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.

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!

[Youth Songs] Songs that liven up sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that color the event (1–10)

RunLittle Glee Monster

『Run』 – Little Glee Monster
RunLittle Glee Monster

It’s a youth-boosting anthem that sings about the courage to move forward and the bonds between friends.

With an exhilarating, up-tempo melody and powerful harmonies, this track stands out as a collaboration with Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1, created by Little Glee Monster in March 2025 to cheer on new first graders.

Included on the album “Ambitious,” it’s also slated to be performed on their nationwide tour.

It’s the perfect song to sing and dance to with friends at school events like cultural festivals and sports days.

We’re delivering a message song bursting with energy—one you’ll want to share with friends striving toward their dreams.

Critical HitRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Masterstroke [Official Music Video]
Critical HitRADWIMPS

This is a rock anthem packed with a grand message that resonates with young people, included by RADWIMPS in their December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to.” Riding on powerful guitar riffs and driving drum rhythms, it portrays the struggles and growth of a protagonist trying to find their own path in the midst of youth.

Its uncompromising alternative sound is brimming with energy, making it perfect for opening or closing ceremonies at school sports days.

The music video was filmed at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture and features a massive scale with 1,500 extras.

This work strongly supports students in the thick of their youth and those standing at life’s crossroads.

It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take a new step forward.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

A perfect song for anyone who wants to cherish every moment of their youth.

Released by Macaroni Empitsu in March 2019, it was written specifically for McDonald’s 500-yen value set.

The song conveys a message of loving your youth, boring days and all.

The music video features actress Nana Mori, and the scenes filmed in her hometown of Yamanashi capture the everyday moments of adolescence.

Play it at a sports day or school festival, and it’s sure to remind participants of how precious youth is.

Listening to this track will likely give you the courage to live this very moment to the fullest.

[Youth Songs] Songs that liven up sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that color the event (11–20)

VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Vertigo」
VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

This track is striking for its tense, adrenaline-charged sound and English lyrics that portray a dizzying sense of chaos.

Released by MAN WITH A MISSION in March 2025, the song sounds an alarm about a modern society where the line between right and wrong has grown blurred.

Written and composed by member Jean-Ken Johnny, it powerfully depicts people being swept up by information and desire.

It was also selected as a promotional song for the near-futuristic sci-fi mecha game “Mecha BREAK.” Blending a strong message with an energetic sound, this piece is recommended for anyone looking to fire up their spirit at school sports days or athletic festivals.

paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call

suis from Yorushika × Evan Call “Paper Airplane” [Theme song for the anime ‘Dragonite and the Mailman’]
paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call

An inspiring coming-of-age song woven from a grand orchestral sound and Suis’s transparent, crystalline vocals.

The lyrics gently express the beauty of conveying feelings through letters and the power of words, resonating deeply in our hearts.

Evan Call’s symphonic arrangement and vivid scene descriptions further enrich the work’s worldbuilding.

Released in February 2025, it drew attention as the theme song for the anime “Dragonite and the Mail Carrier.” It’s also a compelling track for sports days and athletic festivals.

Under a clear blue sky where a refreshing sense of emotion spreads, it’s a song you’ll want to hear while teaming up with friends and striving toward a shared goal.

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

Highest Point / SEKAI NO OWARI [Sports Day Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography
Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

With its original approach of turning weakness into an ally to reach greater heights, this song becomes a compelling anthem of encouragement.

It carries a positive message: by accepting and overcoming your weaknesses, you can achieve significant growth.

Coupled with SEKAI NO OWARI’s gentle yet powerful vocals and expansive arrangement, it resonates deeply with listeners.

Produced in September 2023 as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime ONE PIECE, it is also included on the album Nautilus.

It’s a track that will strongly support participants during moments of challenge at school events like sports days and athletic festivals.

As a cheer song for anyone striving toward lofty goals, it’s a work you’ll definitely want to hear.

earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

A gem of a rock number that strikingly portrays the importance of human connection and smiles arrives from SUPER BEAVER.

One person’s happiness is built through the involvement of many, and smiles spread to those around us.

This song sings about such simple, subtle feelings in straightforward words.

Its lyrics, which encourage looking warmly upon others and embracing a generous heart, resonate strongly with the emotions of youth.

Included on the February 2024 album “Ongaku” (Music), the release also features several buzzworthy tracks such as “Gradation,” the theme song for Tokyo Revengers 2.

It’s a perfect choice for school events or sports festivals, ideal for young people who want to reaffirm their bonds with friends.