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

One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – One Heart (Official Music Video)

This is a new cheer song by Atarashii Gakko! that stresses the importance of coming together as one, delivered with a powerful message.

It gives a push to those looking ahead and moving forward, while conveying the importance of keeping your smile even amid worries.

The music video, filmed with about 300 fan club members, unfolds in a gymnasium with a breathtaking performance amid a flurry of confetti.

Released in March 2025, the track is also featured in a new Bourbon commercial, showcasing a new side of the group who have built a unique world with their albums “Ma-Ningen” and “Wakage Gaitaru.” It’s perfect not only as a theme song for school and cultural festivals, but also as an uplifting anthem for anyone starting a new chapter in life.

Aim to be a Pokémon MasterMatsumoto Rika

Aim to be a Pokémon Master

A heart-pounding song filled with passion for dreams and adventure, highlighted by Rica Matsumoto’s powerful vocals.

It delivers a youthful, positive message, singing of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with friends—perfect for boosting excitement at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Released as a single in June 1997, it was used as the opening theme for a TV anime.

It won the Work Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize and garnered widespread support, reaching as high as No.

7 on the Oricon charts.

Even when practice time is limited for a sports-day cheer song, its simple, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics mean the whole class can start singing it right away.

Endless JourneyGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE

Endless Journey

This song by GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE is a powerful track that cheers on the challenge toward dreams.

With a driving EDM beat and an emotional melody, it sings about the importance of continuing to strive for your goals.

Released digitally in May 2024, it was created to boost the morale of gymnasts aiming for the Paris Olympics.

The song was born from an interaction with Daiki Hashimoto, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist.

It’s a perfect track to listen to when you’re giving it your all at a school sports day or when you need a motivation boost!

life-formHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Living Being (Official Video)

The song, for which Gen Hoshino wrote the lyrics, composed, and arranged everything, has been crafted into an uplifting anthem brimming with vitality.

Released in August 2023 as a digital-only single, it was also selected as the theme song for the World Athletics Championships and the Asian Games.

The work carries a message of discovering oneself amid competition and choices, and affirming one’s way of life and existence.

Its powerful message extends beyond the world of sports into everyday life, conveying encouragement and energy to people living today.

Characterized by lyrics that evoke a strong will to overcome adversity and an up-tempo sound, it’s a perfect fit for scenes like children running hard at a school sports day.

I can only face forwardAKB48

[MV full] We Only Look Forward / AKB48 [Official]

This is a stunning AKB48 track distinguished by its rock-tinged sound that embodies a powerful cry from the heart.

The lyrics, infused with a resolve to keep moving forward, and the dynamic melody fill listeners with courage and energy.

Released in February 2014 and selling approximately 1.091 million copies in its first week, the song was also featured in commercials for Dip’s job search website “Baitoru.” Its powerful performance and passionate message make it a reliable ally in moments when you want to inspire unity and motivation—such as a tug-of-war at a school sports day.

lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyGReeeeN

GReeeeN / Hirari (All-Japan University Ekiden Special PV Full Ver.)

This song is characterized by a light, refreshing melody and serves as an uplifting anthem that puts your heart in a positive place.

It portrays someone steadily striving toward their goals while facing themselves.

Released as a digital-only single in November 2023, it was chosen as the official theme song for the 55th All-Japan University Ekiden.

Beyond being an ekiden theme, its encouraging message and pleasant melody make it perfect for scenes of children running their hardest at school sports days.

With GReeeeN’s warm vocals and hope-filled lyrics, it gently supports those who are doing their best—an inspiring track through and through.

Helloyama × bocchiboromaru

yama × Bocchi Boromaru “Hello” MV (TV anime “Pokémon” opening theme)

This song features upbeat lyrics and a pleasant melody.

Co-written by yama and Bocchi Boromaru, it was released digitally in October 2023.

It was also selected as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon, making it popular across a wide range of ages, from children to adults.

As the lyrics suggest, it’s a motivational anthem that gives you courage to take on challenges and fills you with hope.

It’s sure to hype up any sports day or athletic festival! It’s a track everyone can sing and dance to with energy.

This work gives you the strength to overcome difficulties and move forward, and it’s highly recommended as a song that can encourage you in everyday life.