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!
Entrance Music / Processional / March (1–10)
Speaking of the first item on a sports day program, it’s the opening ceremony.
And for the opening ceremony, isn’t it common for each class or team to march into the venue? The entrance march performed in unison to music—your sports day has already begun from that very moment! Also, BGM is indispensable for the entrances and exits for each event.
First, let me introduce songs that are perfect for marches and for entering and exiting the field! Focusing on classic marches, we’ve gathered familiar, sports-day-style tunes.
Reference article: [March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneNEW!AKB48
This is a song by the nationally popular idol group AKB48.
Released in December 2015 as a coupling track on their 42nd single, “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” it resonated across the country as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Asa ga Kita.
Set to the warm tones of acoustic guitar, it gently sings about the importance of moving forward at your own pace.
It’s familiar to a wide range of generations, so I think the entire venue will be wrapped in a warm atmosphere.
Fortune Cookie in LoveNEW!AKB48
It’s a smash-hit single by AKB48, released in August 2013, that almost everyone has probably heard at least once.
Set to a sound heavily influenced by 80s disco, it carries a bright theme about turning your luck around by staying positive, even on tough days.
Its bouncy four-on-the-floor rhythm and warm melody make it perfect for entrance marches at school sports days and athletic festivals.
It’s an energizing pop tune we highly recommend for anyone who wants to walk across the field with a big smile.
Sounds goodNEW!M!LK
This is a captivating track whose sparkling, classic pop melody suddenly shifts midway, creating an appealing contrast.
It carries a bright message that wholeheartedly affirms your true self and gives listeners a positive boost.
Included as the lead track on M!LK’s album “M!Ⅹ,” released in March 2025, the song drew attention after being selected as the entrance march for the 98th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
Its snappy, toe-tapping rhythm makes it perfect for entrance processions at sports days and athletic festivals!
MagicNEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE
It’s a refreshing rock tune with a strong summer-anthem vibe.
Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in June 2023, it was written for Coca-Cola’s “Coke STUDIO” campaign song and TV commercial.
The song carries a message that gives you a push to take a step toward self-renewal.
With its exhilarating chorus and brisk four-on-the-floor dance beat, it’s perfect for situations like bright, upbeat entrance marches at sports days and school athletic festivals!
RPGNEW!SEKAI NO OWARI
When it comes to SEKAI NO OWARI’s signature songs, many people probably think of “RPG.” Released as a single in May 2013, it became a huge hit as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-class Gourmet Survival!!.
Its powerful, marching-style rhythm featuring a bass drum and hand cymbals naturally lifts the listener’s spirits.
Perfect for the entrance march at sports days or athletic festivals where you take on challenges with your friends!
The calling voiceNEW!Vaundy
It’s an inspiring number resounding with a grand, large-scale chorus.
Created as the theme song for NHK General’s project “18 Festival,” it’s a track by Vaundy released in December 2025.
It was performed on the program together with 1,000 young people.
Its anthem-like magnificence—everyone’s voices layered together—is truly captivating.
Starting quietly, it gradually gathers heat, then surges into an emotional explosion toward the chorus, setting your heart ablaze.
Give this song a listen when you want your whole class or team to unite their hearts and move forward together!
Rain, then Sunshine HallelujahNEW!yuzu
This song features a warm sound where trumpet and melodica layer over a beautiful melody.
Released as a single in November 2013, it became a huge hit as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Gochisosan,” brightening living rooms across the country.
With a theme of overcoming hardships and looking forward, it gives listeners a powerful push from behind.
As one of Yuzu’s signature songs loved by all generations, it’s a perfect fit not only for school events but also for community gatherings.