[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
[Marching, Sprinting, Dancing] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Energize Sports Day (171–180)
Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai
This is a dynamic, invigorating track that dramatically portrays an all-out sprint.
Looking back as an adult, it brings to mind that fiery page of youth when we ran with everything we had.
Produced in July 2024 as the theme song for ABEMA’s “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita Summer Vacation 2024,” the piece achieves an epic sense of scale through a collaboration with a 40-piece orchestra.
Its powerful melody and driving sound gently encourage young people to move forward without fear of taking on new challenges.
It’s also an ideal choice for background music at school sports days and athletic events.
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.
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
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
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.
[Marching, Sprinting, Dancing] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (181–190)
Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet
The song that drew attention for the collaboration between MAN WITH A MISSION and milet was produced as the theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc.
It fuses a powerful rock sound with milet’s clear, resonant vocals, singing of the strength of bonds and the courage to face hardship.
Released as a single in May 2023, it received a huge response both in Japan and abroad, surpassing 100 million views on YouTube.
It’s a track that encourages not only anime fans but everyone who keeps taking on challenges.
Highly recommended for boosting your motivation or listening before an important match.
New Treasure IslandSakanakushon
The 11th single by Sakanaction, a five-member rock band led by Ichiro Yamaguchi—renowned in the music industry as a “sound fanatic” for his uncompromising commitment to audio quality.
Created as the theme song for the film Bakuman, it’s a track whose somewhat comical yet cool melody lingers in your ears.
The original choreography features simple lateral movements and basic box steps aligned with the beat, making it easy to synchronize even with large groups.
It has a fun vibe, and since it doesn’t demand a strong sense of speed when creating your own routine, it’s recommended for dances at school sports days and athletic festivals.
