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!

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

Under the SeaAlan Menken

Autumn Sports Day: Ume Class (4-year-olds) Performance “Under the Sea”
Under the SeaAlan Menken

With its pleasant calypso rhythm, this song is brimming with the joys of the ocean world.

Featured in Disney’s 1989 animated feature film, it was cheerfully performed by the little mermaid’s crab friend and went on to win both an Academy Award and a Grammy.

The version covered by miwa in 2017 for the Sokenbicha commercial also leaves a strong impression with its bright, lighthearted feel.

Its melody is perfect for school sports day dance time, and the 2/4 rhythm naturally brings smiles as children can’t help but sway along.

Lively and fun for everyone to dance to, this energetic piece is sure to liven up any sports day.

DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE

[DREAMIN′ ON] Da-iCE “Easy Dance & Bandana” — A dance you can do at sports day or at home! Perfect for toddlers and elementary school kids!
DREAMIN'ONDa-iCE

A heart-thumping medium-tempo tune by Da-iCE that sings of boundless possibilities and a spirit of adventure.

It portrays the passion of chasing dreams and the courage to move forward.

Released in August 2020, the song drew attention as the opening theme for the Wano Country arc of the TV anime ONE PIECE.

The powerful vocals and dance performance bring out Da-iCE’s unique appeal to the fullest.

It’s perfect for school sports day dances too—before you know it, you’ll be smiling as you move your body to the melody.

Sparkly Kingdom on the Cloudsshimajirou

[Dance for Sports Day that toddlers can do too] On the Shining Kingdom’s Clouds 🌈 [Kindergarten, Nursery School, Recital]
Sparkly Kingdom on the Cloudsshimajirou

With its bright, bouncy melody and captivating vocals, this song instantly captures children’s hearts.

Set in a mysterious world above the clouds, it’s packed with dreams and excitement, making any sports day dance program even more delightful.

It’s the theme song for the film “Shimajiro and the Prince of the Twinkling Kingdom,” released in March 2022, and it’s brimming with Shimajiro’s charming worldview.

The easy-to-learn choreography and upbeat, positive message resonate with children and energize the event.

The simple dance moves are designed so everyone can join in together.

It’s an exceptionally wonderful track that adds extra sparkle to the atmosphere of sports day.

Overture from Dragon Quest Isugiyama kouichi

"Overture" from Dragon Quest I / Japan Coast Guard Band
Overture from Dragon Quest Isugiyama kouichi

A grand orchestral piece with an irresistibly dignified aura! Composed by Koichi Sugiyama, it opens with a fanfare-like introduction and unfolds in a thrilling way that evokes the exhilaration of embarking on an adventure.

First featured in-game in May 1986, it has since been released in numerous versions.

Its selection as an entrance theme for athletes at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony in July 2021 attests to its timeless appeal.

With its valiant tone and steady 4/4 rhythm perfect for marching, it’s sure to add a touch of splendor to entrance and exit scenes at school sports days and athletic events.

We are little pirates.hiromichi & tanizou

[Gymnastics, Sports Day Dance] We Are Little Pirates! [Daycare, Kindergarten, Dance, Gymnastics, Elementary School, Recital, Sports Day]
We are little pirates.hiromichi & tanizou

This is a fun dance song for kindergarteners that portrays children diving into adventure as pirates.

Included on the March 2021 album by Hiromichi & Tanizou, “Everyone’s Sports Day! – Request Best Selection,” the track features a catchy rhythm and an energetic vibe.

With an easy-to-imagine theme and simple choreography, it sparks children’s imagination while conveying the joy of moving their bodies.

Perfect for sports day events at kindergartens and nursery schools, it’s a song that naturally brings smiles to kids’ faces.

Through practicing for sports day, children can also experience the joy of dancing together with friends.

Exciting Paradehiromichi & tanizou

Ukikuki Parade: Let's have fun dancing to an upbeat song that's perfect for kindergarten and nursery school sports days! (Kindergarten/Nursery)
Exciting Paradehiromichi & tanizou

We’re excited to introduce a lively dance track with a tropical island parade theme! Created by Hiromichi & Tanizou, it’s a fun song full of smiles.

The thrilling scenes of animals marching with a marching band spark children’s imaginations.

Originally released in March 2016 on the album “Hiromichi & Tanizou’s Everyone’s Sports Day!”, the song was later included on the album “A Sports Day by Everyone, for Everyone!”.

The cover version by Momokuro-chan Z is also popular and can be enjoyed on the album “Goo Choki Party ~Everybody Let’s Groove!~”.

With choreography that helps children move joyfully at sports days and recitals, it has become a staple that energizes school and preschool events.

Love burst forth.yuzu

Tried dancing the Twin Dance to Yuzu’s “Love, It Popped!” with Shibuya Ward’s Cheer Ambassador Makubii-kun and Sae Morita
Love burst forth.yuzu

This is a song that captures the exhilaration of love with a bright, effervescent pop sound.

It tells the story of a protagonist stuck in a dull daily routine whose heart begins to race after meeting an irresistibly charming person beyond imagination.

Touching on modern social media culture, it’s a refreshing and catchy track that portrays the genuine thrill of romance.

Released in October 2017, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” starring Kento Yamazaki.

The music video, which features collaborative footage with the movie and a lively ‘twin dance’ performed by the duo Yuzu, also generated buzz.

It’s well-suited for a bright, upbeat school sports-day dance program.

Even kindergarten-aged children can easily enjoy the choreography.

The costumes are easy to get creative with, and it seems like something the kids can help make and have fun with together.