RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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!

Entrance music / March / Marches (41–50)

Opening DeclarationNovelbright

Novelbright – Opening Declaration [Official Music Video]
Opening DeclarationNovelbright

An encouraging song that helps you take a step toward your dreams and hopes was born in April 2021 from the major 1st album “Kaimaku Sengen.” With a bright, powerful melody and a passionate spirit like the sun shining in the wide sky, this work is a fervent message song crafted by Novelbright.

In 2022, it was selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s nationwide high school dance club support project, “Dance ONE Project ’22” on the program Sukkiri, powerfully backing the challenging spirit of young people.

It’s a song that gently pushes the backs of everyone uniting their hearts—whether for field day events, sports festivals, or cheer battles.

Entrance Songs · Processional · Marches (51–60)

Stand Out Fit InONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: Stand Out Fit In [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
Stand Out Fit InONE OK ROCK

This is a highly message-driven song that powerfully sings about the importance of staying true to yourself.

Included on the album “Eye of the Storm,” it features a polished sound that embraces pop rock and electropop with a global market in mind.

It’s a track that, with every listen, draws out the potential hidden in your heart, and its refreshingly exhilarating ONE OK ROCK–style melody is deeply stirring.

Released in November 2018, it was also used as the theme song for the global campaign “Go, Vantage Point.” by the world-renowned automaker Honda.

With a tempo and dynamism perfectly suited to group gymnastics performances, along with a message that encourages students’ individuality and growth, it’s an ideal choice for BGM at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā

This is a renowned song that powerfully portrays a protagonist, burning with passion, dashing toward the future while pursuing their true self.

It resonates with the message that there’s no need to imitate anyone else, and that it’s important to let your own unique flower bloom.

The track is filled with courage and determination, urging listeners to take a step toward hope by overcoming the sorrow and pain they carry.

Released as Sambomaster’s single in August 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan.” As a song that supports the story of high school students striving toward their dreams, it deeply moved many viewers.

It’s a piece that strongly pushes the backs of those devoted to lessons and practice, and those facing hardships, giving them the courage to take a step forward.

100% CourageHikaru GENJI

The theme song of the anime Nintama Rantaro is packed with messages that boost energy and courage! Released in May 1993, the song was brought to fame by Hikaru GENJI and has since been passed down and performed by junior groups like Hey! Say! JUMP and Sexy Zone.

Its bright, positive lyrics and lively rhythm blend beautifully.

When you listen to it when you’re feeling down, discouraged, or on the verge of giving up a challenge, it mysteriously gives you a push forward.

It’s also perfect as BGM for sports days and athletic festivals, or as a dance track.

It’s a song that accompanies scenes where everyone works up a sweat together and gets absorbed in what they’re doing.

ultra soulB’z

[Wind Band Hit] ultra soul / B’z
ultra soulB'z

Released in March 2001, this is B’z’s 31st single, depicting a brilliant story of passion and challenge.

With its powerful sound and intensely passionate vocals, it’s cherished as a moving masterpiece packed with the courage to believe in your own potential.

It drew attention as the official theme song for TV Asahi’s “FINA World Championships Fukuoka 2001,” and has since been used at numerous sporting events.

Tak Matsumoto’s razor-sharp guitar work and Koshi Inaba’s soul-stirring vocals boost students’ morale during entrances and exits at school sports days and athletic festivals!

AcaciaBUMP OF CHICKEN

A song that extols the importance of friendship and bonds, it’s a moving piece that lets you feel a glimmer of hope even amid bittersweet emotions.

With its upbeat rhythm and memorable melody, it inspires listeners to look forward with positivity.

In September 2020, it became the theme song for the special Pokémon music video “GOTCHA!,” and BUMP OF CHICKEN’s warm vocals and performance captured the hearts of people across generations.

The message embedded in the encouraging, relatable lyrics makes it a perfect fit for group performances like coordinated gymnastics.

It’s recommended as a cheer song that will further elevate everyone’s spirit when uniting as one toward a common goal.

breakthroughSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Toppakō” MV (TV anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP, 2nd cour opening theme)
breakthroughSUPER BEAVER

This song expresses the power of taking on challenges through forceful vocals and a fiery band sound.

Its lyrics, which call for facing things head-on and living life to the fullest, pierce the listener’s heart.

The passionate performances by the band members and the message that inspires the courage to move forward are beautifully harmonized in this track.

Included on a single released by Sony Music Records in October 2020, it was selected as the opening theme for the second cour of the anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP.

With a powerful sound and strong messaging that epitomize SUPER BEAVER, this song is highly recommended to hype up entrance scenes at school sports days and athletic festivals.

It ignites the fighting spirit of competing athletes and stirs the hearts of the audience.