Sports Day: A Collection of Poster Design and Motif Ideas

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Once the practice for the sports day starts, you can’t help wondering, “How many people will come to watch on the actual day?” For some, the more spectators and the more attention they get, the more motivated they become.

In this article, we’re introducing ideas for poster motifs—an essential item to promote your sports day to different audiences! We’ve gathered ideas that will help when you’re asked by your school to design a poster or when you want to submit a design for a contest.

Be sure to read to the end!

[Sports Day] Collection of Poster Design and Motif Ideas (21–30)

Rocket

A poster with a rocket motif is a cool idea that symbolizes dreams, challenges, and the spirit of breaking limits.

The powerful image of a rocket soaring into the sky overlaps with the class charging forward at full speed at the signal to start.

Depicting it accelerating with flames and smoke will pack a punch and convey fiery energy to viewers.

By embedding the message of always aiming higher, you can also leave an impression of unity and high aspirations.

Shall we launch now, toward the cosmos of victory?

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cheering squad

An anime-style poster design featuring a cheering squad is an appealing way to convey the excitement of a school sports festival.

The image of cheerleaders tightening their headbands and shouting at the top of their lungs embodies a powerful spirit of support, even for those who aren’t competing on the field.

Rendering it in an anime-like style adds approachability and draws viewers in.

Depicting the schoolyard and stands in the background creates a sense of unity across the entire poster.

Adding speech bubble-style messages or cheer phrases further enhances the immediacy.

It’s a design well-suited to an all-participation sports festival, communicating that both the competitors and the supporters shine in their respective roles.

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[Sports Day] Poster Design and Motif Idea Collection (31–40)

in the style of an old folktale

A design based on the world of folktales is a unique idea that stimulates the imagination while emphasizing the theme of the sports festival.

By depicting universally known characters like demons, Urashima Taro, and Princess Kaguya, you can create visuals that blend familiarity with unexpected charm.

Incorporating Japanese elements into the background and props, and adding the title in brush-style lettering, will deepen the overall atmosphere.

Participants will feel as if they’ve become the protagonists of a story as they take on the events, which can strengthen the unity of the entire class.

You’ll be able to create a striking poster that combines visual intrigue with storytelling.

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Enbu-style

A performance-style poster that incorporates elements of Japanese culture—such as traditional attire, taiko drums, and kendo—can express both beauty and intensity.

Use a powerful pose, as if capturing a moment from a staged performance, to form the overall composition and evoke a sense of presence that makes you almost hear the drumbeats.

Employ backgrounds like a sunset or a flurry of cherry blossoms to create an impression where tradition merges with fervor.

For the tagline, using kanji or brush-style fonts is effective for emphasizing strength and focus.

By viewing the sports festival as a single stage and conveying the spirit of expressing oneself with full force, this design enables direction that values not only the competitions but also cheering and unity.

The result is a piece that comes together like a performance with hearts beating as one.

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balloon

This poster design depicts students sprinting with all their might as colorful balloons soar high into the sky.

It captures a sense of freedom, release, and a fleeting moment of youth.

The balloons symbolize hope and dreams, giving the impression that each competitor’s aspirations are being carried into the sky.

Incorporating a blue sky and the sun in the background brightens the overall look, enveloping the entire venue in an uplifting atmosphere.

Adding lines that suggest wind around the runners brings a dynamic sense of motion to the poster.

Writing supportive messages or class names on the balloons visually conveys the purpose of participating and each team’s unity, creating a memorable piece.

It’s a vibrant idea that heightens anticipation for the sports festival.

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horse

A poster featuring a horse as the motif is a powerful, stylish idea that will really stand out at a sports day or athletic festival.

The image of a horse running full speed vividly conveys the unity and passion of a class racing toward victory.

With its mane streaming and its body charging forward, the horse is sure to inspire courage and make a strong impact on viewers.

Adding a sunset or a wild terrain in the background can create an even more dramatic effect.

As a true steed of victory, it will capture all eyes at the venue.

Give it a try!

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Dragon

Although dragons are legendary creatures, everyone has seen them in some form.

Familiar from games, anime, and manga, dragons embody impact, power, and coolness, and using one as a poster motif would no doubt liven up a sports festival.

The key is what angle you depict the dragon from.

Rather than fitting the entire body into the frame, the trick is to lay out the design around the part you most want to emphasize.

If you do want to include the whole body, using a silhouette can really bring out its coolness.

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