[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!
- [Dance Tracks] Perfect for School Sports Days! A Curated Selection of Fun, Popular Songs to Dance To [2026]
- 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]
- [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
[Marching, Sprinting, Dancing] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Energize Sports Day (171–180)
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.
Abracadabra spellchibi maruko-chan & baku chuu mondai

An energetic song that people of all ages can enjoy, expressing everyday events and feelings with words that sound like a mysterious spell.
Its bright, light-hearted melody and fun lyrics are sure to lift your spirits.
With a catchy rhythm and memorable phrases, it’s a perfect track to get everyone excited at a school sports day.
Released in July 2004, this piece was used for about eight years as the ending theme of the popular anime Chibi Maruko-chan, becoming hugely popular among children.
The lyrics are by Momoko Sakura, and the music is by Mayo Okamoto.
It’s an ideal song for dancing at sports days and events—highly recommended for making up your own choreography and having fun.
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

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

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.
[Marching, Sprinting, Dancing] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (181–190)
A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

This song delivers a powerful message that resonates deeply: “Move forward with pride in your heart.” Created by Ukkasuka-G, it was released in May 2014 as the official support song for the Japan national soccer team and drew attention as the lead single from the album AMIGO.
The warm vocals born from the collaboration between Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.Children and GAKU-MC, along with lyrics that sing of the courage to take on challenges and the importance of bonds with teammates, gently push listeners forward.
It’s cherished as a cheer song for club activities and sports days, and as a source of support for those striving toward their dreams.
Real Gonekāzu

One of the charms of Disney movies is anthropomorphism.
Snowmen talk, and cars and airplanes have human-like personalities—there are all sorts of elements that spark children’s imagination and curiosity.
The film Cars is like that too.
It’s not just a simple good-versus-evil story; friendship and love run deep beneath it all.
Sheryl Crow’s song “Real Gone” pairs perfectly with a cool dance.
It’s also a great BGM choice for school sports days during sprints or relays.
The Cars soundtrack is packed with tracks you can use, including songs by Chuck Berry and Rascal Flatts.



