Let’s make it! A roundup of entrance gate design ideas for the sports day

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

The big annual event, Sports Day!

As it draws closer, some kids might be getting a little antsy.

It’s the day to give everything they’ve got—there’s no reason not to get fired up!

In this article, we’ve rounded up ideas for DIY entrance gates to send off those super-motivated kids in style!

These ideas are mainly recommended for preschool and kindergarten Sports Days, but if you swap the characters to match the age group, they should work great for elementary school events too.

Be sure to read to the end!

Let’s Make It! Collection of Entrance Gate Design Ideas for Sports Day (11–20)

Fruits Entrance Gate

Pop and cute! Here are some ideas for a fruit-themed entrance gate.

Some classes might be planning events or dances that use songs with a fruit theme.

This time, let’s try making a fruit-motif entrance gate by combining various fruits with balloons.

It looks like the fruit cross-sections—such as watermelon, orange, pineapple, and kiwi—are made from cardboard or colored paper! The balloons come in various sizes, and it seems like balls are also being used.

Give it a try!

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Mario Entrance Gate

Turn your venue into a game world! Here are ideas for a Mario-themed entrance gate.

Beloved in games and movies, the Mario series is hugely popular with kids and adults alike.

Since this event is a sports day with a Mario theme, let’s decorate the entrance gate with character motifs.

Garlands featuring in-game characters and characters holding trophies will surely boost the excitement of the event! Be sure to try these ideas for your occasion.

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Entrance gate of Demon Slayer

Create with each character’s image color! Introducing an entrance gate with a Demon Slayer motif.

Speaking of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, its gripping story and richly unique characters captivate viewers of all ages.

This time, let’s make an entrance gate inspired by each character’s image.

The word “undoukai” (sports day) is expressed by arranging tissue paper into the letters.

The board where the letters are attached seems to be inspired by the kimono patterns worn by characters in Demon Slayer.

Be sure to give it a try!

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Minion Entrance Gate

An entrance gate themed around the Minions, beloved by children all over the world.

These characters will further liven up a sports day where kids are the stars.

Decorate boxes with tissue paper in yellow bodies and blue outfits to create a dazzling gate.

It’s also recommended to hang a Minion-themed garland on the top of the gate and unify medals or shirts.

You could also write out the Minions’ unique language as text or create illustrations for each character—both sound fun.

This entrance gate will energize the venue with a theme-park-like atmosphere.

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Rocket Entrance Gate

An entrance gate design inspired by a rocket launching.

Let’s create a dynamic gate that evokes children taking part in various sports day events.

The key to building an arched gate is making good use of the rocket’s smoke.

Use billowing smoke to form a curve and design the lettering within it.

It’s also a great idea to decorate with anime characters, animals, or portraits of the children.

Build an entrance gate that matches the excitement of sports day and witness the children’s heroic performances.

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Tropical-style entrance gate

Why not try creating a tropical-style entrance gate with a relaxing vibe? The design features refreshing natural scenery and animals inspired by the tropics, such as palm trees and the sea.

Once you’ve decorated both ends of the gate with palm trees, add any illustrations you like.

Drawing animals like monkeys, giraffes, and lions, or using the sun and seashore as motifs is also recommended.

Create a gate that suits the stage of a sports day where children are the stars—one that conveys both freshness and passion.

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Let’s make it! A collection of entrance gate design ideas for the sports day (21–30)

Entrance gate to the flower field

Wouldn’t it be adorable to project the picture book’s world just as it is onto the entrance gate? An enchanting flower garden where ladybugs and butterflies play happily would be wonderful, right? Simply wrap and layer cardboard with colorful construction paper or poster paper, and it will instantly look like an entrance gate.

Make the flowers and butterflies by cutting colored paper.

Add curls to the flowers, and let some pieces extend slightly beyond the edges of the cardboard to create a sense of movement.

If you make the motif you want to highlight at the very top a bit larger, you’ll get an entrance gate that really pops in photos!

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