RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[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!

[Youth Songs] Songs that liven up sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that color the competition setting (101–110)

Heavy rotationAKB48

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]
Heavy rotationAKB48

Beginning with a driving electric guitar and Yuko Oshima’s catchy callouts, this track stands out in idol pop for its exceptional sense of exhilaration.

Its straightforward declaration of love gives listeners a refreshing rush and stirs an irresistible urge to break into a run.

Released in August 2010, AKB48’s single, together with its music video directed by Mika Ninagawa—renowned for its vibrant, pop-infused visuals—left a lasting impression on many.

It’s perfect for moments like sports festivals and athletic events, where participants and spectators alike want to come together and get fired up.

JudgementASH DA HERO

Judgement / ASH DA HERO (TV anime 'Blue Lock' Cour 2 opening theme song)
JudgementASH DA HERO

ASH DA HERO is a five-member rock band formed around ASH, who had been active as a singer-songwriter.

Their fourth digital single, “Judgement,” which was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Blue Lock, features a thrilling rock ensemble that really amps up the energy.

Its aggressive yet cynical message is sure to ignite a fighting spirit at school sports days and athletic festivals.

With a catchy melody and a fast-paced arrangement, it’s an uplifting, crowd-pleasing tune that’s perfect for sports events.

I am the strongest.Ado

[Ado] I’m the Strongest (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)
I am the strongest.Ado

A powerful anthem of will and resolve from the film ONE PIECE FILM RED.

Released by Ado in June 2022, the song is notable for lyrics brimming with self-affirmation that wells up from deep within and heartfelt care for one’s companions.

The energetic, exhilarating rock sound crafted by Motoki Omori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and Ado’s distinctive vocals truly shine.

The song expresses the feelings of the film’s character Uta, depicting the process of acknowledging one’s own weaknesses and anxieties while overcoming them to grow stronger.

It’s a perfect track for rallying yourself at a sports day or athletic festival, or when you want to strive together with your teammates.

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.

GloriousBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Glorious -Special Movie-
GloriousBE:FIRST

A gem of a song produced as the official cheer anthem for the 102nd All Japan High School Soccer Championship.

BE:FIRST’s overwhelming vocal prowess and moving lyrics strike a chord.

This work is a youth anthem that sings of the courage to face adversity and the bonds between teammates.

Released in November 2023, it topped Tower Records’ monthly chart.

An emotional and powerful track perfectly suited to the sweat-and-tears stage of the school sports festival.

It’s a number that gives you the courage to move forward together with your friends.

BE:FIRST’s soulful vocals are sure to set your hearts ablaze!

[Youth Songs] Songs that energize sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that brighten up competition venues (111–120)

AcaciaBUMP OF CHICKEN

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.

Kaikai KitanEVE

A work by Eve that stands out for its exhilarating sound and vocals that feel like an incantation.

Centered on themes of facing oneself and the strength to overcome darkness, the song powerfully portrays the inner struggles of being human.

It opens with a heavy guitar riff and deftly depicts dark, complex emotions.

Its melodic chorus grips the listener and won’t let go.

Released in October 2020 and used as the opening theme for the first season of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, this track gives you strength when you want to steel yourself for an important match or competition, and when you want to ignite your fighting spirit together with your teammates.