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, Footraces, and Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Your Sports Day (151–160)

To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts

[MV] Creepy Nuts – To Us Who Were Once Geniuses
To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts

With its profound lyrics and emotionally powerful melody, Creepy Nuts’ “To Us Who Were Once Geniuses” is a perfect song for kids from about the upper grades of elementary school.

The tempo ramps up toward the chorus, so viewers won’t be able to take their eyes off the children’s strong, expressive performance.

By incorporating the same movements while changing formations, it could match the melody and turn into a cool, mature dance.

It’s also recommended for mass performances!

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]
OtonokeCreepy Nuts

The opening theme of the TV anime Dandadan captivates listeners with beats that get under your skin and intelligent wordplay.

Its world built around the theme of the occult blends perfectly with a high-velocity sound, expressing—through an occult lens—the way music seizes the human heart.

The unique atmosphere, where eeriness and dynamism coexist, further accentuates the anime’s worldview.

This track is perfect for moments when you want to boost your spirits or take on a new challenge.

With Creepy Nuts’ signature powerful sound, it’s sure to energize events like sports days and athletic festivals.

Feeling great!!EIKO starring 96neko Shokatsu Koumei (CV: Okiayu Ryoutarou) KABE Futo (CV: Chiba Shouya) Kuon Nanami starring Lezel

Kibun Jōjō↑↑,” which was used as the ending theme for the anime Ya Boy Kongming!, was covered and released in 2022 by EIKO starring 96neko, Zhuge Kongming (CV: Ryotaro Okiayu), KABE Taijin (CV: Shoya Chiba), and Nanami Kuon starring Lezel.

Set to a disco-style, glamorous dance beat, the lyrics deliver uplifting, energizing words.

It will brighten the spirits of athletes taking on various sports day events and help elevate the atmosphere of the venue.

Consider adding this catchy dance number to your school sports day so all students can enjoy singing and dancing together.

Full driveKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Full Drive” Music Video
Full driveKANA-BOON

An upbeat tune with a sense of speed, featuring a perfectly fitting vocal style by Maguro Taniguchi that makes your heart leap! It’s a track released in 2014.

Bursting with momentum, it’s such a perfect cheer song for a sports day.

The irresistibly nonstop full-throttle feel makes it especially well-suited for running events where you sprint at full speed! Brimming with energy and full of pep, it’s sure to hype up any scene at a sports festival!

The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster – The World Is Smiling at You / THE FIRST TAKE
The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster

This song features the beautiful harmonies of the girls’ vocal group Little Glee Monster and leaves a strong impression.

It was released in 2018 as their 12th single.

Many of you may know it as it was used in a Coca-Cola commercial.

The lyrics are lovely, reminding us that simply living in this very moment is true happiness.

It’s a perfect track for a school sports day, where students will experience a range of emotions—from joy to frustration.

VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Vertigo」
VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

Set to a powerful rock sound, this thought‑provoking song sharply portrays the chaos of modern society and the human psyche.

Included on MAN WITH A MISSION’s EP “XV e.p.,” released in March 2025, the track was also chosen as the promotional song for the game “Mecha BREAK,” with the band sounding an alarm to society.

Addressing how we can be swept up in a whirlpool of information and lose our ability to make sound judgments, it underscores the importance of discerning the truth.

Performed on the nationwide “MAN WITH A ’15th’ MISSION PLAY WHAT U WANT TOUR 2025,” the song has expanded a circle of empathy through the unity felt at their live shows.

It also speaks to young people striving alongside their peers at school sports days and athletic festivals, urging the value of friendship and the importance of holding to one’s own convictions.

[March, Sprint, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest tracks to liven up sports day (161–170)

InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE

This song, used as the opening theme for the anime Fire Force, conveys a sense of speed from the very first drum beats and a feeling that something is about to begin.

In events where momentum is crucial—like cavalry battles—it will surely boost athletes’ motivation with a “Let’s go!” spirit.

In fact, the song encapsulates both transience and passion, asking what meaning we find in a life that will one day end and how we live with that awareness.

It’s an ideal track for spending your school days—a youth that will inevitably come to an end—with burning intensity.