[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!
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[Youth Songs] Songs that enliven sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that color the competition setting (141–150)
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu, written as the opening theme for the figure-skating anime “Medalist” and released in January 2025.
With a melody full of drive and a powerful sound, it brilliantly captures the exhilaration of the moment you surge toward your goal.
Centered on themes of mutual support and the courage to take on challenges, the piece likens achieving one’s goals to a “bow and arrow.” Used as BGM for a relay at a school sports day, it would not only fire up the runners but also draw passionate cheers from the crowd.
sparkleFuji Kaze
This is Mr.
Fujii Kaze’s sixth digital-only single, released in May 2021 by HEHN RECORDS/Universal Music.
It was also used in the commercial for Honda’s fully redesigned VEZEL, so many people have likely heard it.
With its comfortable rhythm, it’s one of the tracks well-suited to mass formation performances where formations change in sync with the timing.
In addition, the song’s uniquely refreshing and near-futuristic feel seems poised to add contrast and dynamism to a sports day event.
If I sing to the sky175R
When it comes to bands that represent 2000s youth punk, 175R is at the forefront.
They’re known for songs that are passionate yet tinged with melancholy.
Among their signature tracks—and a perfect fit for school sports days—is “Sora ni Utaeba.” Released in 2003, the song was featured in a commercial for J-PHONE.
It’s an uptempo number with a classic guitar sound.
SHOGO’s emotional flow in the pre-chorus (B-melody) is sure to stir your heart.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a track to hype up class-versus-class events.
HeiwajimaB-DASH
If you want to liven up a sports day or school athletics festival with a passionate, groovy track, “Heiwajima” is highly recommended.
Released in 2002 by B-DASH, a band known for their punkish sound infused with ska and pop, the song features strikingly airy, alternative guitar rock.
While the band is known for their unique lyrics that are neither in Japanese nor English, this track resonates with emotional lyrics themed around “youth.” How about cranking up the venue’s energy with punk rock that blows the heat away?
TwinsCHiCO with HoneyWorks
A friendship song by the hugely popular creator unit HoneyWorks.
Many women will likely relate to the lyrics that depict friendship between girls.
Surely there are many who feel that the best friends they spent their school days with are friends for life.
This brightly arranged, up-tempo piano-rock style track is full of energy and, in my opinion, perfectly suited for a sports day.
Brand-New MyselfCharcoal Filter
If you’re looking for a song that captures the energetic spirit of youth, “Brand-New Myself” is highly recommended.
This track is known as a signature song by the rock band Charcoal Filter, released in 2002.
It was also featured in a commercial for Otsuka Beverage’s “MATCH.” The song boasts a refreshing melody line reminiscent of American power pop.
Its brisk guitar rock will liven up any event, from ball toss to tug-of-war.
Give it a listen—it’s the perfect number to kick off a sports day or school athletic festival.
COLORSFLOW
FLOW is a band that has led the rock scene since the 2000s and has even made inroads overseas.
They are also known for performing numerous anime theme songs.
Among their tracks, the one that fits a sports festival perfectly is “COLORS.” Released in 2006, this song was used as the first opening theme for the anime Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.
Its orchestral sound pulses over a disco-style rhythm.
It’s a heartfelt message song themed around “being yourself.” It’s sure to cheer on anyone participating in any event at a school sports day or athletic festival.