[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)
EG-ENERGYE-girls
“EG-ENERGY” is a digital single released in 2018.
It’s a dance-rock track that showcases E-girls’ cool side to the fullest.
Everyone gets absorbed in something right in front of them or becomes passionate about something, right? If you listen to this song at times like that, it’ll fire you up even more and help you throw yourself into what you’re doing.
If you’re a junior or senior high school student, why not try dancing to this song for your school festival or sports day events? It’s sure to boost your visibility!
[Marching, Footraces, and Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Sports Day (51–60)
Odoru Pompoko RinMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
There are many genres of music played at school sports days and athletic festivals, but among them, anime songs are especially popular with children.
“Odoru Pompokolin” has long been used as the theme song for the beloved national anime Chibi Maruko-chan.
Since not only children but also adults know it, it’s perfect for sports days that bring together a wide range of generations, including parents.
School HeavenFingā 5
When it comes to lively, energizing songs that people of all ages know, this is the one! “Gakuen Tengoku,” released in 1974 by the idol group Finger 5, was a massive hit that became a social phenomenon.
With its upbeat vibe right from the start, it makes you want to sing along as you listen.
It’s been covered by artists like Shingo Katori and Dream5, and even used as a recent anime theme song—remaining a beloved classic of Japanese pop music long after its release.
It’s great for events and highly recommended as BGM for cheer battles!
tee-tee tee te-rette te-re tee-teebusai-ku
Busaiku is a male idol group produced by Masahiro Nakai, the former leader of SMAP, and is a spin-off unit formed by four members of Kis-My-Ft2.
This is their second single as Busaiku, and it’s a song that’s popular with children thanks to its humorous lyrics focusing on butts and its upbeat pop sound.
Since it uses lots of sound effects and onomatopoeia, it’s easy for kids to remember.
It’s perfect not only for kindergarten recitals but also for dances at sports days.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
Sukima Switch is a musical duo that has enjoyed popularity since their debut thanks to their unforgettable, distinctive vocals and colorful ensemble sound.
Their fifth single, “Zenryoku Shonen,” which has been featured in numerous tie-ins including an NTT DoCoMo Kansai commercial, is known as one of their signature songs.
With a refreshing melody and arrangement that perfectly match the title’s image, it’s guaranteed to liven up any sports day.
It’s a powerful pop tune that serves as a cheer for boys and girls giving their all.
1, 2, 3After the Rain（soraru × mafumafu）
“1, 2, 3” by After the Rain, released digitally in 2019.
It’s a collaboration between the singers Soraru and Mafumafu, who both expanded their activities from Nico Nico Douga.
The song is hugely popular with kids as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon, and its slightly fragile yet hope-filled atmosphere and message resonate with adults, too.
If it plays at a school sports day, it would definitely pump you up and make you feel like you can draw out strength you don’t usually have! A high-energy song with a soaring chorus and an amazing sense of release.
Dash through your sports day with “1, 2, 3”!
Soul RevolutionSuperfly
Superfly is known for her soulful vocals and one of the most powerful voices among Japanese artists.
From her small frame, she delivers a singing voice with tremendous power.
Tamashii Revolution is the perfect song to fuel power-filled days.
This brisk, spirited track was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song for 2010 and was used for the World Cup and J.League.
It’s sure to further inspire those aiming for the top.
It would be a great choice to hype up the opening of a school sports day or athletic festival!