Cheer songs to hype up the sports day! A collection of motivational tracks recommended for kids

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

The opening theme of the TV anime Dandadan captivates listeners with beats that get under your skin and intelligent wordplay.

Its world built around the theme of the occult blends perfectly with a high-velocity sound, expressing—through an occult lens—the way music seizes the human heart.

The unique atmosphere, where eeriness and dynamism coexist, further accentuates the anime’s worldview.

This track is perfect for moments when you want to boost your spirits or take on a new challenge.

With Creepy Nuts’ signature powerful sound, it’s sure to energize events like sports days and athletic festivals.

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

Brimming with dynamic rhythm and a powerful melody, this track serves as a heartwarming anthem that, while a theme song for an ekiden relay race, also celebrates life’s challenges, hard work, and those taking a bold new step forward.

DREAMS COME TRUE fuse ’80s disco sounds with Latin grooves into a lively arrangement that gently pushes listeners onward.

The song was released digitally ahead of time in January 2025 and was later included as a single in March of the same year as the theme song for the “ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025 Commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo.” It’s a buoyant tune that, when played during practice for school sports days or athletic festivals, naturally sparks a sense of camaraderie with teammates and a renewed determination to reach your goals.

SPECIALZKing Gnu

King Gnu – SPECIALZ

A powerful track bursting with a sense of speed and energetic sound, carrying the message: “Live passionately, be yourself.” The lyrics, which celebrate the determination to sprint through the present and the bonds with friends who walk alongside us through the labyrinth of life, leave a strong impression.

Released by King Gnu in September 2023, it was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the MBS/TBS anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident.

It sparked huge reactions both in Japan and abroad, surpassing 100 million streams in just 12 weeks after release.

It’s an uplifting anthem that gives you a push when you want to give your all.

Why not aim for the top at your sports day or athletic festival events while sharing the song’s message?

Opening DeclarationNovelbright

Novelbright – Opening Declaration [Official Music Video]

An encouraging song that helps you take a step toward your dreams and hopes was born in April 2021 from the major 1st album “Kaimaku Sengen.” With a bright, powerful melody and a passionate spirit like the sun shining in the wide sky, this work is a fervent message song crafted by Novelbright.

In 2022, it was selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s nationwide high school dance club support project, “Dance ONE Project ’22” on the program Sukkiri, powerfully backing the challenging spirit of young people.

It’s a song that gently pushes the backs of everyone uniting their hearts—whether for field day events, sports festivals, or cheer battles.

Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK

Kimisidai Train

This ambitious work by ONE OK ROCK is marked by powerful vocals and a fast-paced, exhilarating sound.

Interweaving English and Japanese lyrics, it expresses a determination to move forward—believing in one’s own potential and drawing strength from past experiences.

The members’ passionate performance blends perfectly with a message that pushes listeners onward.

Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011, it’s cherished as a staple in live shows that fosters a strong sense of unity with fans.

More than just a boost during sports day practices, this song serves as a source of support when standing at life’s crossroads or taking a new step forward.

PLAYERSYOASOBI

PLAYERS

YOASOBI released a memorable track in March 2025, marked by energetic chants and a catchy sound.

Born from a project celebrating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, this ambitious attempt to portray gamers’ memories through music delivers a positive message centered on challenge and growth.

The story warmly depicts how protagonists encountered in game worlds encourage us in real life and expand our hopes for the future, and the song was also featured in a special PlayStation 30th anniversary commercial.

With a star-studded lineup including Nanase Nishino, Usada Pekora, and Kiyo, the work showcases the appeal of gaming.

It’s a perfect song to boost motivation during sports day practice or athletic festival training.

swallowYOASOBI with Midorīzu

"Tsubame" / YOASOBI with Midories Official Music Video

This is a pop song that sings about hope for the future.

Released in October 2021, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s children’s SDGs program “Hirogare! Irotoridori.” Born from a collaboration between YOASOBI and Midories, the piece beautifully blends children’s pure vocals with electronic sounds.

It was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in October and November 2021, warming the hearts of even more listeners.

Along with its grand melody, it delivers a powerful message that small individual actions can lead to big change, and it can create impactful moments in group gymnastics performances.

It’s a recommended track as BGM for large, synchronized routines at sports festivals and school athletic events.