[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 Liven Up Sports Day (181–190)
Anpanman’s MarchMiki Takashi
This song, known as the opening theme for the anime Soreike! Anpanman, is so famous that virtually everyone—from small children to adults—has heard it.
As the title includes the word “March,” it’s composed in a style perfectly suited to a march, and sheet music arranged for concert band and marching band is available.
It’s a recommended piece for athlete entrances in children’s events and for entrance processions at kindergarten sports days.
The Zero Sense10-FEET
This song features a powerful guitar sound and catchy melodies that leave a strong impression.
Released digitally in November 2022 as the ending theme for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, it was later included on the album Collins in December of the same year.
The track centers on the themes of pursuing dreams and self-fulfillment, with lyrics that cleverly weave in basketball terminology.
It powerfully conveys the passion and ambition of youth, giving listeners courage and encouragement.
With its up-tempo feel, it’s perfect as an exit song for a school sports day—sure to energize even a brisk, running exit.
Highly recommended for those striving toward their dreams or looking for a popular artist’s track to use at a sports event.
chantAdo
This work resounds with an energetic beat and Ado’s powerful vocals.
Released digitally in September 2023, it’s a collaboration track with USJ’s Halloween event.
Its exotic, Indian-influenced rhythms pair perfectly with Ado’s expressive singing.
The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of living true to yourself, are sure to resonate strongly with children.
It has won broad support from listeners, topping the Billboard JAPAN Streaming Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks.
Combine the exhilarating sound with dynamic flag-waving choreography, and it’s guaranteed to fire up any school sports day flag dance!
Living in ColorChantry Johnson and Dewain Whitmore
This song, which depicts a vividly colorful world, was produced in June 2023 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort.
Created by Chantlie Johnson and Dwayne Whitmore, it blends a pop, energetic vibe with K-pop-inspired sounds.
It has also been used in Disney parades and has gained support from a wide audience.
The piece portrays people dancing and having fun together, carrying a message that values friendship and shared moments.
It’s perfect for flag dances at school sports festivals, and when children wave their flags as they dance, it’s sure to bring the whole venue together in excitement! Why not learn the choreography and practice for the big day?
P.A.R.T.Y.DA PUMP
Released in August 2019, this track is a party tune by DA PUMP that was also used as the theme song for the film Kamen Rider Zi-O the Movie: Over Quartzer.
It’s an energetic song with a memorable, catchy hook and a positive message.
The lyrics celebrate valuing your individuality and fully enjoying life, resonating with listeners.
It’s a song anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or gender—play it at a large gathering like a sports day or school festival, and it’s sure to instantly liven up the venue!
MORNIING SUNEXILE B HAPPY
A track whose appeal lies in its musicality that shines as brightly as the morning sun.
Its uplifting message and refreshing melody evoke hope for a new day.
Digitally released in January 2024 and on CD in May, this piece is perfect for a school sports day; play it during races or relays to boost participants’ spirits.
It would also work well for morning assembly or the opening ceremony.
The vocals and dance by EXILE B HAPPY—a project by members of EXILE—are sure to resonate with a wide audience, from children to adults.
How Many BoogieFuma no KTR × SKRYU × WAZGOGG
A collaboration featuring rappers Fuma no KTR and SKRYU—both known for their prowess in the MC battle scene—and trackmaker WAZGOGG has exploded in popularity on TikTok.
Frequently used in dance clips and videos with stylish punchlines, the track seems to be trending more for the impact of its beat than for its hook.
Included on the EP “Wasuremono,” released in February 2023, it became a massive hit with over 12 million views on its music video.
The overwhelming groove crafted by these two rappers—renowned for their flows—is stunning, making it a perfect hype BGM choice for school sports festivals, too.
Be sure to check it out.