[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!
- [Dance Tracks] Perfect for School Sports Days! A Curated Selection of Fun, Popular Songs to Dance To [2026]
- 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]
- [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, Footraces, and Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Sports Day (51–60)
I’ll be your HERODa-iCE
This is a Da-iCE track that captured the hearts of many young people as a cheer song full of hope and courage for the future.
It also became a hot topic as the set piece for the High School Dance Video Festival 2025 on Nippon TV’s “DayDay.” The lyrics, infused with a strong desire to become someone’s hero, are brilliantly fused with the dance performance.
If you perform it at a school sports festival, its energetic rhythm and powerful choreography will surely bring the whole venue together.
Pour your passion into it and make it a fantastic performance.
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.
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, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (61–70)
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.