[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 and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Your Sports Day (21–30)
Happinessarashi
This is the 20th single by Arashi, a five-member group that, as a national idol group, showcases each member’s versatility beyond music.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” it is one of their signature tracks.
Its driving beat and catchy pop melody are sure to excite children.
It’s a perfect number for a sports day held under the open sky, letting the audience get pumped up while watching the performances.
DoraemonHoshino Gen
This is a song used as the theme for the film Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island and as the opening theme for the Doraemon TV series.
Doraemon has been loved across generations throughout the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.
This song is often used at sports days, and in addition to the official dance, many videos featuring simple choreography that children can easily follow have been released.
It’s a highly recommended track that can be used in various settings, such as school sports days and local community events.
INZMNumber_i
Number_i’s work is drawing attention as a track that stands out for its speed and power.
The lyrics weave in themes of challenge and evolution toward the future, expressing an overwhelming presence like lightning.
This is the lead track from the album “No.I,” released in August 2024, produced by Yuta Jinguji.
Its modern sound, influenced by electropop and synthwave, is striking, blending danceable beats with emotional melodies.
A collaboration with the brand Yves Saint Laurent Beauté has also been confirmed, making waves through its connection with the fashion world.
It’s a perfect song for anyone looking to hype up a school sports day or athletic festival.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This song by LiSA skyrocketed in popularity after it was chosen as the theme song for the hit anime Demon Slayer, which aired in 2019.
The momentum continued the following year, resulting in exceptionally long-lasting sales! Captivating listeners from elementary schoolers to adults, it’s a perfect pick for school sports days.
It works great as background music for various events, and is also recommended for dance performances or group gymnastics.
For dances or group routines, cool, Japanese-style costumes and staging would be a perfect match!
Heart-throbbingHinatazaka46
Hinatazaka46’s “Kyun” follows the classic idol style, with a cute and catchy melody that’s perfect for school festivals and sports days.
While the combinations in the choreography are challenging, many of the individual moves are simple, so with practice you can master it.
Why not aim for a full, exact cover? I think dancing in school uniforms would look adorable.
ReiwaGōruden Bonbā
This is a lively, high-energy dance tune by Golden Bomber that was quick to turn the new era name “Reiwa” into a song.
It’s no longer a visual kei sound, but finished as an EDM disco number.
Its great vibe and not-too-fast tempo make it perfect as a dance track for events like school sports festivals.
The music video also includes simple choreography, so try adapting it and incorporating it into your dance.
Kent on this sidehai yorokonde
With its upbeat, rhythmic electronic sound, this track is Kocchinoken’s mega-hit number.
The lyrics, which seem to speak for those on the verge of being crushed by societal pressure, really resonate.
Released in May 2024, the song went viral on social media and climbed high on the music charts.
On TikTok in particular, the “Giri-Giri Dance” became a trend and struck a chord with many.
It’s sure to leave a lasting impression as a spirited and message-driven anthem for school sports festivals as well.