[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
[Marching, Racing, and Dancing] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Sports Day (1–10)
Your AdventureOkazaki Taiiku
Okazaki Taiiku’s cheer song “Kimi no Boken,” the opening theme for Pokémon Sun & Moon, is a coming-of-age anthem loved widely—from hardcore music fans to casual anime and game fans.
It’s an energizing track that makes you want to set off on an adventure, making it perfect as BGM for events like footraces at school sports days.
The lyrics about friends are also heartwarming and swoon-worthy.
PopopopoposeGReeeeN
The song provided as the theme for NHK Educational’s children’s program “Inai Inai Baa!” is GReeeeN’s “Popopo Pose.” A self-cover version is included on their 2019 album “Daiku.” Its catchy, pop sound is quintessentially GReeeeN and just makes you want to move your body.
The lyrics, which have you striking poses with your hands and whole body, are perfect for exercise.
Definitely consider adding it to your warm-up playlist before competitions start!
KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi
A hit song by Kenshi Yonezu that gained popularity as the theme song for the anime Chainsaw Man.
It also drew attention for being a collaboration with Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu and for its unique music video.
If you’re planning a dance for a school sports day, why not try this track? With its up-tempo, cool vibe, both the kids dancing and the audience are sure to get into it! There’s no official choreography, but many original choreography videos have been released, so be sure to check them out.
[Marching・Races・Dance] Energetic Songs & Latest Tracks to Hype Up Sports Day (11–20)
Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts
An irresistibly appealing up-tempo track that proudly radiates self-affirmation and positivity.
Released in January 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES,” this song is packed with everything that makes Creepy Nuts so compelling.
R-Shitei’s powerful rap and DJ Matsunaga’s addictive production blend perfectly, while the empowering lyrics strike a chord with listeners.
It sparked major buzz on social media and dominated charts both in Japan and abroad.
Add it to a school sports day dance or a cheering performance, and the atmosphere is guaranteed to skyrocket!
ultramarineYOASOBI
A signature work by YOASOBI that vividly expresses young people’s passion and pursuit of dreams through striking lyrics.
Released in September 2020, the song gained broad recognition after being featured in Bourbon’s “Alfort Mini Chocolate” commercial.
In 2021, it was also selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Dance ONE Project ’21,” adding flair to high school students’ dance performances.
Evoking the image of blue light, the piece impressively portrays the challenges of self-expression and creativity, making it perfect for school sports-day entrance marches and dance performances.
It’s a song that lets everyone share in the unique sense of unity of a sports festival and the courage to take the first step toward their dreams.
A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki
This song, the debut single by the hugely popular Masaki Suda, was also used in an au commercial, so people of all ages have probably heard it.
It’s an upbeat, rock-style track with dynamic shifts that give it a dramatic feel.
As the title suggests, the lyrics are positive, making it perfect as background music for a school sports day where everyone gives their all! It’s sure to liven up every event—not just sprints and relays, but also beanbag tosses and tug-of-war.
BibbidebaHoshimachi Suisei
A song that symbolizes the desire to transcend reality with a mysterious, almost magical power.
Suisei Hoshimachi’s gentle yet powerful vocals give courage to chase your dreams.
The single, released on March 23, 2024, also drew attention for its high-quality music video that blends animation and live-action.
Dance to it at a school sports day or athletic festival, and it’s sure to kindle a light of hope in everyone’s hearts.