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

Last updated:2025/5/14

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! A Collection of Entrance Gate Design Ideas for Sports Day (1–10)

castle-style entrance gate

This is an entrance gate for a castle made by stacking cardboard.

The gate, with a whimsical fantasy vibe, will add a festive touch to the sports day that’s a big moment for the children.

Wrap the stacked cardboard with construction paper so the inside isn’t visible.

Attach a roof at the top, and finish by sticking on illustrations of characters peeking out from the windows.

If you’re making it at a kindergarten or nursery school, it’s also recommended to decorate the castle patterns together with the children.

Give it a try and create an entrance gate that lets kids enjoy the excitement of stepping into a castle.

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Doraemon Entrance Gate

An entrance gate themed around Doraemon, a beloved, nationally popular series.

The idea is to create the gate featuring Doraemon—the cat-shaped robot who came from the future—and Dorami.

It would also be great to depict not only the characters but their secret gadgets.

By illustrating the gadgets within an arch-shaped gate, you can create a dazzling presentation and spark conversation among participants.

Try making an entrance gate that feels like it supports children as they spread their wings toward the future.

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Ghibli entrance gate

Perfect as a photo spot too! Here are some ideas for Ghibli-themed entrance gates.

Studio Ghibli is beloved by fans of all ages, right? Everyone has a favorite film, don’t they? This time, let’s create an entrance gate featuring characters from My Neighbor Totoro.

Looking at the posted photos, the gate is decorated in rainbow colors and adorned with character illustrations.

It seems like you could adapt this idea for other Ghibli films as well!

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Toy Story entrance gate

Make it with tissue paper! Here are ideas for a Toy Story entrance gate.

The Toy Story series is hugely popular with both kids and adults! This time, let’s try making an entrance gate that features large character faces as the main highlight.

It looks like tissue paper is used for the materials, and the color balance is well-coordinated for a beautiful finish.

Children and parents attending will surely be delighted! Be sure to incorporate this impactful entrance gate idea.

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Entrance gate of the balloon monster

Perfect for a sports day in October! Here are some ideas for a balloon monster entrance gate.

October means Halloween events, right? Some preschools may be planning to hold their sports day in October, when the weather has cooled down.

This time, let’s make a balloon monster entrance gate that we recommend for schools holding their sports day in October.

Looking at the photos posted, you can see cute monsters made from colorful balloons as decorations.

Balloons with patterns seem like they’ll make a great accent too!

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Olympic entrance gate

Display the children’s creations! Here are some ideas for an Olympic entrance gate.

When you think of the Olympics, many of you probably picture the motif of five interlocking rings.

They are said to symbolize the unity of the five continents and the gathering of athletes from around the world at the Olympic Games.

Looking at the posted photos, each ring has a different design, doesn’t it? It might be that children from the 1-year-old to 5-year-old classes each made their own.

Be sure to give it a try!

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Entrance gate with everyone’s handprints

How about arranging handprints that show your children’s growth on the entrance gate? It’s a lively, uplifting idea with lots of cute handprints lined up.

Build the base of the gate by stacking cardboard and similar materials, then cover it with fabric or construction paper.

Cut out the papers with the children’s handprints and create your design.

You can change the handprint colors by class or grade, too! Laying them out like a rainbow will look beautiful as well.

If the handprints alone feel a bit plain, try decorating with animal or character illustrations, or even photos of the children’s faces.

You’ll end up with an entrance gate that’s fun as everyone searches for their own child’s handprint!

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