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

Colonel BogeyKenneth Joseph Alford

Colonel Bogey — Arranged by Tetsuya Watanabe

Beloved as a staple of school sports days, this bright and friendly march was inspired by an incident on a golf course.

Composed in 1914 by British composer Kenneth Joseph Alford, it has long been popular in performances by military and concert bands.

It became known worldwide after being used in the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai and later appeared in the 1985 film The Breakfast Club.

Its melody is simple enough to whistle and familiar to almost everyone.

At sports festivals, it’s often used as an entrance or marching tune for events, making it a perfect piece to energize the entire venue.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

This is a powerful song that celebrates youthful passion and friendship, included on the album “Zankyō Reference,” released in October 2011.

Within its heavy sound that fuses metalcore and post-hardcore, ONE OK ROCK’s signature refreshing melodies shine through.

It portrays the earnest determination of young people who, carrying the bonds and memories shared with their friends, move forward into the future.

The track was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” It’s a perfect choice as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals, resonating deeply with teammates who sweat together and encourage one another.

paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call

suis from Yorushika × Evan Call “Paper Airplane” [Theme song for the anime ‘Dragonite and the Mailman’]

An inspiring coming-of-age song woven from a grand orchestral sound and Suis’s transparent, crystalline vocals.

The lyrics gently express the beauty of conveying feelings through letters and the power of words, resonating deeply in our hearts.

Evan Call’s symphonic arrangement and vivid scene descriptions further enrich the work’s worldbuilding.

Released in February 2025, it drew attention as the theme song for the anime “Dragonite and the Mail Carrier.” It’s also a compelling track for sports days and athletic festivals.

Under a clear blue sky where a refreshing sense of emotion spreads, it’s a song you’ll want to hear while teaming up with friends and striving toward a shared goal.

A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

Ukasukazy “A Victorious Smile With You” Music Video

A fusion sound of J-pop and hip-hop overflowing with youthful passion and sportsmanship.

Created by Ukasuka-G, the duo of Kazutoshi Sakurai from Mr.Children and GAKU-MC, this piece sings of the bonds between friends and the courage to take on challenges.

Its powerful message—conveying the resolve to face towering obstacles and the trust in your teammates—resonates deeply.

Released in May 2014 as a lead single from the album AMIGO, it was adopted as an official support song by the Japan Football Association and featured in various tie-ins, including Kirin’s “Japan Linking Arms” commercial song.

It’s a reliable track not only for school sports days and athletic festivals, but also for any moment when you want to strengthen teamwork or strive toward a goal together with your friends.

Tokyo Olympic MarchKoseki Yūji

Tokyo Olympic March with Fanfare, 1964

In October 1964, when a stately march resounded through the National Stadium, the piece composed by Yuji Koseki became a pivotal work that colored the first Olympic Games ever held in Asia.

Its elegant yet powerful brass sound and vibrant rhythm not only enlivened the athletes’ entrance but also stood as a symbol to the world of Japan’s postwar recovery.

Brimming with brightness and splendor befitting a festival of peace and youth, the work offers a melody of hope that only a composer who had lived through war could express.

It is truly a piece you’d want to use for a sports day opening ceremony or entrance parade—an elevated, dignified march perfect for highlighting children’s big moment on stage.

Young powerShinichi Takada

“Young Power” (National Sports Festival Song) — Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band, Concert at the 2018 Gunma Prefecture Encouragement Rally for Prospective SDF Enlistees and Trainees

This is a classic sports day staple that everyone in Japan knows, created during the postwar reconstruction period.

Composed by Shinichi Takata as a sports song to enliven the National Sports Festival venues, it is notable for its bright and powerful melody.

At the second National Sports Festival held in Kanazawa in October 1947, about 4,200 sixth-grade boys and girls performed a group routine to this piece, captivating the audience.

Since then, it has been widely loved as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals across the country.

With an up-tempo beat that makes you want to run, it was also used at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Koshien High School Baseball Exchange Games.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a march for sports days or a lively piece for group performances.

March “Beyond the K-Point”Takahashi Shinya

March “Beyond the K-Point” — Composer: Shinya Takahashi; Performance: Tokyo Ryusei Wind Orchestra; Conductor: Takao Hatakeda

A passionate and powerful wind band march adds vibrant color to any sports day.

Composed by Shinya Takahashi in 1999 as a set piece for the All Japan Band Competition, this work is named after the K-point in ski jumping.

Its charm lies in a bright, lively melody interwoven with modern harmonies that create a rich, resonant sound.

You can enjoy a commanding performance of this piece on the album “All Japan Band Competition: Reference Performances of Set Pieces 1997–1999,” recorded by the Osaka Municipal Symphonic Band (now the Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra) as a reference rendition.

From scenes of vigorous marching to the opening of the ceremony, this is a piece that shines in every moment of a sports day.

Just listening to it straightens your posture and gives you a refreshing urge to step forward—perfectly suited to the spirit of the event.