[Idea Collection] Let’s handcraft the sports day program!

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.

A program is an essential item for a sports day.

You can use it to check “Which event am I in next?” or give it to your family so they can use it to find good viewing spots.

Since you’ll be looking at it throughout the sports day, wouldn’t you like to make the program itself into something memorable?

With that in mind, here’s an article that compiles ideas for handmade programs!

These ideas are especially recommended for nursery, kindergarten, and elementary school sports days.

Create a wonderful, one-of-a-kind program just for you and your group!

[Idea Collection] Let's make a handmade sports day program! (11–20)

Picture book-themed program

Would you like to try creating a picture book–style program? This one is modeled after the hugely popular series for toddlers, the “Daruma-san” books.

The program itself feels like a picture book, making it exciting to open.

There are many beloved titles, such as “Little Bear” and “Guri and Gura.” How about surveying the children and creating your program based on the most popular picture book? If the character wears a gym uniform or a red-and-white cap, it might even boost the kids’ motivation.

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Pop-up 3D Program

A three-dimensional program that pops open to reveal animals in gym uniforms! It’s a great idea for when you want people to enjoy the sports day just by looking at the program itself.

The design conveys animals having fun at a sports day under a blue sky, with a little rabbit watching over the event from home.

The colorful garlands add a cheerful, cute vibe.

I think it’s perfect for nursery school or kindergarten programs, so although it takes a bit of time, give it a try.

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Irasutoya Program

If you’re struggling to come up with a design for a sports day program or aren’t confident in your drawing skills, “Irasutoya” might be your savior! Irasutoya is a website run by popular illustrator Takashi Mifune that offers free illustrations.

Their artwork is used across many media—POP displays, flyers, TV, LINE stickers—so you’ve probably seen it before.

If you search for “sports day” on the site, you’ll find a variety of sports day–themed illustration materials.

Try laying them out on your program cover or as interior illustrations!

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Happy Program

Don’t you feel more excited when you wear matching happi coats at a festival? They’re traditional Japanese garments and essential for festivals and events! Unlike ordinary clothes, happi have a distinctive shape and stylish design, making them a great idea for a sports day program.

You can make happi by cutting construction paper.

Use a unified base color, then change the colors for the collar and cuffs, or attach patterned paper for a nice touch! Adding a small emblem—like a kindergarten or school crest—on the chest also looks cool.

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Tsum Tsum Program

Tsum Tsum is a popular mobile game featuring chibi-style Disney characters.

The sight of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Winnie the Pooh, and others rolling around is so cute! How about using Tsum Tsum as a design for a sports day program? If you make each character’s parts out of construction paper, all that’s left is to stick them onto the program itself! You could even mass-produce the parts and make them together with your child for school recreation activities.

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Pictogram Program

Pictograms, which also became a hot topic during the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021.

Their hallmark is a design—like symbols or emojis—that conveys meaning through simple graphics! How about using such pictograms to brighten up a sports day program? They have real impact, so using them on the cover will definitely catch the eye at a glance! It could also be fun to represent each sports day event with a pictogram.

And arranging an ichimatsu checkered pattern like the one used in the Tokyo Olympics emblem might give it a stylish finish.

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[Idea Collection] Let’s Make a Handmade Sports Day Program! (21–30)

Camera-type program

Hang it around your neck! Here’s an idea for a camera-shaped program.

The sports day, a once-a-year event, is a special occasion where you can feel your child’s growth in mind and body.

Many of you probably want to capture those moments on camera, right? This idea is perfect for parents who don’t want to miss precious moments while searching through the program.

The key point is that this program hangs from your neck, so there’s no hassle of taking it in and out of your bag.

Be sure to give it a try!

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