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 tournament scene (41–50)

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)
migratory bird[Alexandros]

When it comes to songs that take the excitement of intense events like relays, ball toss games, and tug-of-war to the next level, “Wataridori” tops the list.

Released in 2015 by the band [Alexandros], known for their distinctive rock sound, it has become a beloved staple at school sports days and athletic festivals.

The lyrics, themed around a bird flying endlessly, perfectly match the image of students taking on various events.

With its grand drumming and rhythmic guitar work, it’s a brisk yet passionate rock number that makes you want to start running.

Spring SwallowHey! Say! JUMP

Hey! Say! JUMP – Spring Swallow [Official Music Video]
Spring SwallowHey! Say! JUMP

Haru Tsubame, released in 2022 by the male idol group Hey! Say! JUMP, was selected as the theme song for the anime Love All Play, which portrays the youth of a high school badminton team.

The song depicts a bird soaring beyond the sky, delivering a refreshing sound that evokes a clear blue sky.

It’s an upbeat track with a bright, expansive worldview that perfectly matches a sports day where classmates and teammates give it their all.

Why not play this song—rich with their harmonies and brimming with passion and hope—at a sports day that’s sure to set hearts ablaze?

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video
Bridge of Gloryyuzu

An enduring masterpiece by Yuzu, one of Japan’s leading folk duos.

It embraces all the past pain, setbacks, and the days of steady effort spent without running away, and makes you feel proud of who you are now.

That warm yet powerful message resonates deeply with anyone striving hard.

Released as a single in July 2004, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s coverage of the Athens Olympics.

Many will remember it alongside the moving moment when Japan’s men’s gymnastics team won gold for the first time in 28 years.

Play it when practice gets tough or when the pressure before a big event feels overwhelming.

You’ll find the courage to believe that none of your steps so far have been in vain, and to keep moving forward!

We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā

Sambomaster’s raw, soul-spilling shouts are so cool, aren’t they? That signature Sambomaster vibe is alive in this song too—it hits you straight in the heart.

“Dekikkonai o Yaranakucha” is a fight song that sweeps away anxious feelings.

I bet many people have found courage in lyrics like “You can do anything.” Written for a Nissan commercial and released in 2010, it was later chosen—about eight years on—as the theme song for the drama Cheer☆Dan.

Since many people are familiar with it, it’s a perfect fit for school sports festivals and athletic meets.

Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa

This song was used as the theme for the baseball anime MAJOR, performed by Road of Major.

All of the MAJOR songs they sing have a youthful vibe that carries a touch of nostalgia, so I highly recommend them! And since they’re theme songs for a baseball anime, they’re also perfect for sports days.

Among them, this track is especially well-known, and I imagine many people love it.

Sweat, tears, and hard work—pure youth itself.

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] Bouquet for Me Official Audio
A bouquet for meAdo

This work offers a refreshing portrayal of the joys and growth of youth.

HoneyWorks’ approachable melodies blend with Ado’s powerful vocals to create a surge of positive energy.

Centered on themes of self-affirmation and gratitude, it celebrates the beauty of looking forward while cherishing the small joys in everyday life.

Released in March 2025, the song was chosen for Coca-Cola’s new commercial and will be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” scheduled for release in April of the same year.

It’s perfect for boosting motivation at school sports days and athletic festivals.

When you want to encourage yourself and take a new step forward, this track will give you the energy you need.

Miracle ~To the Future~whiteeeen

Whiteeeen - “Kiseki ~To the Future~” Full MV for the film “Aozora Nakan” (Theme Song) (Chinese Subtitles + Romaji)
Miracle ~To the Future~whiteeeen

The third single by whiteeeen.

It’s the theme song for the film adaptation of Kazune Kawahara’s shoujo manga, Aozora Yell.

A popular track that resonated with many, thanks to its diverse characters who, despite hitting various obstacles, charge straight toward their goals.

With its medium tempo, it’s better suited as background music during downtime than for use in the middle of competition.