From classics to fan favorites! A catalog of music and BGM to liven up your sports day
Many people struggle with choosing songs for sports day, don’t they?
Here, we introduce perfect tracks for each scene—from classic staples ideal for sports day to upbeat J-pop and Western hits that get everyone excited!
Well-known songs can hype up the crowd, but using the same ones every year can get old…
We’ve curated a selection of tracks to solve that problem.
You’ll find refreshing tunes that make you want to start running and motivational anthems that give you courage.
Use this article as a guide to make your sports day even more fun and exciting!
- Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals
- [Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- [Sports Day] Recommended songs for tug-of-war: powerful BGM that ignites your fighting spirit
- Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs.
- [March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day
- Recommended Songs for Group Gymnastics: A Collection of Tracks to Elevate Your Routine [2026]
- [Sports Day BGM] A selection of classic tunes that liven up the venue
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- [Dance Songs] Recommended for school sports days and athletic festivals! A curated selection of popular tracks that are fun to dance to
- Cheer songs to hype up the sports day! A collection of motivational tracks recommended for kids
Cavalry Battle (1–10)
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
When it comes to songs that amp up the excitement of intense events like cavalry battles, “Wataridori” tops the list.
Released in 2015 by the band [Alexandros], known for their distinctive rock sound, it’s a beloved staple at school sports days and athletic festivals.
The lyrics, themed around a bird flying endlessly, resonate with students taking on various events and are sure to energize the entire venue.
It’s a rock number with a light yet passionate sound that makes you want to break into a run.
RISINGYoshida Kyōdai
RISING is perfect for a kiba-sen horseback battle where the whole team joins forces.
Performed by the Yoshida Brothers, masters of Tsugaru shamisen, it was released in 2005.
The track opens with grand drumming, so it’s a great choice to play right at the starting signal.
The passionate band arrangement interwoven with the timbre of the Tsugaru shamisen will heat up the competition.
How about using this Japanese-flavored instrumental as your BGM?
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
It’s LiSA’s 15th single, released in July 2019.
It served as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and with the anime’s massive success, it became LiSA’s biggest hit and brought her widespread recognition.
The song overflows with determination, resolve, and energy: no matter how many times you’re knocked down, if you have a dream you can’t give up on, you can stand up again and again.
Even if sorrow was the beginning, if what you’ve learned from it lets you protect someone, you can even feel grateful for it.
It’s a track that pushes athletes taking on challenges forward and fires up the hearts of the audience.
Cavalry Battle (11–20)
SenbonzakuraWagakki Band
Senbonzakura by Wagakki Band, formed by blending traditional Japanese instruments—shakuhachi, koto, Tsugaru shamisen, and taiko—with Western instruments like guitar, bass, and drums.
Unlike the original track by Kurousa-P, it takes on a different atmosphere, gaining a unique allure through its added Japanese aesthetic.
The driving rhythm can boost athletes’ motivation and may help them draw out more than their usual performance.
It’s sure to fire up the cheering, too.
The lyrics, which feel like issuing a challenge to battle, are a perfect fit for events like cavalry battles.
L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2: FarandoleGeorges Bizet
This is a powerful piece based on a traditional festive dance from the Provence region of France.
It also incorporates local Christmas carols, achieving a splendid fusion of brilliant, majestic melodies and vibrant, dynamic rhythms.
Georges Bizet’s incidental music for the play “L’Arlésienne,” premiered at the Théâtre du Vaudeville in Paris in October 1872, ended after 21 performances; however, this work was later published in 1879 as part of a suite compiled by his friend Ernest Guiraud.
It’s a familiar piece that was also used in Disney’s educational series “Little Einsteins,” making it a perfect choice as background music for sports day marches or during competitions.
With its sense of drive and exhilaration, it’s an energetic tune that naturally makes you want to move.
Parachute (11–20)
A “parachute” performance involves everyone holding a large, round piece of fabric, inflating it, or going underneath it, and working together to change its shape.
Especially popular as a staple event at nursery and kindergarten sports days, parachute routines often use well-known anime theme songs or trending J-pop that kids love.
We’ve picked some recommended tracks—let’s take a look! Reference article: Perfect for sports day parachute routines! Recommended J-pop songs
Parachute (1–10)
The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster
This piece features a bright melody overflowing with smiles and hope, paired with powerful harmonies that leave a strong impression.
It celebrates the beauty of moving forward while cherishing your true self.
The beautiful choral work woven by the six voices of Little Glee Monster resonates deeply.
Released in August 2018 as their 12th single, it was selected as the Coca-Cola summer campaign song and the theme song for the 100th National High School Baseball Championship.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when your heart wavers, when you feel uncertain, or when you’re about to take a new step forward.
In a parachute (paraballoon) performance, the song’s refreshing quality and dynamism will make children’s smiles and movements shine even brighter.
dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE
With music overflowing with smiles, the entire venue comes together in excitement.
Its positive message and heartwarming melody are sure to bring out joyful expressions in children.
Used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi 8” since May 2022 and included on the mini-album “Unity” released that July, this track by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is a pop tune full of vitality.
The music video features captivating dance as well, with the power to lift listeners’ spirits.
Since parachute dancing is a lively and fun performance, it pairs perfectly with this song, which highlights the cuteness of the routine.
It’s actually used for popular events at school sports days, and its distinctive sound and bright atmosphere help bring out the fun in children’s performances.