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

Beautifulyuzu

Yuzu 'Beautiful' Official Visualizer

To seize victory at a sports day or athletic festival, an unyielding spirit and teamwork are essential, aren’t they? This song by Yuzu portrays that relentless drive to keep moving forward, with its striking layers of vocals.

It’s also featured as the CM song for Nippon Life supporting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Built on the fierce strumming of an acoustic guitar, the arrangement stacks a thick band sound and choral harmonies, conveying the sense of deepening bonds and charging ahead.

Feel the layered voices in the music and let’s press on toward victory.

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BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

A song by Kenshi Yonezu, written as the opening theme for the figure-skating anime “Medalist” and released in January 2025.

With a melody full of drive and a powerful sound, it brilliantly captures the exhilaration of the moment you surge toward your goal.

Centered on themes of mutual support and the courage to take on challenges, the piece likens achieving one’s goals to a “bow and arrow.” Used as BGM for a relay at a school sports day, it would not only fire up the runners but also draw passionate cheers from the crowd.

Maru Maru Mori MoriKaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku.

Maru Maru Mori Mori! Video of Kaoru and Tomoki with choreography

This catchy song, sprinkled with bright, upbeat wordplay and rhythmic onomatopoeia, is a heartwarming track that gently embraces children’s growth and everyday joys.

Its simple, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics depicting familiar happiness resonate honestly with listeners.

Released in May 2011 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Marumo no Okite,” it marked the debut of Kaoru to Tomoki, Tamani Mook.

It reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and also earned a spot in that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With choreography everyone can enjoy and adorable vocals, it’s the perfect song not only as a cheer tune for sports days and athletic meets, but also for school events and any occasion where people want to get energized together.

room for growthCreepy Nuts

[MV] Creepy Nuts – Nobishiro (Room to Grow)

This song by Creepy Nuts explores the timeless theme of growth, skillfully weaving together elements of hip-hop and pop.

It captures the struggles and confusion of becoming an adult, as well as the hope for limitless possibilities, resonating with a light, upbeat rhythm.

Included on the album “Case,” released in September 2021, it was also chosen as a cheer song for professional baseball.

The chorus delivers a powerful, positive message that inspires the courage to keep growing.

Give it a listen when you want to cheer on hardworking kids or reflect on your own personal growth.

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

A powerful ballad by sumika, written as the official cheer song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It vividly portrays young people who, even in moments when they feel like giving up, link arms with their teammates and push forward.

Released in January 2021 as one of the tracks on a double A-side single, it is also included on the album “AMUSIC.” Starting in April of the same year, it was featured as the TV commercial song for Aisin Corporation.

This is a song that gently supports not only children devoted to club activities and sports, but everyone striving toward their goals.

Heavy rotationAKB48

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]

Beginning with a driving electric guitar and Yuko Oshima’s catchy callouts, this track stands out in idol pop for its exceptional sense of exhilaration.

Its straightforward declaration of love gives listeners a refreshing rush and stirs an irresistible urge to break into a run.

Released in August 2010, AKB48’s single, together with its music video directed by Mika Ninagawa—renowned for its vibrant, pop-infused visuals—left a lasting impression on many.

It’s perfect for moments like sports festivals and athletic events, where participants and spectators alike want to come together and get fired up.

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.