Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

Many teachers probably struggle to choose cheer songs that will liven up Sports Day.If it’s the same every year, it gets boring, but if it’s a song no one knows, it can fall flat.So we’ve gathered a selection of popular and classic tracks!They’re all well-known songs you’ve likely heard on TV and elsewhere, so both kids and adults can enjoy them.What’s more, when children perform as the cheer squad, it’s fun to create parody lyrics of the featured songs to add a unique touch!Use this as a guide to find the perfect cheer songs to energize your Sports Day!

Cheer songs that hype up the sports day! A collection of motivation-boosting tracks recommended for kids (1–10)

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it's embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

A track that blends the fresh clarity and depth characteristic of Ryokushaka.

Released digitally in July 2024, this song brilliantly captures the transience and radiance of youth, resonating powerfully with listeners.

Its pop melody and striking lyrics are perfectly matched, vividly expressing the complex emotions of adolescence.

As a cheer song for sports days and athletic festivals, its fresh sensibility and strong message are sure to give participants a lift.

It’s a song that will carry you full speed through the sports day!

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giftRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Gift [Official Music Video]

giftRADWIMPS

Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Anpan,” this track is pop music that poses universal questions under the theme of a journey to find the meaning of life.

With a warm, embracing melody and poetic lyrics that resonate, it depicts the small joys of everyday life and the courage to take on challenges.

Yojiro Noda and the other members of RADWIMPS completed the piece over several months in preparation for “Anpan,” which is scheduled to air from April 2025.

Brimming with vitality, the song’s message makes it perfect for events like school sports days and athletic meets—let children and adults alike enjoy a sense of unity with this track!

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DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE

Da-iCE / <TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song> “DREAMIN’ ON” Music Video

DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE

Da-iCE’s music is known for its powerful messages themed around challenge and hope.

Released in August 2020, this song was chosen as the 23rd opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.

With a world-building lyricism by Sota Hanamura and a high-speed, exhilarating sound, it’s sure to lift your spirits! The choreography by s**t kingz’s Shoji is also bursting with dynamism.

It perfectly captures the One Piece vibe—working together with friends and deepening your bonds.

It’s also ideal as an entrance song for school sports days, boosting the energy and helping you smoothly launch into the main event!

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Cheer songs to amp up the excitement at sports day! A collection of motivation-boosting tracks recommended for kids (11–20)

paprikaFoorin

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

paprikaFoorin

Foorin, the group that sings “Paprika,” written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu, is made up of five elementary and junior high school students, so it’s perfect for grade school and middle school sports days! “Paprika” has been featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta since 2018, and it was also selected as a cheer song for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The children’s fresh vocals and catchy rhythm make it ideal as background music for various events and for entry and exit marches.

There are easy-to-remember parody lyrics as well, so it’s great not only as BGM but also for cheer battles!

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In the Blueikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari “In the Blue” (Mitsuya Cider theme song) Music Video

In the Blueikimonogakari

Released in March 2024, this song is a refreshing number featured in the Mitsuya Cider commercial.

It follows Ikimonogakari’s signature pop style and carries a bright, uplifting message.

Centered on the themes of youth and emotional explosion, it brims with a coming-of-age spirit.

Comparing life to a grand drama, it sings about the importance of friendship and believing in oneself.

With its up-tempo beat, it’s perfect as an exit song for a brisk march at a school sports day, sure to create an exhilarating finale.

Consider incorporating this track to craft an unforgettable, youth-filled moment.

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New My NormalMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “New My Normal” Official Music Video

New My NormalMrs. GREEN APPLE

After a 1-year and 8-month hiatus, rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE released “New My Normal” in 2022.

It’s a track where you can enjoy their new sound following the departure of their drummer and bassist and the formation of a new lineup.

Of course, vocalist Motoki Omori’s soaring high tones are as strong as ever.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced beat and aggressive band sound, it’s a perfect pop tune for a sports day cheer song!

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IlluminationB’z

B’z / Illumination

IlluminationB'z

This heartwarming theme song for NHK’s morning drama series Omusubi blends hopeful lyrics with a memorable melody.

It warmly portrays bonds with those close to us and the joys of life, turning dreams and hopes found beneath the lingering evening sky into a beautiful piece that shines like illuminations.

Released by B’z in October 2024, this ambitious work marks their first contribution to a morning drama theme, featuring a gentle sound that stands apart from their previous hard rock style.

It’s a perfect song for when you want to cherish the small happinesses of everyday life or move toward your dreams together with friends.

It also resonates as a support song that balances tenderness with strength, making it great for school sports days and cheering scenes.

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