[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 to liven up sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that color the competition setting (151–160)
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
It’s a coming-of-age anthem packed with a burning desire to become a hero.
Born from a pure wish to help the precious friends right in front of you, the song vividly portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they overcome doubt and inner conflict, believe in themselves, and take a step forward.
Included on the June 2020 album “SINGALONG,” it became a signature song for Ryokuoushoku Shakai.
In 2023, it turned into a massive hit, surpassing 300 million streams.
It’s the perfect track for school and culture festivals, giving you the courage to carve out your own story while holding onto your brightest memories.
far awayASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is a rock band known for headlining major music festivals in Japan.
Among their early masterpieces beloved by a wide range of generations is Haruka Kanata.
It’s included on their 2002 release Houkai Amplifier and was used as the second opening theme for the anime NARUTO.
The track is a heavy, high-energy number, and Masafumi Gotoh’s emotional vocals in the chorus are truly moving.
Be sure to listen to this timeless rock band’s song at your school sports day or athletic festival—perfect for getting the entire student body pumped up.
GO!!!FLOW
This song by the rock band FLOW was also used as a theme song for the anime Naruto, so even though it’s a bit old, I imagine many current students still know it.
The crisp guitar sound is exhilarating, and its sense of speed makes it perfect for events like relay races! The lyrics, which push you to keep taking on challenges even on a rough road, are the essence of youth—truly an upbeat youth anthem!
REASONyuzu
Reason, released in 2013 by Yuzu, a folk duo with nationwide fame.
The song portrays moving forward toward dreams and goals together with someone important.
Its message offers strength when you feel like you might lose or give up while taking on competitive challenges.
Their emotional vocals, carried by an electronic soundscape rich in tones, convey that sentiment.
It’s a fight song that gives you a reason to keep going and push ahead.
Be sure to check out this energetic track that will fire up any sporting event.
The First Steprakkuraifu
“Hajime no Ippo,” released in 2016 by Luck Life, a rock band known for creating numerous anime songs, is a track that portrays the courage and hope of stepping into a new world.
It carries a message of encouragement for various sports day events tackled together with friends and teammates.
The driving, upbeat band performance conveys a refreshing energy that blows away worries and anxieties.
With lyrics about passion and friendship and a beat that makes you want to start running, this rock number colors a page of youth.
Be sure to check out its sound, perfectly matched to a sports day held under clear, sunny skies.
Believe in yourselfAbe Mao
This is a song by Mao Abe, a female singer-songwriter who enjoys overwhelming support from younger generations, featuring passionate, straightforward lyrics that truly move you.
It also made waves as the theme song for NHK Educational TV’s sports anime Baby Steps, which centers on tennis.
Its versatility is remarkably broad, making it suitable for virtually any scene and usable in a variety of situations!
[Youth Songs] Songs that liven up sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that color the stage of the competition (161–170)
DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE
This song expresses the courage and strong will to pursue one’s dreams.
Released in August 2020, it was selected as the 23rd opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.
As the first installment of Da-iCE’s six-month consecutive release plan, it was created with a focus on the theme of “vision.” The lyrics, written by Sota Hanamura, are notable for their powerful message.
The song celebrates the spirit of adventure in taking on unknown worlds with your friends and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Conveying the value of moving forward without being defeated by adversity, this track is sure to encourage everyone taking on events at sports days and athletic festivals together with their teammates!