[Youth Songs] Songs that liven up sports days and athletic festivals. Music that adds color to the event.

AcaciaBUMP OF CHICKEN

Acacia

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.

Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK

Kimisidai Train

It’s a powerful track packed with a passionate message centered on self-improvement and moving forward.

It directly appeals to the importance of stepping into the future built on past experiences, delivering a heartfelt message alongside emotional sounds.

The driving beats and well-timed dynamic shifts create an intensity that powerfully stirs listeners.

The song was included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011.

It’s known as a staple at ONE OK ROCK’s live shows, igniting the crowd and fostering a strong sense of unity in the venue.

For those facing a challenge or looking to reflect on themselves, this song will be a dependable ally that gives you a push forward.

Ten Thousand Cheers, A Thousand ChantsRADWIMPS

Banzai Sensho

This is a song by RADWIMPS created together with a thousand 18-year-olds for a special NHK program.

It carefully depicts, like a single story, the dreams and anxieties of young people and their forward-looking steps into the future, resulting in an energetic, stirring anthem of encouragement.

Included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, it became a much-talked-about gem in 2018.

Born from the passionate feelings of the youth involved, the piece was also performed on RADWIMPS’ nationwide ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019.

As a song that colors energetic scenes where large groups move as one—like at sports festivals or group gymnastics—it naturally envelops the venue in a positive atmosphere.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

It’s a friendly, feel-good cheer song that almost everyone has heard at least once.

Unusual among SHISHAMO’s works, it was created based on the excitement felt while watching a match of the soccer team Kawasaki Frontale.

Released in February 2017 as a track on the album “SHISHAMO 4,” it gained wide recognition through its tie-in with an NTT Docomo commercial.

Singing about the joy of meeting your dream heroes on the weekend and the energy you get from it, the song features warm lyrics that convey the support around you and hope for the future.

Even in tough or discouraging times, it’s a stirring track that gives you the courage and strength to look forward, and it resonates in moments when you step forward with power—such as the entrance at a sports day or the opening of a school athletic festival.

breakthroughSUPER BEAVER

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

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.

Friends Friends FriendsMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Friends Friends Friends

A warm, heartwarming song themed around eternal friendship.

Momoiro Clover Z delicately conveys encounters and farewells, and the importance of irreplaceable bonds with their nuanced vocals.

The melody gently embraces feelings not only of friendship, but also for that special someone you think of—be it a lover or family.

Included on the album “Hydra,” this work is an anniversary song released in May 2024 to commemorate the group’s 15th anniversary.

It’s a song provided by singer-songwriter Ryujin Kiyoshi, his first contribution in about eight years, beautifully expressing his distinctive worldview.

Recommended as a finale-ending song for school and cultural festivals, and as a memorable track shared with friends and companions.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

An uplifting anthem that gently stays by your side and gives you a push forward, dedicated to everyone who feels anxiety and uncertainty in their youth.

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature emotional, catchy melody and strongly affirmative lyrics that boost self-esteem will resonate in your heart.

Released in January 2025, this song was written for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” and featured a special performance with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.

It’s a track to listen to when you feel like you’re losing your sense of self or want a chance to face your true self.

Sing it with your friends on a school festival stage, and it will surely become an unforgettable memory.