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

manta

Manta rays are a type of ray with impressively large pectoral fins that make a striking impact.

Officially called the reef manta ray in Japanese as Oni-itomaki-ei, this animal’s vivid blue appearance makes it perfect as a motif for a sports day poster.

It’s also a bit less well-known than classics like tigers or eagles, so it’s a great choice if you don’t want your idea to overlap with others.

Incidentally, mantas can live on a diet of nothing but plankton, which makes them a symbol of strength.

So choosing a manta when you’re aiming to fight hard and win might just bring you good luck!

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Yuuki

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Kabuki

It could also be a good idea to use kabuki, a traditional performing art beloved since ancient times, as a motif.

When you think of kabuki, you picture the white-painted makeup, right? Designing around that will create a striking visual impact.

The tricky part is deciding which kabuki scene to depict.

You could draw the mie—the dramatic pose where the actor freezes with an intense expression—or imagine and illustrate kabuki performers taking part in a sports day.

Either way, that powerful atmosphere is sure to give your team a boost.

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yamamoto

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fox

How about using a fox as the motif? Foxes aren’t just cute—they also evoke the image of a “strategist” and being “clever.” They’ve long been cherished as deities or sacred beings, too.

Because of that, they give off an auspicious vibe and a sense of strength.

Up to this point I’ve described a realistic fox, but it’s also great to make it adorably stylized or use a fox mask as the motif.

Try designing a fox that matches your class’s atmosphere!

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yamamoto

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Night Parade of One Hundred Demons

If you want a cool or dark vibe, designing a Hyakki Yagyō is recommended.

Hyakki Yagyō refers to a procession where a wide variety of yōkai roam in a line.

Thanks to anime and manga, many people may associate it with being “strong” or “cool.” If you’re unsure how to depict it since these creatures don’t exist in reality, try referencing the Hyakki Yagyō scroll paintings or the illustrations of manga artist Shigeru Mizuki.

The sight of various yōkai forming a procession can also convey a message of unity and solidarity.

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yamamoto

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Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu

If you design the panel based on photos of an athlete, you can also convey the determination to perform like that athlete.

Which athlete you choose to feature is an important point, but here I recommend Yuzuru Hanyu, a standout in figure skating.

As a skater known for iconic movements like leaping high while rotating, he can effectively communicate a sense of dynamism.

You could focus on his powerful presence as he takes on competition, and it’s also a good idea to add a phrase inspired by his given name, “Yuzuru,” such as “Never yield victory.”

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kappamaki

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Sports Day: A Collection of Poster Design and Motif Ideas (41–50)

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan, which originated as a manga and later expanded into novels and an anime.

This dark fantasy follows humanity’s desperate search for survival while being chased by man-eating Titans, and its striking art style is widely recognized, especially among younger audiences.

How about using a parody of it for your sports festival panel idea? The font of the Attack on Titan title is also distinctive, so just mimicking that can easily create an authentic feel.

Give it a try!

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Yuuki

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Pokémon card-style

If you want to create a pop and catchy poster, I recommend this “Pokémon card-style” poster.

It’s especially great for elementary school posters, since many kids like Pokémon.

If you search online, you’ll find images of the Pokémon you want to draw from various angles, so feel free to use them as references if you’re not confident in your drawing skills.

Since Pokémon often have bold color schemes, try keeping the background subtle.

That will help maintain balance.

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Ryo

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