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 hype up your sports day and athletics festival! Also great as entrance songs (111–120)

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

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.

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It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

From the very moment you start running, this theme song for a sports event by DREAMS COME TRUE gives a powerful push to the beginning of your challenge.

Riding on a lively rhythm that fuses disco sounds with Latin grooves, it carries a heartfelt cheer that resonates with every challenger.

It sings of bonds with friends, hard work and growth, and the courage to make a fresh start, becoming a piece that gently nudges listeners forward.

Released in January 2025, the song was written as the theme for a relay race event commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The single, which also includes the theme song for the film “Kaminofude,” marks a milestone work celebrating DREAMS COME TRUE’s 35th anniversary.

It’s a song we hope not only students facing their youth, but everyone about to take a new step in life, will listen to.

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C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

This song leaves a strong impression with a powerful message that feels like a snapshot from the pages of youth.

It embodies the courage to move toward the future and the resolve to cherish memories with friends, all delivered through ONE OK ROCK’s signature emotional vocals that resonate deeply.

Featured on the album Zankyo Reference, the track was released in October 2011 and skillfully fuses elements of metalcore and post-hardcore.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Futa Kuriki’s New Challenge,” captivating the hearts of many.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to sing at cultural festivals, school festivals, or choir competitions.

Raise your voices together, and it will surely become an unforgettable memory.

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earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Ketsubou” MV

earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER’s deeply moving masterpiece that sings about the importance of human connections is included on their album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.

The song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built with the support of many people and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.

The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the anthem for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.

It’s the perfect song for cheering on those practicing for sports days and field days, or for reminiscing about the memories of working up a sweat with your friends.

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A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda “A Scenery I’ve Never Seen”

A view I've never seen beforeSuda Masaki

This is Masaki Suda’s debut single, packed with passion through a driving rock sound and powerful vocals.

Released in June 2017, the song vividly portrays people who keep moving forward even while covered in mud, sung with a straightforward, unwavering gaze.

Included on the album “PLAY,” it earned high acclaim, reaching No.

3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

It’s also perfect as entrance music for athletes at school sports days, gently yet powerfully encouraging everyone who strives to face forward and keep going.

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HabitSEKAI NO OWARI

[Habit] SEKAI NO OWARI 'Easy Dance & Flag' — A dance for sports days or at home! Toddler-friendly dance!

HabitSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Habit,” which features a distinctive dance in its music video, is also a great choice for flag dancing.

Written as the theme song for the 2022 film “Holic xxxHOLiC,” it went on to win the 64th Japan Record Award.

While incorporating elements of the original choreography, the routine is arranged by splitting the group into two parts, making it suitable for large ensemble performances.

Nail the final bow and wow the parents.

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kaleido proud fiestaUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN「kaleido proud fiesta」MV

kaleido proud fiestaUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a three-piece rock band that captivates fans with their distinctive high-tone vocals and powerful live performances.

Their 17th single, “kaleido proud fiesta,” chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime TIGER & BUNNY 2, is a track with a dazzling rock sound that feels great to listen to.

Its expansive ensemble and fast-paced beat make it perfect as competition BGM for sports events as well.

It’s a pop-leaning rock tune that’s sure to brighten up any school sports day or field day.

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Hoshino Takashi

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