[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, Races, and Dance] Energetic Songs & Latest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (211–220)
READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel is a four-member rock band that enjoys high popularity both in Japan and abroad, having become the first Japanese artist to hold a solo concert at Madison Square Garden in 2012.
Their 22nd single, “READY STEADY GO,” which was used as an opening theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist, was also their first single after resuming activities, delighting many fans.
With a driving, pop-punk-inspired beat and a chorus melody that feels light and soaring, it adds a vibrant touch to any competitive scene, like a school sports day.
It’s a rock tune that lifts your spirits and makes you want to move your feet just by listening.
Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous feat. KAF, TsumikiMAISONdes
MAISONdes is a music project that has gained popularity for its highly addictive sound.
Among their works, this track in particular became a major hit.
Released in October 2022, it was produced as the ending theme for the remake of the anime Urusei Yatsura, and thanks in part to the anime’s popularity, it became a nationwide success.
Featuring Kaf and Tsumiki, the song blends lyrics that explore complex emotions and urban loneliness with an electronic sound, creating a unique world.
Its upbeat melody also fits perfectly with the lively atmosphere of a school sports festival.
SHIKATO!!!Novel Core
A track with a strikingly cool, dark sound.
It’s a piece that fully showcases Novel Core’s rapping skills.
Released in June 2024, the song became a hot topic among hip-hop fans.
Riding a hard-hitting beat, it expresses a strong will to “ignore” the hassles of everyday life.
The lyrics also convey bonds with friends and assertiveness, which makes it a great fit for a sports day in that sense.
It might be a slightly unconventional choice for such an event, but it’s perfect for those looking for a fresh vibe.
[March, Sprint, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (221–230)
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
In the girls’ rock scene since 2010, SHISHAMO—a three-piece rock band known for their solid musicianship and strong songwriting—has earned widespread support.
Their song “Ashita mo,” included on their fourth album SHISHAMO 4, drew attention as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Gakuwari” commercial.
Its encouraging, empathetic message gives you the strength not to give up—even when you’re about to lose at a school sports day.
With its refreshing, catchy melody, it’s a perfect pop tune for sports events.
NEW ERASixTONES
Released in November 2020, SixTONES’s single “NEW ERA” is a loud rock number used as the opening theme for the anime Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon.
Its exhilarating sense of speed makes it especially perfect for sprints and relays—you can really feel the energy and excitement surge when this song comes on! Of course, it’s also great for practicing and showing off SixTONES’s signature cool choreography.
With the image of seizing a new era, you’re sure to enjoy a lively, spirited sports day!
Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+
This is a signature track by the hip-hop group nobodyknows+.
Sung by a large ensemble, it conveys a fun atmosphere, and the track itself leaves an impression with a certain nostalgic feel.
The bright lyrics depict friends joyfully singing together, as if expressing the group’s identity, and each member’s distinctive voice—easy to tell apart—also highlights the appeal of a group made up of diverse personalities.
Although the dense, word-packed lines might seem hard to sing, the lively vibe creates a sense of unity that makes you want to shout along.
100% CourageHikaru GENJI
Anime songs are, as expected, popular with kids.
Among them, a song loved across generations is “Yūki 100%” by Hikaru GENJI.
Since it’s been used for many years as the theme song for NHK’s TV anime Nintama Rantarō, it’s become an anime song known by people of all ages.
With its upbeat, positive lyrics, it’s also perfect for events like school sports days.
