[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 liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also recommended as entrance music (31–40)
Don’t give upZARD
“Makenaide” is a classic cheer song beloved by a wide range of generations.
It’s a track released in 1993 by the music unit ZARD.
The song is well known for being sung during the 24-Hour TV charity marathon and for being used as the entrance music at high school baseball tournaments.
Its lyrics depict the feelings of a woman cheering on someone pursuing their dreams.
When you’re on the verge of losing heart, listening to it will surely fill you with energy and spirit.
Why not play it in the final stretch of a long-distance run?
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
The opening theme song of the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Gurenge.
LiSA delivers a powerful, passionate performance.
It’s also a popular choice for piano covers.
The rhythm and speed are off the charts—an incredibly cool track.
LiSA’s vocals are outstanding, making Gurenge a song full of charm.
It’s perfect for junior high and high school sports festivals.
Get everyone hyped and have fun—and make some wonderful memories.
It’s a fiery number that feels like it could even improve your relay times when you play it.
Black sheepKeyakizaka46
“Kuroi Hitsuji,” the 8th single by Keyakizaka46, released on February 27, 2019.
It’s characteristically, in a good way, unlike typical idol songs, showcasing a worldview only Keyakizaka46 can express.
Many people will likely relate to its raw and straightforward lyrics.
It’s a cool track, so it’s perfect for sports days and athletic festivals!
Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children
It’s one of the signature songs by Mr.Children, a rock band that has been at the forefront of Japan’s music scene for many years.
The song conveys a message about striving to make your dreams come true.
It might be a good fit for the finale of a sports day or athletic festival.
rainbowAqua Timez
This is a smash hit by Aqua Timez, a rock band that has gained popularity for their powerful vocals that captivate many listeners and songs filled with a bright, uplifting spirit.
It conveys the message: Don’t be afraid to fail.
It’s the kind of song you’d want to listen to before a competition when you’re thinking, “If I win this…”
[2026] Carefully selected J-pop to amp up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs (41–50)
Heart-throbbingHinatazaka46
This is a Hinatazaka46 song with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Yoichiro Nomura.
The music video is set in a school: as the members dance in hallways and classrooms, other students get swept up and start dancing too.
It’s a poppy, upbeat track, so it’s perfect for sports days and athletic festivals! If there’s an opening ceremony, it would be great to perform a dance to this song.
I’m sure it would get the crowd really excited!
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI is a four-member co-ed band whose songs with a fantastical vibe have garnered overwhelming support.
This is their fourth major single, which has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.
With a marching rhythm featuring bass drum and hand cymbals, plus a catchy, whimsical melody and arrangement, it’s a track that really amps up the excitement.
The lyrics, themed around friendship, bonds, and adventure, make it a perfect fit for school sports days or athletic festivals where you’re about to take on challenges with your teammates!
