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!

Playlist

Entrance song / processional / march
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		AKB48's NHK morning drama theme song
2	Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48		AKB48’s 2013 smash hit with a bright and positive theme
3	Sounds goodM!LK		An uplifting message song whose charm lies in its gap
4	MagicMrs. GREEN APPLE		An exhilarating rock that gives you a push toward self-renewal
5	RPGSEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI's signature song, RPG
6	The calling voiceVaundy		Vaundy project theme song grand chorus
7	Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu		A big hit and one of Yuzu’s signature songs
8	SUNHoshino Gen		A signature song by Gen Hoshino. Perfect for sports days.
9	Because the sun will rise againRyokushokushakai		Crayon Shin-chan movie theme song
10	paprikaFoorin		A popular song that portrays the joy of nature and exercise
Cheering song
11	Double Double FIGHT!CANDY TUNE		Cheer on the children with a sports day cheer song
12	NonfictionsDa-iCE		Da-iCE wrote a new song to cheer for Koshien
13	Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s popular summer songs
14	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)Ofisharu Higedan Dism		An anthem for those who face themselves and move forward
15	TouchInaba Hiroshi		An athletic meet cheer song passionately sung by Hiroshi Inaba
16	peace signYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s My Hero Academia opening theme
17	Hontosumika		sumika to perform the theme song for the Doraemon movie
18	idolYOASOBI		YOASOBI's Oshi no Ko opening theme
19	BRAVEarashi		Arashi’s rugby cheer song, a powerful rock tune
20	together; along with; bothWANIMA		An upbeat cheer song perfect for a sports day
Relay race
21	TouchInaba Hiroshi		Hiroshi Inaba covers the anime song “Touch,” chosen as a WBC cheer song
22	IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s relay BGM track
23	StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE		An upbeat tune that vividly colors a new beginning
24	InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE		The rock song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE that is the opening theme of Fire Force.
25	Tontsukatan-tanKureijī Wowuwo!!		A fun dance song of Crazy Wow Wow
26	The BeginningONE OK ROCK		A powerful song that brings courage and inspiration
27	Chaotic Wacha Life!FRUITS ZIPPER		FRUITS ZIPPER will perform the opening theme song for Shin-chan.
28	I love you explosivelyM!ILK		M!LK’s universe-scale display of affection: powerful pop
29	Chu, diversity.ano		ano's brave anthem to individuality
30	Mela!Ryokushokushakai		Signature song of Ryokuoushoku Shakai, perfect for a sports day
dance song
31	Sounds goodM!LK		M!LK’s new song charms with its freshness and fun
32	So in love I’m gonna perish!M!LK		M!LK's new song is perfect for school sports festival dances
33	CharismaxSnow Man		Snow Man heat up Shibuya dancing a modern take on parapara
34	Double Double FIGHT!CANDY TUNE		CANDY TUNE’s cheer song amps up the sports day
35	NonfictionsDa-iCE		Da-iCE's youth-themed cheer song pumps up the sports day
36	MagneticILLIT		ILLIT magnet dance tune song
37	Good luck to me tomorrow.Nanawo Akari		Nanawo Akari's upbeat pop tune
38	summer squallarashi		Arashi’s summer cheer song, perfect for a sports festival dance
39	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		An up-tempo song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai for a sports day
40	Carrying HappinessMrs. GREEN APPLE		A pop tune by Mrs. GREEN APPLE for a sports festival
Tamaire / Dancing Tamaire (Ball Toss / Dancing Ball Toss)
41	PopopopoposeGReeeeN		A children’s song by GReeeeN that adults can enjoy too
42	Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken		Liven up the sports day with Matsudaira Ken’s samba hit song
43	Pecori♡NightGorie with Jasmine & Joann		Best songs for the tamaire event at a sports day
44	Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI		An encouraging song about overcoming hardships and moving forward
