[Youth Songs] Songs that liven up sports days and athletic festivals. Music that adds color to the event.
A school sports day is one of those events that stays in your memory as a page of youth! Working together with your teammates in competitions, getting fired up with dances and cheering battles—there’s so much excitement.
And to really liven things up, background music is essential! In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of songs that are perfect for sports day, especially ones that really capture the feeling of youth.
From refreshing melodies, to songs about friendship, to tracks that make you want to start running—these are all timeless classics packed with youthful passion.
Be sure to use them as a reference!
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- Club Activity Youth Songs: Motivational Anthems and Timeless Tracks of Memories with Teammates
- Coloring the drama of youth! Heartwarming songs perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals
- [Dance Songs] Recommended for school sports days and athletic festivals! A curated selection of popular tracks that are fun to dance to
- Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs.
- [Friendship Song] Music to hype up sports days and athletic festivals
- [Guaranteed to resonate!] Youth songs that strike a chord with teens. Recommended coming-of-age tracks.
- [Youth Anthems] A curated selection of popular and latest songs to hype up your school cultural festival
- Songs that hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]
- [Clubs, Friendship, Romance] Youth songs middle schoolers should listen to
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals
- A roundup of youth-themed songs recommended for high school students
[Youthful Songs] Tunes that amp up sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that color the stage of the competition (71–80)
Connect!Misaka Saki
This song, written as the support anthem for the 98th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, is included on Saki Misaka’s first nationally distributed EP.
It marked the first time in the tournament’s history that a current first-year high school student was selected.
Depicting bonds with teammates and the mindset of players heading into matches from the perspective of the same generation, it captured the hearts of many.
In January 2020, she performed it at Saitama Stadium 2002 before an audience of about 60,000.
Although it’s a medium-tempo ballad, its pop sensibility combines strength with warmth, gently encouraging not only those dedicated to sports but also anyone striving toward a goal together with cherished friends.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This song depicts the courage to face adversity, with a powerful rock sound and a richly projected vocal that represents modern anime.
It captures the indomitable spirit of a protagonist striving to overcome countless hardships and the strong will to protect loved ones, resulting in a striking piece.
LiSA’s vocals brilliantly convey the story’s themes.
Released in April 2019, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, became a massive hit, and earned numerous accolades, including an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Its dynamic, high-impact sound is perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, and it also works great as a rousing cheer song everyone can enjoy together.
Soldier, run.B’z
B’z, a world-renowned rock duo representing Japan.
This song, which served as the support anthem for Japan’s national rugby team, was released in May 2019.
It kicks off with a heavy, rallying “Ei, ei, oh!” chant, and its lyrics express the will and determination of men pushing relentlessly toward a farther, ultimate goal, overcoming each win and loss along the way.
It’s sure to give a powerful push to players striving to move forward.
It’s an ideal track for marquee school sports day events like the cavalry battle and the relay.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s hugely popular song “Boku no Koto,” which captures everyday scenes and feelings, is a wonderful choice for a closing ceremony.
Listening to the lyrics and melody that begin gently and quietly may bring back memories of the emotions and experiences you had throughout the sports day.
Playing it during the awards presentation could make the moment even more exciting.
Rather than focusing on winning or losing, it’s a song that conveys a sense of accomplishment for everyone’s hard work and hope for the future.
Please give it a listen.
Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā
Familiar from TV and the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, this song captures the feelings of a heartbroken man with an upbeat melody.
Its message—filled with lingering attachment to an ex, regret, and the wish to be together again—has resonated with many.
Released in October 2009, the track has spawned yearly “buzzword” versions that reflect the spirit of the times.
In fiscal 2013, it won the JASRAC Gold Award, a remarkable feat for an indie release.
It was also used in a House Foods “Mega Shaki” commercial, gaining popularity across a wide audience.
Perfect for amping up sports festivals and dance events, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike can enjoy dancing to.
GUTS !arashi
Arashi’s “GUTS!”—often used at school sports festivals—fills everyone with energy and a sense of unity the moment it starts playing, making it perfect for the closing ceremony.
It heightens the satisfaction of having taken part and the sense of accomplishment from the events, wrapping it all in an uplifting feeling.
With its lively, energetic rhythm, it’s great for ending with a group dance or some movement to enjoy that togetherness.
It might just make for a closing ceremony that leaves everyone excited for tomorrow.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
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.