RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[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!

[March, Sprint, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest tracks to liven up sports day (71–80)

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Mela!' Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Mela!
Mela!Ryokushokushakai

One group we can’t help but include among bands popular with the younger generation is Ryokuoushoku Shakai.

This song was used as the jingle for Dariya’s “Palty” commercial, and even within the brief clip heard in the ad, many listeners were captivated by it, sparking a big buzz with people asking, “Whose song is this?” The overwhelming vocal power and the familiar, catchy melody line feel so good.

It’s an up-tempo, lively track, so it would be perfect not only for running-type events but would also look really cool if used as a dance number.

Dancing HeroOginome Yōko

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) MV [New Dance Ver.] (Short Ver.)
Dancing HeroOginome Yōko

“Dancing Hero” is Yoko Oginome’s signature song, released in 1985, that took the nation by storm.

The original was sung by British artist Angie Gold, and it was also released the same year, becoming a global hit.

The disco sound in the intro is so catchy it sticks in your head—in the best way.

I think it would really hype up the crowd if kids intentionally wore bubble-era outfits and danced disco to this song.

The key will likely be deciding on the choreography!

frecklesJUDY AND MARY

Freckles – JUDY AND MARY (Full)
frecklesJUDY AND MARY

Among JUDY AND MARY’s songs, “Sobakasu” is exceptionally popular.

YUKI’s cute yet powerful vocals truly cheer up anyone who listens! The lyrics are a bit bittersweet and romantic, but that youthful vibe is part of what makes it so wonderful.

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI is popular across a wide range of ages, from elementary school students to adults, and among their songs this one is especially well-known and emblematic of the band.

Its atmosphere evokes their signature sense of fantasy, and the rhythm conjures up the fancy, cute parade depicted in the music video—both are irresistibly appealing.

Don’t you think that image makes it a perfect fit for the entrance march of lower-grade elementary school students? The lyrics, filled with uplifting, encouraging words and themes of friendship, are an ideal way to open a sports day where the children join forces and give it their all.

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda
Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS

THE BLUE HEARTS are a legendary rock band whose influence is cited by countless artists currently active at the forefront of the J-pop scene.

Their major-label debut single, “Linda Linda,” has become synonymous with THE BLUE HEARTS, thanks in part to its electrifyingly impactful performances.

Its explosively catchy chorus and fast, punkish ensemble are sure to boost participants’ energy even at a sports day.

It’s an eccentric rock tune that continues to be loved across generations.

The World Is Ours!Naoto Intiraymi

Naoto Inti Raymi – “The World is Ours!” (Live at Kyocera Dome / 2015.12.23)
The World Is Ours!Naoto Intiraymi

The original is an English song.

This track has been arranged as a Japanese version, but it’s still a song you can get hyped to.

It’s Naoto Inti Raymi’s 13th single and was used as a song for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The chorus line is well-known, and it has an up-tempo feel typical of a cheer song.

rainbowTakahashi Yuu

Yuu Takahashi “Niji (Rainbow)” MV – YouTube Limited Edit Version
rainbowTakahashi Yuu

It’s a rousing cheer song with lyrics full of passion that really fires up school sports days.

Chosen as the theme song for the National High School Baseball Championship in summer, it became one of Yu Takahashi’s signature tracks.

It’s also frequently used at sports days, making it a perfect anthem to cheer on hard-working kids!