[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, Foot Races, and Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Your Sports Day (131–140)
FRIENDS!!!imase

This song features a groovy rhythm and catchy pop melodies, gently singing about the beauty of friendship.
It delicately portrays various facets of friendship—from intimate bonds where a single glance says it all, to the awkwardness of a reunion after a long time apart.
It carefully expresses the importance of a bond that doesn’t change with time, and the joy of returning to a carefree connection like the old days.
Created in February 2025, the piece was written by imase as the theme song for “Everyone’s Concert,” a collaboration project between the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation.
It’s a perfect fit for capturing the feelings of friends who deepen their bonds through practice and competitions at school events like sports days and athletic festivals.
paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call

A heartwarming story of friendship woven from a grand orchestral sound and a crystal-clear singing voice.
This collaborative work by Yorushika’s suis and Evan Call paints a youthful page perfect for sports festival season.
Released in February 2025, it explores human connection through letters and words, skillfully interweaving depictions of nature to deliver a warm, resonant message.
Chosen as the theme song for the animated short “Dragonite and the Mail Carrier,” produced in celebration of Pokémon Day 2025, it gently speaks to the importance of delivering one’s feelings.
It’s a recommended track for those looking to deepen bonds with teammates at school sports days or to express their true feelings with sincerity.
superstarKetsumeishi

This song celebrates recognizing the potential and talent hidden within yourself and letting them shine.
Its empowering message—that everyone has a unique brilliance—blends beautifully with the pop sound.
Ketsumeishi’s positive lyrics and catchy melody carry a warm, gentle push for listeners.
Released in November 2020, it was chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi anime Crayon Shin-chan.
The music video, filmed in India, also captures the song’s bright and uplifting worldview.
It’s a perfect fit as a cheer song for school events like sports festivals, and for anyone seeking encouragement to discover their true self.
Music Collection for Sports Day: Go Go GoZama Yoshihiro

This is a collection of pieces that set the perfect mood for each scene, from the brass band’s essential, dazzling fanfares at sports festivals to the excitement during events.
Performed powerfully by the JGSDF Eastern Army Band, it includes music suitable for various moments such as opening and closing ceremonies and award presentations.
Arranged by trombonist and composer Yoshihiro Zama, the album centers on bright, lively marches and fanfares, featuring a rhythmic and dynamic structure.
Introduced at the 2015 Japan Band Directors Clinic, it’s a highly practical album widely used by educational institutions nationwide and at community events.
It’s an ideal choice not only for those planning and managing sports days, but also for anyone considering music for sporting events.
I can only face forwardAKB48

This is a breathtaking AKB48 track distinguished by a rock-inspired sound that embodies a powerful cry from the heart.
The lyrics, infused with a resolve to keep moving forward, together with the dynamic melody, fill listeners with courage and energy.
Released in February 2014 and recording an initial sales figure of approximately 1.091 million copies, the song was also used in commercials for Dip’s job information site “Baitoru.” Its powerful performance and passionate message make it a reliable ally in moments when you want to inspire unity and motivation—such as a tug-of-war at a school sports day.
A bouquet for meAdo

A gently sung piece about self-affirmation and a forward-looking attitude was released by Ado in March 2025.
While empathizing with the feelings we experience in everyday life, it carries a message that encourages recognizing oneself and finding the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.
With a fresh melody crafted by HoneyWorks layered with Ado’s powerful yet delicate vocals, the result is a heartwarming track.
The song has been chosen as the new commercial theme for Coca-Cola’s canned coffee brand Georgia and is scheduled to be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album.” It’s a perfect tune to start your morning, to encourage someone, or to give yourself a boost of courage—and it will continue to brighten the hearts of many.
I am the strongest.Ado

A powerful anthem of will and resolve from the film ONE PIECE FILM RED.
Released by Ado in June 2022, the song is notable for lyrics brimming with self-affirmation that wells up from deep within and heartfelt care for one’s companions.
The energetic, exhilarating rock sound crafted by Motoki Omori of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE and Ado’s distinctive vocals truly shine.
The song expresses the feelings of the film’s character Uta, depicting the process of acknowledging one’s own weaknesses and anxieties while overcoming them to grow stronger.
It’s a perfect track for rallying yourself at a sports day or athletic festival, or when you want to strive together with your teammates.



