[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]
- [Sports Day] Entrance songs that will hype the crowd! A comprehensive roundup from classics to the latest hits
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- 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]
- [Dance Tracks] Perfect for School Sports Days! A Curated Selection of Fun, Popular Songs to Dance To [2026]
- [March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!
- [2026] Curated J-POP to Energize Sports Days and Athletic Festivals! Also Great as Entrance Music
- 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)
Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts
An irresistibly appealing up-tempo track that proudly radiates self-affirmation and positivity.
Released in January 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES,” this song is packed with everything that makes Creepy Nuts so compelling.
R-Shitei’s powerful rap and DJ Matsunaga’s addictive production blend perfectly, while the empowering lyrics strike a chord with listeners.
It sparked major buzz on social media and dominated charts both in Japan and abroad.
Add it to a school sports day dance or a cheering performance, and the atmosphere is guaranteed to skyrocket!
Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song delivers a powerful message that resonates in the heart: “Let’s live brightly and face forward.” Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in 2023, it was written as the theme song for the TV drama “At Least on Sunday Night…”.
Garnering numerous awards—including the Best Video Award at MTV VMAJ 2023 in November and the Grand Prix at the 65th Japan Record Awards—this track is also perfect as BGM for sports days or as a dance number! It not only brings out children’s energy, but also warms the hearts of parents and teachers watching over them.
[Marching, Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest tracks to liven up Sports Day (31–40)
A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki
This song, the debut single by the hugely popular Masaki Suda, was also used in an au commercial, so people of all ages have probably heard it.
It’s an upbeat, rock-style track with dynamic shifts that give it a dramatic feel.
As the title suggests, the lyrics are positive, making it perfect as background music for a school sports day where everyone gives their all! It’s sure to liven up every event—not just sprints and relays, but also beanbag tosses and tug-of-war.
Your AdventureOkazaki Taiiku
Okazaki Taiiku’s cheer song “Kimi no Boken,” the opening theme for Pokémon Sun & Moon, is a coming-of-age anthem loved widely—from hardcore music fans to casual anime and game fans.
It’s an energizing track that makes you want to set off on an adventure, making it perfect as BGM for events like footraces at school sports days.
The lyrics about friends are also heartwarming and swoon-worthy.
AgainWANIMA
This song was used as the theme for the TBS Friday drama “Maison de Police,” so it’s quite well-known.
It’s an upbeat, positive track that gives you a push forward.
With its dramatic chorus, it’s perfect not only for school sports day performances but also as BGM for relay races.
Just listening to it lifts your spirits—an uplifting youth anthem.
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
This is Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s youth anthem “Ao to Natsu,” wildly popular especially among younger generations.
It’s a heart-throbbing number that feels like youth crammed in tight and bursting open—full of speed, freshness, and bittersweetness, depicting a summer coming-of-age story.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to start running the moment you hear it, giving you a push on the back—perfect as background music for a school sports day!
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
Songs that get you pumped and raise your energy are perfect for school sports days, right? One such song that’s popular with kids is UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s “Sugar Song and Bitter Step.” It’s a classic packed with elements that boost your excitement—like a rhythm that makes you happy just by listening, cool guitar work, and a catchy melody.
