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!
- [Sports Day] Entrance songs that will hype the crowd! A comprehensive roundup from classics to the latest hits
- [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: A curated selection of powerful BGM to fire up your fighting spirit!
- [March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day
- [2026] Curated J-POP to Energize Sports Days and Athletic Festivals! Also Great as Entrance Music
- 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
- Cheer songs to hype up the sports day! A collection of motivational tracks recommended for kids
- Recommended exit songs for a sports day: a curated selection that perfectly suits a brisk, running exit!
Classic (1–10)
The EntertainerScott Joplin
This piano piece is characterized by syncopated rhythms and a light, buoyant melody, combining a bright, pop-like atmosphere.
Its lively, energetic phrases make it a perfect match for entrance marches at sports days or as background music for calisthenics.
Originally composed by Scott Joplin in 1902, it gained renewed fame through Marvin Hamlisch’s arrangement for the 1973 film The Sting, which won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture.
Its distinctive rhythm and melodic lines make it easy to use as a march, and its familiar, singable tune appeals to everyone.
Ideal for bringing sparkle to entrance and exit scenes at school sports events, it’s recommended for those who want to create a vibrant, energetic mood.
Sports MarchMayuzumi Toshirō
This is a march for orchestra known as a landmark masterpiece that blazed a new trail, distinguished by its powerful, dynamic melody.
Composed by Toshiro Mayuzumi in 1953 at the request of Nippon Television, the work is a wonderful piece that evokes a bright, forward-looking spirit.
Its brilliant trumpet sonorities and exhilarating rhythms lift the heart.
It has been a mainstay on Nippon Television’s sports programs, boasting a track record of use across numerous shows, including professional wrestling broadcasts, professional baseball night games, and the Hakone Ekiden.
It is truly a piece that has walked alongside the history of sports broadcasting in Japan.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to energize a school sports day or athletic event, or when you simply need a boost.
Disney Songs (11–20)
Disney songs are widely popular and well-known among people of all ages, making them perfect as background music for sports days that many people attend.
From calm and gentle tunes to fun and lively ones, there’s a wide range of moods to choose from, so pick songs that match the scene you want to create! Reference article: Recommended for sports days and recreational events! Easy-to-dance Disney classics and popular dance songs
Disney Songs (1–10)
Brand new dayTōkyō Dizunī Rizōto
A song created to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort.
Its bright, hope-filled melody is striking.
It starts at a slow tempo and gradually builds excitement, making it easy for dance beginners to join in and naturally get moving.
Adding movements like spreading your arms wide together and jumping as the chorus approaches will create a sense of unity.
Incorporating choreography that matches the lyrics brings out a narrative feel and makes it even more enjoyable.
Used at school or community events, it will move many people.
The glamorous music and uplifting message will greatly elevate the atmosphere of the occasion.
Refreshing and invigoratingDizunī
Disney Natsu Matsuri was held at Tokyo Disneyland from 2012 to 2018.
It was a unique event designed to evoke the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese festival.
Among its highlights, Soryo Kobu—a performance staged in front of Cinderella Castle—featured dance with a Japanese flair, blending the charm of old-fashioned festivals with Disney magic.
A simplified arrangement of the choreography uses many linear movements, making it easy to learn, and when performed in unison, it creates a powerful stage presence.
It’s a Small WorldThe Sherman Brothers
A song created as the theme for Disneyland’s signature attraction, “it’s a small world.” Its catchy melody perfectly matches the concept of riding a boat and traveling around countries across the globe.
With colorful children’s choral parts ringing out, it’s also great for kindergarten and elementary school sports days.
It’s a lively Disney tune that’s fun to enjoy just by stepping in time or clapping along to the brisk rhythm.
Try dancing to this ageless number that kids and adults alike can enjoy!
Under the SeaSebasuchan C
“Under the Sea” from the 1989 film The Little Mermaid is a song characterized by Latin rhythms.
There are choreography tutorial videos on YouTube, which makes it easy for everyone to practice together—another great point.
Also, because the tempo is relatively slow, it might be easy to incorporate as a dance for young children, such as in kindergartens and preschools.
That said, its Latin vibe that naturally lifts your spirits seems like it would fit any event!
It’s a sweets-ful time!Tokyo Dizunīrando
This is a lively dance track starring Vanellope, a character from the movie Wreck-It Ralph.
As a song themed around a world of sweets, both the music and costumes are colorful and cute.
The dancers are dressed in candy- and cake-inspired outfits, creating a fun atmosphere just by looking.
If you include it in recreational activities or a school sports day program, it’s sure to send kids’ excitement soaring.
Many of the choreographed moves are light and in sync with the rhythm, making them easy to learn.
Since there’s also a narrative element in the background, adding creative touches to the costumes and staging will produce a cohesive, unified performance.