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[Yojijukugo] Carefully selected phrases recommended as slogans for sports days and athletic festivals!

[Yojijukugo] Carefully selected phrases recommended as slogans for sports days and athletic festivals!
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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!

[Four-character idioms] Carefully selected phrases recommended for sports days and athletic festivals (1–10)

complete combustion

When it comes to four-character idioms perfect for a fiery, rousing sports festival slogan, kanzen-nenshō (complete combustion) is a top recommendation.

It means to expend all the strength you have, making it a great match for students taking on events with everything they’ve got.

You could express bold, dynamic lettering with a New Year’s calligraphy style, or decorate the characters in a three-dimensional way.

It’s a versatile idiom you can use to cheer on every event, whether individual or team competitions.

Why not raise a passionate message that pushes you and your teammates to deliver your very best performance?

indomitable; unyielding

Futō Fukutsu is a four-character idiom that expresses an unyielding spirit that does not falter in the face of adversity, and is read “futō fukutsu.” Since both “futō” (unyielding) and “fukutsu” (indomitable) convey the idea of not submitting, the determination to remain unbowed is strongly emphasized.

It may also evoke the image of companions who support you, rousing a heart that is on the verge of breaking.

It’s a phrase that reminds us of the crucial keys to seizing victory: keeping a strong heart and maintaining an unwavering will not to be defeated.

lion-like heroic effort; dauntless, furious valor (acting with extraordinary vigor)

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lion-like heroic effort; dauntless, furious valor (acting with extraordinary vigor)

Shishi-funjin is a four-character idiom, read “shishi-funjin,” that depicts a lion (a symbol of strength) rousing itself and charging forward with fierce momentum.

The image of a powerful lion moving vigorously conveys raw force and intensity straight away.

Its sense of speed, along with strength, is a key point, making it a perfect fit for situations like facing a competition.

The word also evokes the lion’s dignified bearing and can call to mind the steady effort one has built up over time.

Single-minded focus spanning a vast distance

Single-minded focus spanning a vast distance

The phrase “万里一空” is read as “banri-ikkū.” It means that under the vast sky, everyone can come together as one.

At sports days and athletic festivals, it’s important for teams and classes to join forces and have fun.

Although these events often bring competition to mind, how about using this phrase as a slogan and focusing more on uniting your hearts and enjoying yourselves than on rivalry? Keep the meaning of “Banri Ikku” (one sky spanning ten thousand miles—staying steadfast toward a single goal) in your heart, and have a great time at your sports day or athletic festival together with your friends and classmates!

Forge ahead with courage

Forge ahead with courage

Yūō Maishin means moving forward boldly toward your goals.

This phrase is perfect as a slogan for a sports day or athletic festival.

It expresses the spirit of pushing past your limits and working hard together with your teammates.

With the mindset of yūō maishin, believe in your own strength and see things through to the end without giving up.

Winning or losing can be a great memory, but it’s also important to help one another and create memories together.

Keep this slogan in your heart during your sports day or festival, and have a wonderful time!

in high spirits

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in high spirits

Ikikenko (意気軒昂) is a four-character idiom pronounced “iki-kenkō” that expresses strong enthusiasm and a roused spirit.

Because it conveys the uplifting of feelings toward the goal of victory, it suggests not only strength of will but also the intention to enjoy an event to the fullest.

With the sense of further amplifying overflowing energy, it carries a power that unites the team’s spirit and drives them forward.

It’s a vigorous word that reminds us of the will to seize victory and the grit to never lose.

majestic and dignified

majestic and dignified

Ifūdōdō is a four-character idiom meaning a stately, dignified bearing that overwhelms those around, and is read “ifū dōdō.” It evokes an image of confidently forging ahead toward one’s goals and of strength and resolve.

It’s also famous as the title of a march, which reinforces the sense of advancing forward and conveys a powerful stride.

It’s a phrase that reminds you to believe in yourself and keep moving, and it also makes you feel the weight of the efforts you’ve built up along the way.