[Friendship Song] Music to hype up sports days and athletic festivals
I think there are very many students who look forward to school sports days and athletic festivals.
On those days, you’ll have fun and smile, throw yourself into heated competitions, and even be moved to tears—truly a day packed with youthful memories.
At such a memorable sports day, you might also grow closer through practice and events, or deepen your friendships even more, don’t you think?
With that in mind, this article will introduce lots of recommended songs for a sports day with the theme of friendship!
I hope you find wonderful tracks to color your special day.
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- [A moving friendship song] For dear friends and best friends. Songs of friendship that make you feel the bond.
- Sports Day/Field Day BGM: Moving Classics & Uplifting Anthems to Power Your Practice
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival
- Friendship songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular J‑pop hits
- Cheer songs to hype up the sports day! A collection of motivational tracks recommended for kids
- Coloring the drama of youth! Heartwarming songs perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals
- Friendship songs recommended for elementary school students. Bonding songs you’ll want to listen to with your friends.
- Friendship Songs: Rediscover Your Bonds! A Carefully Curated Selection of Moving Masterpieces That Will Bring You to Tears
- [Sports Day BGM] A selection of classic tunes that liven up the venue
- A friendship song that fires up the culture festival/school festival
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
[Friendship Songs] Tracks to energize your sports day or athletic festival (111–120)
Happinessarashi
It’s one of the happiest, most uplifting songs out there.
Everything about it is top-tier—the groove, the melody, the lyrics, the harmonies.
The way it shifts little by little from the verse to the pre-chorus, building gradually and then exploding in the chorus, is irresistible and feels amazing to listen to.
It doesn’t explicitly spell out gratitude or feelings toward a friend, but it feels like it’s cheering you on with a “you’ve got this.” It’s essential for boosting team motivation, and after just one listen, it feels like your performance level will go up too.
The wave that slashes through youthatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu
This latest work by New School Leaders grips the hearts of young people.
Featured on the EP Homecoming, it powerfully portrays the struggles and growth of youth.
Produced by Kenta Matsukuma, this rock number was released in April 2023 and was also selected as the theme song for the drama TAI ARI DESHITA.: Ojosama wa Kakutou Game nante Shinai.
Its energetic rhythm and melody are sure to amp up the excitement of sports days and athletic festivals.
The lyrics, which feel like snapshots of moments when friendship blossoms, are perfect for student life spent sweating it out with your peers.
Runnerbakufū suranpu
It’s a classic tune that’s been played at countless sports days from long ago to today.
You also hear it often as background music on TV shows.
The chorus never loses its luster and leaves a strong impression on listeners—it’s undeniably powerful.
Since friendship and bonds matter most in school events that get you moving, I hope this song lifts everyone’s spirits and helps strengthen their friendships.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
This song was chosen as the theme for the animated film STAND BY ME Doraemon.
Hata Motohiro’s “Himawari no Yakusoku,” which enjoyed a long run on the charts, can be considered one of his signature songs.
His uniquely gentle, thornless voice blends with the song’s friend-cherishing lyrics and tender melody to create a moving anthem of friendship.
While up-tempo tracks are often easier to use for sports days and athletic festivals, ballads are by no means a bad choice.
And with a hit this popular, who could possibly dislike it?
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi
It was included on Kenshi Yonezu’s fourth original album, BOOTLEG, released in 2017.
The song is also known for being sung together with actor Masaki Suda.
It reminded me of the greatness of having friends who shared that loosely defined past we call “back then,” a time we definitely lived through together.
The song captures the bittersweet feeling of drifting apart, when what used to be normal no longer is, and the glow of youth.
If we’re still spending the same time together now, maybe we can’t fully feel it yet—but I absolutely want to cherish it, and I want others to cherish it too.
Best FriendNishino Kana
“Best Friend,” released in 2010.
It’s a track by Kana Nishino, whose looks and voice are irresistibly cute.
As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful cheer song that cares for close friends.
Its gentle, soothing vibe makes it perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.
It’s sure to be a hit, especially with the girls.
Whether it’s a relay, tug-of-war, or any other event, this song will give you a gentle pat on the shoulder.
Listen to “Best Friend” and make the best memories!
OrangeSPYAIR
A heart-thumping number where the bittersweetness of youth coexists with optimism.
The lyrics, which look back on past memories while singing of hope for the future, are particularly striking.
Released in February 2024, this track was used as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle and became a major talking point.
It marks SPYAIR’s fourth collaboration with the Haikyu!! series.
Fresh and energetic, the song is perfect to listen to before an important game or competition.
It will surely give a gentle push to your back as you believe in yourself and move forward.