45	AdventureYOASOBI		A spirit of adventure and friendship enriches the heart.
46	Ebi KanicsKeroponzu		Let's get hyped with EbiKaniX
47	Che Che KuleGāna min’yō		The song from the Sapporo Fukucha commercial, a Ghanaian folk song
48	Chaotic Wacha Life!FRUITS ZIPPER		FRUITS ZIPPER will perform the opening theme song for Shin-chan.
49	I love you explosivelyM!ILK		M!LK’s universe-scale display of affection: powerful pop
50	Chu, diversity.ano		ano's brave anthem to individuality
Tug of war
51	Angel and DemonGRe4N BOYZ		Opening theme song of GRe4N BOYZ
52	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)Ofisharu Higedan Dism		The strength to overcome inner conflict and move forward
53	beat the crap out of someoneWANIMA		WANIMA's exhilarating, fast-paced band sound
54	LuminousAina ji Endo		Aina passionately sings the ONE PIECE theme song
55	IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi		Chainsaw Man theme song Kenshi Yonezu
56	Mela!Ryokushokushakai		Signature song of Ryokuoushoku Shakai, perfect for a sports day
57	LOVE 2000tsuru and kame		Iconic Movie Theme Songs: Pop Covers
58	lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE full of a sense of speed
59	New Treasure IslandSakanakushon		Sakanaction film theme song alternative
60	InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs.'s “Inferno” is perfect for tug-of-war.
cavalry battle
61	Shinsengumi! Main ThemeTakayuki Hattori		A grand musical piece that embodies the spirit of the Shinsengumi
62	Zankyo SankaAimer		Aimer’s powerful song for the Demon Slayer opening
63	single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu		King Gnu's exhilarating theme song
64	Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		A youth song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE
65	Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI		An upbeat song by SEKAI NO OWARI
66	migratory bird[Alexandros]		Watari-dori is a staple song at school sports festivals.
67	RISINGYoshida Kyōdai		Tsugaru shamisen piece for cavalry battle
68	InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE		The opening theme of Fire Force. A song packed with a sense of speed and fiery intensity.
69	SenbonzakuraWagakki Band		The fusion of Japanese and Western instruments in “Senbonzakura” invigorates the competition.
70	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		Demon Slayer opening theme song
parachute ball
71	The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster		Value your true self and keep moving forward
72	AdventureYOASOBI		YOASOBI’s Adventure Theme Song
73	Smileyuzu		A refreshing, exhilarating song themed around yuzu’s smile
74	Power of the Paradisearashi		Arashi’s 50th single, the Rio Olympics theme song
75	Under the SeaRitoru Māmeido		A cheerful song from The Little Mermaid
76	Cheer of StarlightGReeeeN		An Encouragement Song by GReeeeN
77	ParadiseNiziU		NiziU’s theme song for the Doraemon movie
78	Spring Dayaimyon		Aimyon’s pep song suitable for a sports day
79	Zoo ~Because You’re Here~zūtopia 2		Japanese promotional song for Zootopia 2
80	Because the sun will rise againRyokushokushakai		Pop-rock songs by Ryokuoushoku Shakai
giant ball rolling
81	lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE youth-themed cheer song
82	Soul RevolutionSuperfly		A powerful cheering song that takes on adversity
83	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		A song by a rock band from Kumamoto that arranged a children's song
84	Joyfulikimonogakari		Ikimonogakari, Pocky commercial song
85	Big Ball Roll ~Large Ball Rolling~aisukurīmune bāguraundo		Hot rock of Ice Cream Neverground
86	New Treasure IslandSakanakushon		Popular songs by Sakanaction for sports day
87	I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā		Sambomaster, a powerful song that pushes you forward
88	Happinessarashi		Arashi’s signature song “Happiness”: moving forward even in the face of hardship
89	CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAKageyama Hironobu		A brisk, exhilarating standard in the history of anime songs
90	Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko		Dancing Hero, a blazing track that transcends eras.
long rope jumping
91	The Zero Sense10-FEET		10-FEET's rock song as a movie theme song
92	Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts		Boosting team morale with Creepy Nuts' addictive tracks
93	Make you happyNiziU		Boost team unity with NiziU’s jump-rope dance song
94	Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI’s One Piece theme song
95	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		A song of challenge with a rock arrangement of a children's song
96	primary colorsYOASOBI		YOASOBI’s “Sangenshoku” is a song that hypes up school sports festivals.
