[March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day

LuminousNEW!Aina ji Endo

AiNA THE END / Luminous [Official Music Video] (TV Anime ‘ONE PIECE’ opening theme song)

If you want to boost the excitement of a tug-of-war, an emotional and powerful pop song is the way to go.

This track, sung by AiNA THE END, was released in April 2026 and chosen as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime ONE PIECE’s Elbaf arc.

Following the album RUBY POP, this work became an important release.

It carries a self-empowering message about moving forward with unwavering conviction while accepting one’s doubts.

The husky, body-warm vocals and the exhilarating, rock-tinged sound perfectly match scenes that are heating up.

How about using it as BGM for the intense events at a school sports day?

Dear, boyNEW!Hump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

A major-label debut single from Hump Back whose exhilarating rock sound sets your heart on fire.

Written by vocalist Momoko Hayashi with her high school bandmates in mind, this song is a cheer anthem that stands by the anxieties and setbacks of chasing dreams and gives you the courage to face forward again.

Released in June 2018, it was featured in numerous tie-ins, including the Shinken Zemi High School Course TV commercial and as the theme song for Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting’s “102nd National High School Baseball Championship Kumamoto Tournament.” Its straightforward, powerful message and driving melody are a perfect match for a heated relay race.

It’s sure to give a strong push to the runners passing the baton, so consider choosing it as BGM to fire up your sports day.

AIZONEW!King Gnu

AIZO

King Gnu, who lead the music scene with their alternative sound and pop sensibilities.

AIZO, themed around conflicting emotions of love and hatred and an urban sense of restlessness, is a rock tune whose breathless, whirlwind development is its biggest draw.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Shibuya Insurrection Part 1, the track was released digitally in January 2026.

Despite its technical arrangement that blends synth bass with live instruments, it boasts overwhelming initial velocity and driving power.

Its hard-hitting, high-attack sound brims with speed—perfect for a heated relay race! It’s sure to stoke the athletes’ fighting spirit and instantly elevate the energy of the entire venue.

CHARMNEW!WANIMA

WANIMA「CHARM」（OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

This is a song by the band WANIMA, known for messages that powerfully push people forward and a driving, fast-paced beat.

Rooted in a melodic punk sound, it portrays the strength to face ahead while harboring a spirit of challenge and the anxieties of parting, and it sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Included on the single “Gotta Go!!” released in May 2017, it has been cherished as an important track that later connected to the album “Everybody!!”.

Many may remember it as it was featured in Kikkoman’s corporate movie and Morinaga’s “In Jelly for Exams” commercial song.

It’s an up-tempo tune recommended not only for runners in a relay who carry everyone’s hopes and pass the baton, but also for those cheering themselves hoarse on the sidelines.

Run!NEW!Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Momoiro Clover Z [MV] Hashire! - PLAY ACTIVE! 2022 ver. -

An up-tempo track that epitomizes early Momoiro Clover Z, with a driving melody and straightforward lyrics that strike a chord.

Released in May 2010 as the B-side to the single “Ikuze! Kaitō Shōjo,” it remains deeply beloved by fans to this day.

The lyrics, portraying a figure pushing past hesitation to move forward, are sure to powerfully encourage children taking on competitions with everything they’ve got.

It was also featured as an insert song in the February 2015 film “The Curtain Rises,” adding a narrative of charging ahead together with comrades.

With fervent calls that unite the entire venue, this song is a perfect cheer anthem for programs where you want to build momentum, such as cheer squad performances or footraces!

BRAVENEW!arashi

ARASHI – BRAVE [Official Music Video]

It’s a compelling number featuring a powerful, stadium-filling chorus and a gritty rock sound.

The themes center on solidarity with teammates and the will to press forward, and the rap part penned by Sho Sakurai further heightens the tension and exhilaration of sports.

Released in September 2019 to mark the 20th anniversary of Arashi, the single was used as the image song for Nippon TV’s “Rugby 2019.” It continued to be used during broadcasts of the same tournament in 2023.

Brimming with overwhelming power and a grand sense of scale, it’s perfect as a fight song to fire up heated events like cavalry battles and tug-of-war at school sports days.

Why not raise your voices together with your friends and send your cheers?

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE

Usable for sports day! Mrs. GREEN APPLE “StaRt” easy dance choreography ♪ #SportsDay #PEdance #MrsGreenApple

This is a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that captured many hearts with its exhilarating pop-rock sound and positive message.

Included on their major-label debut mini-album “Variety,” released in July 2015, it was also used in a Kao Merit commercial in 2017.

Riding an up-tempo rhythm, the song celebrates the small joys hidden in everyday life and the courage to take on new challenges.

Brimming with youthful performance and a pleasantly positive energy, it’s a perfect track for school sports days or dance routines.