Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Recommended exit songs for sports day: A collection of tracks that are perfect for a brisk, quick-march exit.

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

When is sports day season in your area?

It might often be in a cooler season, like May or October.

That said, for the children actually competing, it’s a heated battle.

Some kids might be fired up, saying, “I’m going to take first place in the 100-meter dash!”

This time, we’ll introduce recommended pieces for the exit music at a sports day.

We’ve picked a wide range—from classic staples to recent hit sports anthems and the latest chart-toppers.

We hope you find the perfect one.

Recommended exit songs for sports day: A collection of tracks perfect for jogging off the field (51–60)

RISING SUNEXILE

EXILE / Rising Sun -short version-

RISING SUNEXILE

The perfect entrance and exit song for a school sports day—a major milestone for students—is “Rising Sun.” Released in 2011 by EXILE, a dance and vocal group known for their acrobatic performances, the track was also used as a charity song to support recovery efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

It’s a dazzling electro-pop number that evokes a sense of “hope.” Their emotional yet refreshing vocals are sure to blow away the heat.

If you’re good at dancing, cheering while dancing is also highly recommended!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

Speaking of sports day background music, regardless of the events, you hear lots of the popular songs of the moment, right? In that sense, SHISHAMO—who are beloved across generations—are definitely a must.

This song is quintessentially them: its bright, poppy sound and positive lyrics give it a great sense of momentum that perfectly suits entrance and exit jogs or sprint races, making it a highly recommended track.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

au Santaro TV commercial: “Let’s Try It” edition (60 seconds + making-of footage)

Let's give it a tryWANIMA

WANIMA has a lot of upbeat, high-energy songs that are perfect for sports days.

Among them, “Yatte Minayo” feels just right as background music for entrances, exits, and events.

Since it’s based on the English nursery rhyme “The Picnic” (Teddy Bears’ Picnic), even parents who don’t know the song might think, “I’ve heard this before!”

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Don’t give upZARD

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

Don't give upZARD

ZARD is a music unit that gained popularity with Izumi Sakai at its center, who sadly passed away suddenly in 2007.

Their 6th single, “Makenaide,” used as the ending theme for the TV drama ‘Shiratori Reiko de Gozaimasu!,’ is still beloved today as a classic motivational song.

Its straightforward message set to a catchy and refreshing melody can serve as a switch to reset your mindset for the next battle, even as you walk off after a competition.

It’s an exhilarating, high-energy tune with a pleasant sense of speed that’s loved across generations as one of ZARD’s signature songs.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

migratory bird[Alexandros]

Wataridori / [Alexandros]

migratory bird[Alexandros]

This song is packed with a driving melody and a powerful message.

Released in June 2015, it has been featured in commercials and TV program themes, gaining popularity across generations.

The lyrics compare young people striving to overcome hardships and move forward to migratory birds, giving listeners a supportive push.

Use it for entrances and exits at sports days or athletic festivals to lift participants’ spirits and create a sense of unity.

It’s also recommended for anyone feeling uncertain about the future.

Listen to this track, and you’re sure to find courage.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem