[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] A Curated Selection of J-POP to Energize Sports Days and Athletic Festivals! Also Great as Entrance Songs (191–200)
rainbowFukuyama Masaharu
A song that gives you the courage to keep looking ahead and moving forward with dreams and hopes in your heart.
Released by Masaharu Fukuyama in August 2003, this track became a big hit as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama WATER BOYS.
Fukuyama himself wrote, composed, and arranged the song—his first time handling the arrangement as well.
It’s a masterpiece created over more than a year of production.
The distinctive sound effects and guitar work are also noteworthy.
The lyrics, which sing of strong will, love, and hope, resonate deeply and are perfect for athletes’ entrance scenes.
Played at school sports days or athletic festivals, it brings everyone together and lifts the excitement!
I can flyYOSHIKI EZAKI x Bleecker Chrome
YOSHIKI EZAKI x Bleecker Chrome drew attention as a collaboration between artists dominating today’s J-POP hip-hop scene.
Their song “I can fly,” chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup, stands out with a rock-tinged track and emotionally layered vocals.
The driving melodies over a floating, crystalline ensemble are guaranteed to raise the voltage at any sporting event.
It’s a modern pop tune perfect as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals.
rayBUMP OF CHICKEN
“ray” is the title track of RAY, the album released in 2014 by BUMP OF CHICKEN, a rock band whose profound lyrics have captivated many fans.
Topping both the Oricon weekly chart and Billboard JAPAN’s sales chart, this song is a masterpiece, with Motoo Fujiwara’s emotional vocals resonating deeply.
Its relaxed tempo and the sense of release in the chorus make it perfect as background music to play between events or competitions, so I highly recommend using it!
loveHoshino Gen
It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “We Married as a Job!” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu).
The banter between Yui Aragaki and Gen Hoshino was so entertaining, wasn’t it? Although the song was released in 2016, it doesn’t feel dated at all.
Its bright melody seems perfect for any scene at a school sports day.
How about using it as background music for events everyone gets excited about, like the ball toss or ball rolling? And if you use it for the cheer battle, it would be great to have everyone dance the “Koi Dance.” I bet the rival team will join in too!
[2026] Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also recommended as entrance songs (201–210)
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
AKB48 is a girls’ group that has continued to lead the idol scene in J-pop across generations.
Their 32nd major single, “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie,” is also known as the song in which Rino Sashihara—who has thrived as a variety show queen—served as center for the first time during her time in AKB48.
The dance that goes with its catchy lyrics and melody is sure to be fun for everyone to do together at sports days and school festivals.
With simple choreography that lets both teachers and students get excited together, it’s a pop tune that became a massive hit.
Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo
A track packed with excitement and anticipation for a new you.
asmi’s gentle vocals and Chinozo’s catchy sound blend beautifully.
Released in May 2023, this song was also used as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon.
The lyrics, which depict small everyday discoveries and shifting emotions, resonate with listeners.
It’s perfect as an entrance song for sports days and athletic festivals, too! It’s an energetic tune that makes you feel like everyone can take the first step toward a new adventure together.
changemiwa
It’s a great recommendation as entrance/exit music for inter-club competitions.
miwa is popular among junior and senior high school students, and this song has both driving, fast-paced sections and slower, more conversational parts.
In both, her piercingly clear voice fits perfectly and slips right into your ears, making it a very pleasant listen.