RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[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!

[Marching, Running, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Latest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (41–50)

Best & highestkyarī pamyu pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Sai & Co (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – The Best & The Highest) Official Music Video
Best & highestkyarī pamyu pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s “Sai & Kou” is perfect for those student days when you spend the best time with your friends.

Since it was also used in a Coca-Cola commercial, many people who aren’t into music still know it, making it a fitting number to use when everyone dances together at sports days and athletic festivals.

The upbeat track that lifts your spirits and the contrast with her clear, translucent vocals are truly the best of the best.

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

au Santaro TV commercial: “Let’s Try It” edition (60 seconds + making-of footage)
Let's give it a tryWANIMA

WANIMA is a three-piece melodic hardcore band from Kumamoto Prefecture.

With vocalist KENTA’s piercing high notes and an up-tempo beat, they deliver a sound anyone can get into.

“Yatte Minayo” is a cover based on the British folk song “Picnic,” which many of you have probably heard.

While some tracks are fast and intense, they’re also catchy enough to be used at children’s sports events.

Try using it for activities that make you want to give it a go, like spoon relays or bread-eating races!

Muscatyuzu

Yuzu “Muscat” Music Video
Muscatyuzu

Theme songs from nationally beloved anime are hugely popular with children, aren’t they? Yuzu’s “Muscat” was actually chosen as the theme song for the TV anime Crayon Shin-chan, which enjoys truly nationwide popularity.

Its bright, uplifting lyrics give you energy just by listening.

It would work great as a theme song for a school sports day, and since it’s a rhythmic track, it’s also perfect as background music for a dance performance.

CharacterRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Character' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Character
CharacterRyokushokushakai

It’s an exhilarating message song that proudly celebrates the importance of living true to yourself.

Created by the pop band Ryokuoushoku Shakai, known for hits like “Mela!,” it’s included on their third album, Actor, released in 2022.

It’s a piece whose upbeat style, melody, and rhythm are so fun that your body might start moving on its own when you listen.

If you want to bring a festive vibe to a sports day, definitely give it a try! Play it during the march and it might naturally bring out some smiles.

Gather round! Party people!Yabai T-shatsu Yasan

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Gather Around! Party People” Music Video [Major Version]
Gather round! Party people!Yabai T-shatsu Yasan

The moment it starts, the crowd is guaranteed to go wild! It’s a party anthem that amps up the vibe whether you like it or not.

When you think of Yaba-T, this “Atsumare! Party People” is the go-to—an irresistibly fun track everyone knows.

By the way, the song is an homage to LMFAO’s “Shots (featuring Lil Jon),” which hit No.

1 in the U.S.

If you can bust out the shuffle dance or the running man to this Yaba-T track, that’s pretty next-level.

Let’s all sing and dance together!

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video
R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

When it comes to signature songs by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” is the one that comes to mind.

They’re known for razor-sharp dance moves that showcase top-tier skills among Japan’s dance-vocal groups, along with vocals that have both range and depth.

This song won the Japan Record Award and landed them a spot on the year-end Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The choreography’s Running Man was widely imitated and became a social phenomenon.

Since it’s a song that feels like you’re sprinting through it, it’s perfect for a footrace, but it might also fit strength-based events like tug-of-war.

ONEAimer

Aimer “ONE” Short Ver. (Aimer 5th albums “Sun Dance” and “Penny Rain” to be released simultaneously on Wed, 2019/04/10)
ONEAimer

Aimer’s unique voice is captivating—rich and deep, yet beautiful in the high range.

“ONE” is a cheer song that encourages people who set lofty goals.

The track has a refreshing feel overall, with Aimer’s expansive vocals resounding powerfully.

It’s perfect for students in the midst of their youth, but I think working adults will also feel energized to pursue their goals when they listen to it.

In terms of aiming high, it also fits well with group gymnastics, where teamwork and cooperation are essential.