[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]
- [Sports Day] Entrance songs that will hype the crowd! A comprehensive roundup from classics to the latest hits
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- 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]
- [Dance Tracks] Perfect for School Sports Days! A Curated Selection of Fun, Popular Songs to Dance To [2026]
- [March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!
- [2026] Curated J-POP to Energize Sports Days and Athletic Festivals! Also Great as Entrance Music
- 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
[March, Sprint, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest tracks to liven up sports day (161–170)
winding roadNovelbright

Carrying honest feelings and hope in its lyrics, Novelbright’s refreshing cheer song was born in January 2025.
Set to a grand melody and the band’s performance, the courage to overcome life’s hardships resonates deeply in the heart.
The song has been chosen as the theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Dragon of the Court,” and with vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s warm voice, it gently stands by listeners, as if watching over the growth of young people.
I believe it’s a song that gives a powerful push to those who, standing at life’s crossroads, keep moving forward despite their worries.
Brimming with youthful energy, it’s perfect for boosting your spirits before a school sports festival or athletic meet.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

This is a powerful song that celebrates youthful passion and friendship, included on the album “Zankyō Reference,” released in October 2011.
Within its heavy sound that fuses metalcore and post-hardcore, ONE OK ROCK’s signature refreshing melodies shine through.
It portrays the earnest determination of young people who, carrying the bonds and memories shared with their friends, move forward into the future.
The track was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” It’s a perfect choice as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals, resonating deeply with teammates who sweat together and encourage one another.
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism

An ambitious work crafted by Official HIGE DANDism as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers.
The song fuses lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview with an innovative sound that shifts keys roughly ten times.
It sings of the protagonist’s indomitable spirit in the face of fate, his comeback from setbacks, and the bonds with his friends, inspiring courage and emotion in listeners.
Since its release in May 2021, it peaked at No.
4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100.
It continued to be a long-running hit, ranking 13th on the year-end chart for 2021.
When you want to strive toward your goals together with your cherished friends, this song is sure to be a pillar of support.
PERFECT HUMANRADIO FISH

RADIO FISH, the creators of an EDM party tune that’s a huge hit at school sports festivals, deliver confident, addictive tracks that blend playfulness and humor into a new era of dance music.
Their powerful performances by a uniquely individual lineup and the briskly flowing lyrics are full of charm that makes everyone—from kids to adults—want to dance.
Released in December 2015, this song was performed at the 67th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen the following year and skyrocketed in popularity.
While portraying leader Atsuhiko Nakata as a flawless figure, it unfolds a poppy, comical world.
It’s the perfect track for getting a big crowd hyped at sports days or dance events.
Move your body with full energy together as one, and you’ll create wonderful memories filled with smiles!
Ten Thousand Cheers, A Thousand ChantsRADWIMPS

This is a song by RADWIMPS created together with a thousand 18-year-olds for a special NHK program.
It carefully depicts, like a single story, the dreams and anxieties of young people and their forward-looking steps into the future, resulting in an energetic, stirring anthem of encouragement.
Included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, it became a much-talked-about gem in 2018.
Born from the passionate feelings of the youth involved, the piece was also performed on RADWIMPS’ nationwide ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019.
As a song that colors energetic scenes where large groups move as one—like at sports festivals or group gymnastics—it naturally envelops the venue in a positive atmosphere.
Critical HitRADWIMPS

This is a rock anthem packed with a grand message that resonates with young people, included by RADWIMPS in their December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to.” Riding on powerful guitar riffs and driving drum rhythms, it portrays the struggles and growth of a protagonist trying to find their own path in the midst of youth.
Its uncompromising alternative sound is brimming with energy, making it perfect for opening or closing ceremonies at school sports days.
The music video was filmed at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture and features a massive scale with 1,500 extras.
This work strongly supports students in the thick of their youth and those standing at life’s crossroads.
It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
giftRADWIMPS

Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Anpan,” this track is pop music that poses universal questions under the theme of a journey to find the meaning of life.
With a warm, embracing melody and poetic lyrics that resonate, it depicts the small joys of everyday life and the courage to take on challenges.
Yojiro Noda and the other members of RADWIMPS completed the piece over several months in preparation for “Anpan,” which is scheduled to air from April 2025.
Brimming with vitality, the song’s message makes it perfect for events like school sports days and athletic meets—let children and adults alike enjoy a sense of unity with this track!



