[Youth Songs] Songs that liven up sports days and athletic festivals. Music that adds color to the event.
Sports day is one of those school events that stays in your memory as a page of youth! You team up with friends to tackle events, and the dances and cheering battles are sure to heat up, too.
And to amp up the excitement at sports day, music is indispensable.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of songs that are perfect for sports day, especially ones that let you really feel the spirit of youth! From tracks with refreshing melodies, to songs about friendship, to tunes that make you want to start running—these are all classics packed with youthful passion, so be sure to use them as a reference!
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[Youth Songs] Music to pump up sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that color the competition venue (61–70)
Why do we run?Nogizaka 46
This is a song by Nogizaka46 that vividly captures the dazzling glow of youth—being driven by something for no reason at all.
In response to the question of why we run and sweat, the lyrics boldly declare, “There’s no meaning,” embodying that uniquely youthful impulse where the body moves before the mind can think.
Perhaps it’s precisely because it’s sung by the 6th generation, the group’s next wave, that the words carry a genuine, unfeigned radiance.
Included on the single “Same numbers,” released in July 2025, this track is a youth pop anthem that blends coolness with an emotional resonance.
BOYKing Gnu
King Gnu has produced many tie-in songs and is loved by a wide range of generations.
The track they created as the opening theme for the anime Ranking of Kings is BOY.
It’s a pop song that sings about a boy’s straightforward determination to pursue his dreams—perfect for sports days and athletic festivals.
The sound features a cheerful, violin-driven arrangement, making it easy to get into the groove and have fun.
There’s also a key change in the latter half, which could be great to incorporate into a performance.
BlissfulBE:FIRST
An energetic uptempo track that gives you the courage to face forward.
Released as an advance single from BE:FIRST’s August 2024 album “2:BE,” it’s been drawing plenty of attention.
With its breezy rhythm and memorable melody, it’s a perfect fit for a school sports day entrance scene.
It was also featured in an ahamo commercial, carrying a message of support for young people taking on new challenges.
Its positive message and refreshing sound are sure to instantly brighten the atmosphere.
Showcasing BE:FIRST’s signature range of talents, this number is ideal for scenes where everyone comes together at a sports festival—and it’ll give you that extra push to have as much fun as you can!
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN
GReeeeN’s “Michi” has been featured in various TV shows and commercials, including as the opening theme for the music program CDTV and in the SUBARU XV commercial.
It’s an encouraging song that cheers on people striving toward goals like their dreams and future.
Some may be facing their last school sports day or festival, while others feel anxious because their future path is still unclear.
Listening to this song will surely give you courage!
to youMONGOL800
Despite never being released as a single, “Anata ni,” a signature and beloved song by MONGOL800, has been covered by many artists.
Some of you probably spent your youth with this song, right? Just hearing it brings back days spent with loved ones—it's a seishun (youth) anthem that stirs the heart.
Its fast-paced rock sound also makes it perfect for sports days and school athletic festivals.
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
“Yatte Minayo” is an arrangement of the children’s song “Picnic,” released by the band WANIMA in 2017, a group active mainly at domestic rock festivals.
It carries a straightforward kindness and compassion that teaches the importance of having the courage to take on any challenge.
Rather than focusing only on winning or losing, it conjures images of students enjoying the events at a school sports day.
With rich choral work and a driving band performance, it’s a song that elevates the excitement of a sports festival.
My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi
When it comes to Ketsumeishi’s youth anthems, “Tomo yo ~ Kono Saki mo Zutto…” tops the list.
The lyrics make you want to band together with everyone—or even break into a run—and they really hit you in the heart.
If this song plays as the BGM at a sports day or school festival, the energy instantly goes up.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants to unite as one at a sports event or deepen the bonds with their class and friends.
The friends you make in your school days are for life, so keep this song close to your heart to never forget those ties.
It’s sure to be a track that stays on the page of your youth forever.
