[2026] Curated J-POP to Energize Sports Days and Athletic Festivals! Also Great as Entrance Music
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.
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[2026] Carefully selected J-POP to amp up your sports day/athletic festival! Also great as entrance songs (81–90)
Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI
A song filled with the desire to aim higher with hope in your heart.
It’s a track released by SEKAI NO OWARI in September 2023 and was also chosen as a theme song for the anime ONE PIECE.
As an uplifting anthem that gives you the courage to face difficulties, it has captured many hearts.
Its four-on-the-floor dance beat and powerful melody line make it perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.
Not only does it brighten up entrance scenes, it’s also great for flag dances and other routines.
Its friendly vibe is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces! It’s also recommended for anyone striving toward lofty goals.
R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
The dance and vocal group Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE captivates fans with their translucent singing voices and breathtaking dance performances.
Their 13th single, “R.Y.U.S.E.I.,” which was chosen as TCK’s 2014 campaign song, features an immersive sound that evokes the image suggested by its title.
The running man in the song’s interlude—now synonymous with the group—would be a spectacular sight when everyone dances it together at school sports days and athletic festivals.
It’s an upbeat dance tune that elevates the energy, even as background music during competitions.
360°miwa
This song, whose bright tone lifts your spirits, is by miwa, a singer-songwriter from Kanagawa Prefecture.
It was released in 2015 as her 17th single.
It’s a motivational song filled with the message of believing in your own potential.
It was chosen as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the Space Heroes.
superstarKetsumeishi
This song celebrates recognizing the potential and talent hidden within yourself and letting them shine.
Its empowering message—that everyone has a unique brilliance—blends beautifully with the pop sound.
Ketsumeishi’s positive lyrics and catchy melody carry a warm, gentle push for listeners.
Released in November 2020, it was chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi anime Crayon Shin-chan.
The music video, filmed in India, also captures the song’s bright and uplifting worldview.
It’s a perfect fit as a cheer song for school events like sports festivals, and for anyone seeking encouragement to discover their true self.
New EraAdo
“New Genesis” is Ado’s song that has garnered attention as the theme for the film ONE PIECE FILM RED.
With her powerful vocals and production by Yasutaka Nakata, it’s a striking track that conveys a message about changing the world through the power of music.
Included on the album Uta no Uta ONE PIECE FILM RED, it dominated music charts both in Japan and abroad after its release.
Notably, on Apple Music it became the first Japanese song to reach No.
1 worldwide, capturing the hearts of many listeners.
This number, which inspires hope for a new world, is perfect for sports festivals and school field days, too.
Ado’s vocals are sure to give you a motivational boost.
Try using it for entrance scenes and more to amp up the excitement!
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.
[2026] Carefully selected J-POP to hype up sports days and athletic festivals! Also recommended as entrance songs (91–100)
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.