[Yojijukugo] Carefully selected phrases recommended as slogans for sports days and athletic festivals!
Yojijukugo, four-character idioms that everyone inevitably learns in Japanese class.
They’re also commonly used in catchphrases for companies, commercials, and sports teams.
Even if you don’t fully grasp their exact meanings, the combination of kanji often conveys a general nuance—that’s part of the fun of yojijukugo.
In this article, we introduce yojijukugo that are perfect as slogans for sports days and athletic festivals.
We’ll also share their readings, meanings, and why they’re suitable as sports day slogans, so please use this as a reference!
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[Four-character idioms] Carefully selected phrases recommended for sports days and athletic festivals (1–10)
Swift as the wind and sudden as thunder
“Shippū Jinrai” (疾風迅雷) is a four-character idiom that literally comes from “swift wind and fierce thunder,” and figuratively conveys swiftness and intensity.
It strongly evokes speed and momentum, making it perfect for situations where rapid action is required.
Because it is modeled on natural phenomena, it also conveys a sense of indomitable strength.
The large number of strokes in the characters further enhances this powerful impression, so when using it as a slogan, it’s recommended to pay attention to the vigor in the way the characters are written.
friendly rivalry; mutual improvement through competition

Sessatakuwa (切磋琢磨) is a four-character idiom that describes people encouraging one another as they train and improve together; it’s pronounced “sessa takuma.” It’s a perfect word for a sports day setting, where everyone cooperates and moves forward toward the goal of victory.
Each character originally refers to methods of working materials, and because the method varies with the material, the phrase also evokes an image of diverse individuals collaborating.
By prominently displaying words that look back on the days you’ve spent lifting each other up, you may also feel a stronger bond with your teammates.
brave and daring

Yūmō kakan is a four-character idiom, read “yūmō kakan,” that is said to describe boldly taking on challenges and having decisiveness.
By putting the strong, ideal image each of us aspires to into words, it may help heighten our resolve to move toward our goals.
Although the term is often associated with individuals, sharing the same ideal can unite hearts and foster a sense of togetherness.
It’s a phrase that both encourages those who step forward into battle and carries the meaning of elevating oneself.
[Four-character idioms] Carefully selected phrases recommended for sports day and athletic festival slogans! (11–20)
with all one’s might
The phrase “issho-kenmei” means to put forth your utmost effort in one place.
How about using this word as a slogan for your sports day or athletic festival? These events are important days where you enjoy friendly competition with your teammates.
By giving your all, you strengthen your bonds with them.
When you approach things with issho-kenmei, you create more happy memories.
Cherish the spirit of moving toward the same goal, adopt this slogan, and enjoy your sports day to the fullest together with your friends!
telepathy; tacit understanding (literally: ‘heart-to-heart communication’)
“Ishin-denshin,” which means “understanding each other’s feelings” and “communicating heart-to-heart,” is a perfect slogan for a sports day or athletic festival! Of course, winning is one fun part of the experience, but enjoying it together through cooperation is just as important.
When teammates align their hearts, call out to each other, and lend a hand, their bonds grow stronger.
That’s why “Ishin-denshin” is a great choice for a sports day slogan.
Win or lose, what matters most is that everyone has fun together.
Make your sports day or athletic festival twice as enjoyable with ‘ishin-denshin’!
perfect; flawless; complete and without defects
Sports days and athletic festivals are important days when everyone comes together and unites their efforts.
The four-character idiom “kanzen muketsu” (perfect and flawless) literally means perfection with no defects, but it can also express the spirit of “let’s make the best day together.” When everyone’s feelings become one, the power to do your best wells up.
Cooperate with your friends, take on challenges with all your might, and create happy memories.
On the big day, it’s okay to make mistakes.
What matters most is the time you all enjoy together.
Unite your hearts, and with the spirit of “kanzen muketsu,” have an amazing sports day and athletic festival!
win every battle
The phrase “hyakusen hyakushō” means “winning every time in any contest.” As you practice hard for your sports day or athletic festival and value teamwork, your determination to aim for victory really comes through.
How about using this slogan to fire yourselves up with “We’re definitely going to win!”? Your desire to win will grow, and your bonds with your teammates will deepen.
Even if you fail, cherish the attitude of learning for next time, and give it your all! Sports days and athletic festivals aren’t just about winning—they’re also about everyone having fun.
Etch “hyakusen hyakushō” in your heart, and enjoy your sports day or athletic festival to the fullest.



