[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, Running, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Latest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (41–50)
ECHOLittle Glee Monster
Released in 2019, this song was often heard at the time as NHK’s rugby theme song! While their usual tracks tend to be catchy and bright, this one is a complete shift from that image—it’s a very powerful piece that fits rugby perfectly.
Of course, you can still enjoy their signature beautiful harmonies in the chorus! It’s an ideal pep song for sports and suits any competition, but it would be especially fitting as BGM for tug-of-war, don’t you think?
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
Morning Musume is an idol group that debuted in 1997 and is still active today.
They have released a wide range of songs, from catchy tunes to tear-jerking love songs and unique dance numbers.
“LOVE Machine” is a cheer song aimed at everyone in Japan, carrying the message: let’s all fall in love and use the power of love to energize the country.
It’s a great pick to hype up a school festival with a dance, and it’s also recommended for a three-legged race for married couples.
Follow MeE-girls
As the junior group of EXILE, the leading female dance-vocal group that can both sing and dance is undoubtedly E-girls.
With every member able to compete on visuals as well, they’re truly an artist group with the full package.
“Follow Me” is their third single, released in 2012.
It straightforwardly expresses the joy of meeting someone dear, whether a close friend or a lover, and the sense of freedom that encounter brings.
It would be a great match for events like three-legged races, where mutual support and gratitude are key.
NaiwaHatsuboshi Gakuen
It’s a heart-stirring track that embodies the world of “Gakuen Idolmaster,” which portrays the growth of its idols.
The song serves as the class anthem for the in-game event “Class Showdown: First Star Sports Festival,” energetically depicting both competitive spirit and the strong bonds between classmates.
Created entirely by Saeki youthK—from lyrics to arrangement—its dramatic soundscape greatly deepens your immersion in the story.
It’s the perfect number to play when you want to get fired up before a competition or to rally together with teammates toward a shared goal.
The track was released digitally in September 2025 and was later included on the album “Class Showdown: First Star Sports Festival SONG COLLECTION” in December of the same year.
Joyfulikimonogakari
Joyful, released in 2009, was composed by guitarist Yoshiki Mizuno.
Every song he writes is truly excellent.
In particular, Joyful is a classic that has been loved for many years—arguably one of Ikimono-gakari’s signature tracks.
Put this song on and it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits anytime.
If it plays at a sports day or athletic festival, it’s sure to boost everyone’s motivation.
It’d be great to join forces with your teammates and give it your all as you aim for victory!
loveHoshino Gen
This is the ninth single by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, who has won a wide fan base with his exquisite balance of experimental flair and catchy appeal.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “We Married as a Job” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu), and the so-called “Koi Dance” performed by the cast in the ending became a social phenomenon.
Since both the song and the dance are widely known, it’s perfect for a school sports day dance.
With its speedy, pop choreography that livens up the event, it’s a highly recommended pop tune for dance BGM.
Zankyo SankaAimer
This is the 20th single by Aimer, a female singer who carries absolute determination and confidence in her voice and is steadily gaining recognition in the J-POP scene.
The track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc and was released as a double A-side single alongside Asa ga Kuru, which serves as the ending theme.
Its jazzy yet fast-paced beat and brass arrangement would surely hype up athletic meet events.
As the opening theme of a hugely popular anime, it’s a number guaranteed to raise kids’ excitement.