Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs.

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.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Music is essential for staging a successful sports day or school athletics festival.

You might find yourself thinking, “I want to pick songs that will hype up this once-a-year sports celebration!” or “What tracks will boost participants’ motivation and get the audience excited too?”

In this article, we’ve gathered the perfect songs for background music and entrance scenes at sports days and athletics festivals.

From tracks that fire you up to songs that gently encourage, you’ll find plenty of pieces that work in all kinds of moments.

Let moving music set the stage for an unforgettable event.

Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs (71–80)

NautilusYorushika

Yorushika – Nautilus (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

NautilusYorushika

This is “Nautilus,” a song by Yorushika, a band that captivates younger generations.

The vocalist’s clear, translucent voice gently seeps in.

The delicate lyrics are sure to resonate with the sensitivities of teenagers.

If you play this song around the climax of a school sports day, the students will undoubtedly be in tears.

It’s a once-a-year event—let’s make it something special.

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AdventureYOASOBI

YOASOBI "Adventure" Official Music Video

AdventureYOASOBI

This work is packed with an invitation to adventure.

The song YOASOBI released in February 2023 was written as the theme for Universal Studios Japan’s limited-time “Uni Spring” campaign.

Its lyrics portray the joy of taking a step beyond the everyday, paired with a pop, exhilarating sound.

It was first performed on March 11 at the special concert “Uni Spring! Live 2023.” It’s a captivating track that stirs the spirit of adventure and is perfect as entrance music for school sports days and athletic festivals.

It’s a song that gives a push to those embarking on new challenges!

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NaiwaHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Naiwa” Lyric Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – NAIWA)

NaiwaHatsuboshi Gakuen

It’s a heart-stirring track that embodies the world of “Gakuen Idolmaster,” which portrays the growth of its idols.

The song serves as the class anthem for the in-game event “Class Showdown: First Star Sports Festival,” energetically depicting both competitive spirit and the strong bonds between classmates.

Created entirely by Saeki youthK—from lyrics to arrangement—its dramatic soundscape greatly deepens your immersion in the story.

It’s the perfect number to play when you want to get fired up before a competition or to rally together with teammates toward a shared goal.

The track was released digitally in September 2025 and was later included on the album “Class Showdown: First Star Sports Festival SONG COLLECTION” in December of the same year.

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mismatchedTHE SUPER FRUIT

Zigzag/The Super Fruits [Pom-Pom Dance for Toddlers and Lower Grades]

mismatchedTHE SUPER FRUIT

The pop track Chiguhagu by the male idol group THE SUPER FRUIT is extremely popular, frequently featured in dance-cover videos and on TikTok.

The chorus line “chiguhagu hagu chiguhagu hagu” has an irresistibly catchy ring to it.

With its lively, bursting-with-energy choreography, Chiguhagu is perfect for school sports days and recitals—why not give it a try? Enjoy this cute dance that will excite both the kids dancing and everyone watching.

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GUTS!arashi

Tried playing Arashi’s “GUTS!” (Drum Cover)

GUTS!arashi

GUTS! sung by the hugely popular idol group Arashi is the ultimate cheer song that makes you want to belt it out.

From the fanfare and the catchy “na-na-na” melody to the moment it smooths out and then suddenly explodes into a call-and-response chorus, it’s a rush.

The lyrics, full of friendship and defiance, really fire you up.

Its dance, reminiscent of gymnastics and cheer squads, also drew attention.

It’s the perfect track for youthful events like school sports days.

You can just picture the kid who was in last place steadily closing in on the leader.

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Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Que Sera Sera” Official Music Video

Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

An anthem brimming with kindness and vitality has been born.

This song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is a warm work that gently nudges those taking a new step forward.

With a refreshing melody and a comfortable rhythm, it sings of self-affirmation and the courage to take on challenges.

While acknowledging the hardships and anxieties of life, it conveys—filled with deep affection—the importance of keeping your head up and continuing to move forward.

Released in April 2023 as the theme song for the TV drama “At Least on Sunday Nights,” it went on to win the Japan Record Award that same year.

It is a heartwarming track that stands by those starting a new chapter, those at a crossroads, and everyone who lives each day to the fullest.

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JIN – Jin – Main TitleTakamiyuu

Sunday Theater 'JIN - Jin -' Main Theme

JIN - Jin - Main TitleTakamiyuu

A timeless, moving masterpiece was created by Yu Takami.

Released in January 2022, this piece served as the main theme for the drama “JIN.” Its unique sound—blending traditional Japanese and Western instruments—beautifully captures the emotions of a protagonist who traverses between the Edo period and the present day.

Conveying the sanctity of life and the bonds between people through a beautiful melody, it resonates deeply with listeners.

It would also be perfect for entrance scenes at sports days or athletic festivals, sure to lift participants’ spirits and create unforgettable moments!

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