[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, Footraces, and Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Sports Day (51–60)
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This work is characterized by danceable synth sounds and a powerful beat.
Its urban atmosphere and adventurous melody invite listeners into the city at night.
Released in April 1987, the track was also used as the ending theme for the anime “City Hunter,” becoming a major hit.
Thanks in part to the buzz around the “free-to-play uncle” of the Paris Olympics, it continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a perfect fit as BGM for athlete entrances at school sports days and for events like relays.
The exhilarating, fast-paced sound is sure to fire up participants.
Galop of the ClownsKabarefusukī
When you hear it, is there any other song that makes you think “I’ve gotta run!!” as much as this one? It’s a classic go-to for running events like sprints, relays, and scavenger races! Although it’s an orchestral piece, its catchy, slightly playful melody really stands out, making it perfect for cute scenes of children running.
Since everyone’s heard it and recognizes it as a sports day standard, the moment it starts playing, the excitement instantly ramps up.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
One group we can’t help but include among bands popular with the younger generation is Ryokuoushoku Shakai.
This song was used as the jingle for Dariya’s “Palty” commercial, and even within the brief clip heard in the ad, many listeners were captivated by it, sparking a big buzz with people asking, “Whose song is this?” The overwhelming vocal power and the familiar, catchy melody line feel so good.
It’s an up-tempo, lively track, so it would be perfect not only for running-type events but would also look really cool if used as a dance number.
Dancing HeroOginome Yōko
“Dancing Hero” is Yoko Oginome’s signature song, released in 1985, that took the nation by storm.
The original was sung by British artist Angie Gold, and it was also released the same year, becoming a global hit.
The disco sound in the intro is so catchy it sticks in your head—in the best way.
I think it would really hype up the crowd if kids intentionally wore bubble-era outfits and danced disco to this song.
The key will likely be deciding on the choreography!
[Marching, Footraces, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (61–70)
HeroAmuro Namie
I imagine many parents of the current generation are fans of Namie Amuro, aren’t they? This is the song that was used as NHK’s broadcast theme for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics! The track’s appeal lies in its dynamic development: a ballad-like section where Namie Amuro’s beautiful vocals resonate, contrasted with a powerful, danceable beat.
Overall, it has a very flowing and grand atmosphere, so it’s highly recommended for scenes where you want to create a moving, emotional impression.
It would also suit dance performances, relays, or even group gymnastics.
frecklesJUDY AND MARY
Among JUDY AND MARY’s songs, “Sobakasu” is exceptionally popular.
YUKI’s cute yet powerful vocals truly cheer up anyone who listens! The lyrics are a bit bittersweet and romantic, but that youthful vibe is part of what makes it so wonderful.
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI is popular across a wide range of ages, from elementary school students to adults, and among their songs this one is especially well-known and emblematic of the band.
Its atmosphere evokes their signature sense of fantasy, and the rhythm conjures up the fancy, cute parade depicted in the music video—both are irresistibly appealing.
Don’t you think that image makes it a perfect fit for the entrance march of lower-grade elementary school students? The lyrics, filled with uplifting, encouraging words and themes of friendship, are an ideal way to open a sports day where the children join forces and give it their all.