97	migratory bird[Alexandros]		'Wataridori' by [Alexandros]. Perfect for jump rope.
98	I want to keep smiling.ikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s pop tune
99	Shineyuzu		Strengthen unity with Yuzu’s cheer song
100	R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		A signature song by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS won an award.
three-legged race
101	Full driveKANA-BOON		KANA-BOON’s exhilarating, fast-paced signature song
102	My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS		Characteristics and Appeal of RADWIMPS’ Smash-Hit Songs
103	one secondSixTONES		SixTONES' Olympic cheer song
104	Standing on stageYOASOBI		A song by YOASOBI that depicts the feelings of someone standing on stage
105	Three-legged racemisono		misono's up-tempo rock song
106	Run!Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto		Momoiro Clover Z's youthful rock song
107	Limited Expressyuzu		Yuzu’s Super Express, perfect for three-legged races at sports days
108	loveHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino’s dance-pop becomes a social phenomenon
109	Runnerbakufū suranpu		Bakufu Slump’s classic sports day song
110	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s youth-boosting pop rock
pole toppling
111	Critical HitRADWIMPS		An exam support song with RADWIMPS’s fiery energy
112	ultra soulB’z		An uplifting, fight-spirit-stirring song by B’z
113	Raise your flagMAN WITH A MISSION		Gundam theme song by MAN WITH A MISSION
114	The RumblingSiM		SiM’s metalcore is the Attack on Titan opening theme
115	Soul RevolutionSuperfly		An up-tempo tune that fires up Superfly’s fighting spirit
116	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		WANIMA's rocking cheer song
117	flash[Alexandros]		A passionate fight song from a Gundam opening theme
118	Go for it!!Urufuruzu		Heat up the venue with Ulfuls’ signature songs
119	Break the glass!Keyakizaka46		Keyakizaka46’s rock song brimming with fighting spirit
120	KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu's KICK BACK is perfect for pole toppling
mass games
121	Critical HitRADWIMPS		Introduction to RADWIMPS' youth rock songs
122	Wake up!AAA		AAA, ONE PIECE theme song, a song that supports dream-chasing
123	OrangeGReeeeN		A pop song by GReeeeN that depicts feelings of love
124	Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Que Sera Sera” is recommended for a sports day mass performance.
125	Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI		A mass performance set to a SEKAI NO OWARI song
126	sparkleFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s digital-only single, a track with outstanding rhythm
127	SignalWANIMA		WANIMA “Signal” that hypes up the sports day
128	HarukaYOASOBI		A Heartwarming Tale of a Girl and a YOASOBI Mug
129	Mela!Ryokushokushakai		A mass performance set to a song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai
130	A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki		Danceable songs by Masaki Suda
a hype song
131	STARSSnow Man		Energetic dance-pop that cheers on your dreams
132	TouchInaba Hiroshi		Koshi Inaba performs a rock cover of an anime song
133	GloriousBE:FIRST		Cheering song for BE:FIRST
134	NonfictionsDa-iCE		Da-iCE’s new song chosen as a high school baseball cheering anthem
135	StardomKing Gnu		A fiery rock song by King Gnu
136	Sounds goodM!LK		M!LK’s uplifting song has been selected as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
137	one secondSixTONES		SixTONES' Olympic support song
138	Standing on stageYOASOBI		YOASOBI's powerful sports theme song
139	Outlineimase		imase composed high school soccer championship support song
140	Absolute ProtagonistChou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu		Super Tokimeki♡Sendenbu’s Baseball Tournament Theme Song
Vocaloid
141	Dance ChinaAtena		Miku and Teto’s China-pop duet
142	Ready, set, go!Project Lumina		A rock song that sings of friendship and bonds
143	Donut holehachi		A rock song full of a sense of speed
144	Liar Dancermasarada		A message about living positively in a dance-rock song
145	OverrideYoshida Yayo		Depicting the absurdities of life in a fast-paced dance track
146	ColorfulHiiragi Magunetaito		Colorful Holly Magnetite Youth Rock
147	TelepathyDECO*27		A pop dance tune that sings about the frustration of love
148	Fire danceDECO*27		DECO*27’s sports day BGM that sings about self-transcendence
149	ULTRA CGiga & TeddyLoid		EDM tracks by Giga and TeddyLoid
150	Ego Rocksurii		A rock song that expresses your true self
anisong
151	Spurt syndromer10-FEET		Explosive Speed in the Uma Musume Opening Theme
152	IBUMP OF CHICKEN		Introduction of the anime’s ending theme song
153	Run, SAKAMOTOVaundy		A powerful band sound that gives you courage
154	cherry blossom breezebotchiboromaru		Pop rock that affirms everyday life as a treasure
