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

We’d like to introduce a song that’s perfect for a bright and energetic atmosphere at children’s sports days! It’s a single by Black Biscuits, released in April 1998, which reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts and became a huge hit with about 1.48 million copies sold.
Its pop, uplifting melody and lively beat have an irresistible rhythm that naturally gets kids moving.
It’s a well-known favorite among J-pop fans and continues to be loved across generations, even being performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December 2023.
The lyrics, which sing about important moments in everyday life, make it perfect for practice time leading up to the dance segment of a sports day.
The fun choreography that kids can energetically dance to with friends is sure to become a popular program for preschoolers’ sports festivals.
SmileKamisiraishi Moka

Starting with a refreshing morning greeting, moving through fun playtime at noon, and ending with a moment of gazing at the night sky, this song brightly and breezily portrays various scenes of a day.
Released by Moka Kamishiraishi in June 2015 as the opening theme for the NHK E-TV anime “Hanakappa,” it is notable for its rhythmic, buoyant melody and lyrics sprinkled with playful wordplay.
Centered on staying positive and the importance of a smile, it carries the message of keeping a smile anywhere, anytime.
Perfect for dance time at a school sports day, this energetic number—paired with lively choreography—will naturally bring smiles to parents’ faces as well.
[Marching, Sprinting, Dancing] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Energize Sports Day (171–180)
Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji

A piece centered on the piano of Yuji Ohno, a leading figure in Japan’s jazz scene.
Its thrilling, dynamic performance and chord progressions inspired by Spaghetti Westerns vividly portray the protagonist’s dazzling exploits.
Released as a single in October 1977, it added color as the opening theme for the anime series.
From its impactful opening, the rhythmic call-and-response of the chorus leading into the refrain leaves a strong impression on listeners.
Arranged as a march, it would also make a commanding presence at sports days and other events.
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.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3 Execution BGMKanno Yugo

A march that is uniquely Yugo Kanno, gripping audiences with its distinctive rhythm and powerful sound.
The rock-style melody centered on electric guitar and the weighty rhythm section are truly striking.
Although it was composed as background music, its ability to elevate tense entrance scenes showcases Kanno’s outstanding compositional talent to the fullest.
Use it for entrances and exits at a school sports day, and your entire class is sure to step in with fired-up expressions!
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.
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.



