Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

From classics to fan favorites! A catalog of music and BGM to liven up your sports day

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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!

Vocaloid (1–10)

Ego Rocksurii

Ego Rock (long ver.) / Surii feat. Kagamine Len

Ego Rocksurii

“Egorock” is a song released in 2018 by Surii.

Beneath its energetic rhythm and catchy melody lies a message about expressing your true self without worrying about an unreasonable society or the gaze of others.

Its edgy rock sound cuts straight through and feels great to listen to! I think it’s the perfect track for going all out at a school sports festival or field day.

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Volt TackleDECO*27

DECO*27 – Volteccer feat. Hatsune Miku

Volt TackleDECO*27

Guaranteed to get you fired up! This energetic track was born from a collaboration between the Pokémon series and Hatsune Miku.

Released in September 2023, it drew attention from both Pokémon and Vocaloid fans.

Inspired by Pikachu, it features a protagonist bravely pursuing love in the lyrics—sure to give you a boost! It’s the perfect song for sports days, school festivals, and making memories with friends.

The more you listen, the more it energizes you—a true power anthem!

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Anison (11–20)

When it comes to recommended music genres for sports day BGM, anime songs are a must! There are plenty of tracks that stir your fighting spirit and songs themed around friendship—so many great picks to choose from.

We’ll introduce popular anime theme songs and insert songs, so find your favorites.

Reference article: Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival

Anison (1–10)

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSIC CLIP YouTube EDIT ver.-

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

An anime song that became a massive hit from 2019 to 2020.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Many people were surely captivated by LiSA’s pure, straightforward vocals.

The slight hint of traditional Japanese flavor is also appealing, isn’t it? That mysterious quality makes it feel even more powerful.

At school sports festivals or athletic meets, this familiar song would be perfect to aim for victory.

How about singing it together to cheer everyone on?

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OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

The opening theme of the TV anime Dandadan captivates listeners with beats that get under your skin and intelligent wordplay.

Its world built around the theme of the occult blends perfectly with a high-velocity sound, expressing—through an occult lens—the way music seizes the human heart.

The unique atmosphere, where eeriness and dynamism coexist, further accentuates the anime’s worldview.

This track is perfect for moments when you want to boost your spirits or take on a new challenge.

With Creepy Nuts’ signature powerful sound, it’s sure to energize events like sports days and athletic festivals.

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HeroYOASOBI

YOASOBI “The Brave” Official Music Video / TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” opening theme

HeroYOASOBI

A heart-thumping YOASOBI track packed tightly with passionate emotion, released in September 2023 as the opening theme for the TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.” Its powerful melody and brisk rhythm create an impression filled with hope, conveying the protagonist’s resolve to keep moving forward throughout the story.

It’s the perfect song when you want the courage to share time with precious companions and take a new step.

It will make the moments of running together and competing all the more wonderful.

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I am the strongest.Ado

[Ado] I’m the Strongest (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

I am the strongest.Ado

A powerful anthem of will and resolve from the film ONE PIECE FILM RED.

Released by Ado in June 2022, the song is notable for lyrics brimming with self-affirmation that wells up from deep within and heartfelt care for one’s companions.

The energetic, exhilarating rock sound crafted by Motoki Omori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and Ado’s distinctive vocals truly shine.

The song expresses the feelings of the film’s character Uta, depicting the process of acknowledging one’s own weaknesses and anxieties while overcoming them to grow stronger.

It’s a perfect track for rallying yourself at a sports day or athletic festival, or when you want to strive together with your teammates.

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Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet

MAN WITH A MISSION × milet “Kizuna no Kiseki” Music Video

Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet

A powerful rock sound that pierces the dark night and milet’s clear, transparent vocals make this collaboration with MAN WITH A MISSION unforgettable.

It unfolds a dramatic world of courage in the face of adversity and the bonds shared with cherished companions.

Released in May 2023, it drew attention as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc.

Portraying friends joining forces and taking steady steps toward their dreams, this track is sure to stir the heart as march music for sports festivals and field days, or as uplifting BGM for performances.

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