155	A gaze is lightKitanitatsuya		My first love changed my values and opened my heart.
156	I love youSuiyōbi no Campanella		Anime theme song by Wednesday Campanella
157	Youth is eternalShōnan no Kaze feat. Atarashii Gakkō no Leaders		Shonan no Kaze and Shin Gakkou no Leaders team up for the first time
158	QuestAkiyama Kiiro		A rock song for sports day. By Kiro Akiyama.
159	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)Ofisharu Higedan Dism		A powerful message song that questions your true self
160	IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi		Energize the sports day with Kenshi Yonezu’s powerful rock song
Classic
161	Symphony No. 5 “Revolution,” Fourth MovementDmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich		Mood boost with Shostakovich’s symphonies
162	Galop of the ClownsDmitri Kabalevsky		About Kabalevsky's suite The Comedians
163	William Tell OvertureGioachino Rossini		Rossini’s overture is used at sports days.
164	Csikos PostHermann Necke		The famous piece by Hermann Necke often played at sports festivals
165	Heaven and HellJacques Offenbach		Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, famous at school sports festivals
166	Baroque HoedownJean Jacques Perrey		Electronic music from a Moog synthesizer is the theme song of a Disney parade
167	March “Beyond the K-Point”Takahashi Shinya		The appeal of brass band marches that liven up sports days
168	Colonel BogeyKenneth Joseph Alford		A British composer's march is a staple at sports days.
169	The EntertainerScott Joplin		Bright and dynamic jazz piano piece
170	Sports MarchMayuzumi Toshirō		A march composed by Toshiro Mayuzumi that’s a staple of sports broadcasts
Disney song
171	Brand new dayTōkyō Dizunī Rizōto		Beginner-friendly dance to the Disney 35th anniversary commemorative song
172	Refreshing and invigoratingDizunī		Japanese-style dance of the Disney Summer Festival
173	It’s a Small WorldThe Sherman Brothers		Small World theme song
174	Under the SeaSebasuchan C		Introduction to The Little Mermaid’s songs
175	It’s a sweets-ful time!Tokyo Dizunīrando		A pop dance song by Vanellope for children
176	BarararararararaTōkyō Dizunī Rizōto		A fun sports day dance to the Baymax song
177	Living in ColorChantry Johnson and Dewain Whitmore		Children dance to a Disney 40th anniversary commemorative pop song
178	UsatamaTokyo Dizunīrando		Introduction to Disney Easter Songs
179	Dreaming UpTokyo Dizunīrando		A bright song for Disney’s 35th anniversary parade
180	Jamboree Mickey! Let’s DanceTōkyō Dizunī Rizōto		Kids' Dance Theme Song at Disneyland
Western music BGM
181	LosTBring Me The Horizon		The new song by the British rock band BMTH
182	APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars		Expressing the exhilaration of a party and the sweet feelings of romance
183	24K MagicBruno Mars		Music that expresses the purity of gold and the tone of victory
184	Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan		Expressing self-liberation through an exhilarating pop tune
185	EspressoSabrina Carpenter		Sabrina’s smash hit expresses confidence and charm
186	A Bar Song (Tipsy)Shaboozey		A smash hit that fused country and hip-hop
187	Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira		The official song of the Soccer World Cup, a masterpiece that thrilled the world
188	greedyTate McRae		Tate McRae’s R&B/pop song
189	Made You LookMeghan Trainor		A singer who lives true to themselves without worrying about their body shape
190	Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas		A masterpiece that sampled a surf rock track