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

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

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.

Beloved daysyangusukinii

Young Skinny – Oh, Beloved Days [Official Music Video]

It’s a song by Young Skinny themed around youth and friendship.

Its charm lies in the poetic depiction of growth, change, and how we face the past from a young person’s perspective.

Feelings you couldn’t understand before become clear to you now—haven’t we all had that experience? It’s included on their major-label first EP, “If We Could Find Happiness in Anything,” released in September 2023.

Listen to it with your friends, and it’s sure to deepen your bonds.

It’s also a perfect track for anyone looking to fire up the excitement at a sports day or school athletics festival.

Curtain callYuuri

My Hero Academia Season 7, Cour 2 OP Non-Credit Video / OP Theme: “Curtain Call” by Yuuri

Yuri’s “Curtain Call,” filled with heartfelt passion, is a moving song that celebrates the brilliance of friendship and youth.

Its powerful rock sound and emotionally resonant lyrics perfectly capture the heated atmosphere of school sports days and athletic festivals.

Released in July 2024, the track gained attention as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime My Hero Academia.

It’s a song we’d love everyone to hear as they sweat alongside their teammates and etch a page of their youth.

Embracing the importance of friendship and bonds, it cheers you on to enjoy everything with all your might—an upbeat tune that’s perfect for a sports day.

BetelgeuseYuuri

Yuuri “Betelgeuse” Official Music Video

This song, inspired by the stars in the night sky, features a heartwarming and beautiful melody.

Yuri’s clear, transparent vocals gently sing of the precious bonds between people and everlasting love.

The melody gradually swells, and in the chorus she deftly switches between powerful belts and delicate falsetto, weaving a grand, expansive sound.

Released as a digital single in November 2021, the track was written as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “SUPER RICH.” It captured many listeners’ hearts, including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs chart.

For a group gymnastics performance, the lyrics’ worldview—expressing human connection and mutual support—and the song’s dramatic development are a perfect match, elevating the routine into something truly moving.

GUTS !arashi

ARASHI – GUTS ! [Official Music Video]

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.

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WinnerShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze 'Winner' MUSIC VIDEO

While it’s quintessentially a Shonan no Kaze summer tune, it’s also an unbeatable fit as a friendship anthem that boosts morale.

It suits both guys going all-out for the win and girls shining with full-on passion, and its catchy vibe makes it perfect for everyone to get hyped together.

Runnerbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump - Runner (High Quality)

It’s a classic tune that’s been played at countless sports days from long ago to today.

You also hear it often as background music on TV shows.

The chorus never loses its luster and leaves a strong impression on listeners—it’s undeniably powerful.

Since friendship and bonds matter most in school events that get you moving, I hope this song lifts everyone’s spirits and helps strengthen their friendships.