[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, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest tracks to liven up Sports Day (31–40)
OH!SHISHAMO
SHISHAMO, a girls’ band extremely popular especially among teens, often has their songs featured in commercials, so people of all ages are familiar with them! Among their tracks, Ashita mo is widely loved as a cheer song, but when it comes to sports anthems, OH! is particularly recommended! Its straightforward message—“Even if it’s not pretty, don’t worry about what others think; just give it everything you’ve got!!”—is so pure it moves you to the core.
The balance between that passionate message and their refreshing vocals is excellent, and it’s sure to hype up any scene at a school sports day!
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!
ColumbusMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s new song is a pop track themed around history and evolution.
It portrays humanity’s journey from ancient times to the present with a catchy melodic line.
Released in June 2024, it was tied in as a campaign song for Coca-Cola.
The music video, which depicts famous historical figures traveling together, generated buzz.
While offering a fresh perspective on history, it has also sparked debate.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a song to hype up a school sports day.
With its energetic vibe, it’s sure to get everyone dancing and having fun.
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.
[Marching, Running, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Latest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (41–50)
So, you are not alone.Little Glee Monster
Many of Little Glee Monster’s songs are poppy and catchy, and their lyrics are straightforward and easy to understand, so they’re popular with kids.
Among them, “Dakara, Hitori Janai” is perfect for sports days and athletic festivals.
It’s an uplifting cheer song that’s sure to energize you just by listening.
I think it’s also well-suited as a theme song for a school sports day!
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
At sports days and athletic festivals, you naturally want to listen to bright, uplifting songs.
If you’re looking for tracks like that, I recommend “Shukumei” by Official HIGE DANDism.
Its emotional melody pairs perfectly with the bright sound of the brass, and just listening to it will get you pumped up.
It’s the kind of song that can boost your motivation before a competition.