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!

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

DREAMERIkuta Rira

A gem of a mid-tempo ballad whose burning passion and single-minded pursuit of a dream strikes straight to the heart.

Lila Ikuta returns to her roots as an artist, expressing her love for music and her determination in unembellished, down-to-earth words.

Written as an insert song for the drama “Paripi Kōmei” and later self-covered for release in March 2025 as part of the album Hyakka Ryoran, the track weaves the struggles and growth of those who love music into a gently enveloping melody, letting their powerful longing for their dreams resonate deeply.

It’s a song of support that gives a push to students immersed in practice and warmly stands by their efforts—one we hope you’ll play during training scenes for sports days and athletic festivals.

One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – One Heart (Official Music Video)
One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

A cheer song bursting with positive energy and youthful power! Filmed in a gymnasium together with fans known as “Seishun Club Members,” it’s a warm, light-filled visual piece.

ATARASHII GAKKO! has consistently delivered strong messages about valuing individuality through works like the albums “Ma-Ningen” and “Wakage Gaitaru.” This track was produced in March 2025 as a song for a Bourbon commercial, and it’s a powerful push for those starting a new chapter in life.

It’s sure to encourage you through tense entrance ceremonies, important sports day practice, and the big day itself.

The authentic message and dynamic performance of ATARASHII GAKKO! will surely resonate with your heart!

magic musicKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “Magic Music” [short ver.]
magic musicKimura Kaera

This is a vibrant summer tune by Kaela Kimura.

Created for summer festivals, its happy, positive worldview adds extra fun to children’s movements.

Set to a catchy melody, it sings about the magical power of music and the thrill of romance.

Released in June 2006, it was used as the commercial song for Toshiba’s portable media player “gigabeat” and as the ending theme for tvk’s program “sakusaku.” Although it wasn’t included on the album “Scratch,” it remains one of the artist’s most popular signature songs.

If you’re pairing it with a parachute (paraballoon) routine, this refreshing track is perfect for everyone to dance to.

Its lively, pop atmosphere will make bright, cheerful performances even more delightful.

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

A song by Kenshi Yonezu, written as the opening theme for the figure-skating anime “Medalist” and released in January 2025.

With a melody full of drive and a powerful sound, it brilliantly captures the exhilaration of the moment you surge toward your goal.

Centered on themes of mutual support and the courage to take on challenges, the piece likens achieving one’s goals to a “bow and arrow.” Used as BGM for a relay at a school sports day, it would not only fire up the runners but also draw passionate cheers from the crowd.

Nice idea!Ryokushokushakai

The upbeat feeling of greeting the morning and the poppy rhythm that excites children are striking.

Released in March 2024 as the theme song for the Vegetable Life commercial, this piece conveys the importance of spending the day with a bright outlook.

With Ryokuoushoku Shakai, who also appear in the commercial, serving as ambassadors, the song brought lots of smiles.

By incorporating it into sports day performances and dances, not only the children but also parents and teachers are sure to smile together.

Head over heels for the cosmosHanada Yuuichirou, Ono Atsuko

This song, themed around space, features a memorable wordplay that lines up the names of planets children explore and the colors of the rainbow in order.

It was broadcast with vocals by Yuichiro Hanada and Atsuko Ono as the “Song of the Month” for April 2020 on NHK E-TV’s Okaasan to Issho.

Created by Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu, the piece is designed to naturally nurture children’s interest in nature and the universe.

It encourages kids to explore the world with a spirit of adventure and enjoy it with rich imagination.

The track is included on the album “Saishin Best: Uchuu ni Muchuu,” and is characterized by an upbeat, bright tempo that’s perfect for parachute (para-balloon) performances.

With lyrics that spark children’s curiosity and simple, easy-to-remember choreography, it’s ideal for group performances at sports days and school recitals.

dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

2023 Parachute Balloon ♪ Dance Hall
dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

An uplifting anthem whose light rhythm and bouncy melody remind you of the joy of living! Comparing the world to a dance hall, this Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track sends a positive message to enjoy life more.

Released on the July 2022 album “Unity,” it was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi 8.” It appears in the film “The White Lounge in CINEMA,” where its on-screen performance helped boost the song’s success.

Its dance-inducing vibe and happy mood make it perfect as background music for races or marches in sports day scenes.

Brimming with positive energy, this song is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.