well as the hope for limitless possibilities, resonating with a light, upbeat rhythm.
Included on the album “Case,” released in September 2021, it was also chosen as a cheer song for professional baseball.
The chorus delivers a powerful, positive message that inspires the courage to keep growing.
Give it a listen when you want to cheer on hardworking kids or reflect on your own personal growth.
LuluAdo
Known for its powerful messaging and distinctive sound, Ado’s latest work vividly depicts a defiance of social rules.
The lyrics, which encourage creating one’s own rules without being bound by existing values, are particularly striking.
Released in July 2024, the track is included on her second album, Zanmu, and was also chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Billion × School.
Ado’s commanding vocals and MARETU’s dark songwriting blend seamlessly, delivering a profound message to listeners.
While the lyrics are anti-establishment, the song’s intensity makes it a perfect fit for a sports day atmosphere.
Soldier, run.B’z
Many kids like cool rock songs.
One popular track in that vein is B’z’s “Tsuwamono, Hashiru” (Soldiers, Run).
As the title suggests, it has a driving, sprint-like sense of speed.
The song was chosen as the Japan national rugby team’s support song for Lipovitan D.
It’s great for pumping yourself up, and it also makes fitting BGM for sprints or relays.
Kaikai KitanEVE
Though he doesn’t show his face, Eve is an artist who’s won popularity among younger generations with his gentle voice and distinctive lyrics.
Kaikai Kitan is a catchy rock track chosen as the opening theme for season 1 of the hugely popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen.
The lyrics contain words that even we Japanese don’t hear very often, but the tune is so catchy that it’s easy to listen to.
Since it’s an up-tempo song, it’s a great choice for intense events like sprint races and comes highly recommended.
Chocolate DiscoPerfume
Speaking of Perfume, they have many signature songs, but “Chocolate Disco” is a popular early release with an appealing electro sound.
As the title suggests, it’s themed around Valentine’s Day, and because the lyrics are minimal, it’s easy to memorize and hum along to—making it suitable even for events like children’s sports days.
Dancing in colorful, sparkly costumes enhances the authentic Perfume vibe, so paying attention to the outfits is a great idea.
Brother BeatSnow Man
Brother Beat was produced as an upbeat, party-style track.
It’s a song released by Snow Man and is also known as the theme song for the movie Osomatsu-san.
The structure has the nine members taking turns singing their thoughts and feelings.
Overall, it packs in a lot of comedic call-and-response elements that will make you chuckle.
Another hallmark is the abundance of rap parts.
It’s perfect when you want to create a lively, boisterous atmosphere.
