Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

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 tournament scene (41–50)

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

au Santaro TV commercial: “Let’s Try It” edition (60 seconds + making-of footage)

Let's give it a tryWANIMA

“Yatte Minayo” is an arrangement of the children’s song “Picnic,” released by the band WANIMA in 2017, a group active mainly at domestic rock festivals.

It carries a straightforward kindness and compassion that teaches the importance of having the courage to take on any challenge.

Rather than focusing only on winning or losing, it conjures images of students enjoying the events at a school sports day.

With rich choral work and a driving band performance, it’s a song that elevates the excitement of a sports festival.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

[Youth Songs] Songs that liven up sports days and athletic festivals. Tracks that color the competition stage (51–60)

Prefacemakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hashirigaki” MV

Prefacemakaroni enpitsu

If you’re looking for a refreshing yet bittersweet rock track that captures youthful days, “Hashirigaki” is a great pick.

Released in 2021 by Macaroni Empitsu, a band known for emotive songs that reflect the hearts of young people, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Shrouded in Mystery! The Flowers of Tenkasu Academy.

Its mellow band sound unfolds over a brisk rhythm.

It’s a coming-of-age song that turns both joyful and painful moments into memories.

If you need BGM for a sports day or school athletics festival, give it a listen.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

Dear, boyHump Back

This track by Hump Back pierces the heart with its powerful vocals and straightforward lyrics.

Released in June 2018 as their major-label debut single, it was also selected as the ending theme for “Buzz Rhythm 02” for June 2018.

Emphasizing the importance of chasing your dreams and giving you the courage to bounce back from setbacks, this song is sure to ignite your fighting spirit.

It’s a must-listen for anyone taking on new challenges or striving to make their dreams come true.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Because the sun will rise againRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Because the Sun Will Rise Again' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hi wa Mata Noboru Kara

Because the sun will rise againRyokushokushakai

A heartwarming message song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai filled with hope for a bright future.

Released in April 2022, it was chosen as the theme song for the animated film Crayon Shin-chan: The Tornado Legend of Shinobi.

Embracing sadness and loneliness as natural emotions, the lyrics portray the strength and kindness to overcome them throughout.

It’s a track that stands by the worries and doubts everyone carries—children and adults alike—and gives you the courage to look ahead.

While cherishing everyday small adventures and experiences, it gently nudges those who continue to chase their dreams.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

BlessingYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'The Blessing' Official Music Video (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Opening Theme)

BlessingYOASOBI

YOASOBI, a music duo that enjoys overwhelming support especially among younger generations, released “Shukufuku” in 2022.

It was also selected as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury.

The song carries a message of encouragement for those who move forward despite loneliness and anxiety.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced beat—perfectly suited to the never-give-up spirit of a sports day—will energize the venue.

Why not heighten the sense of unity with its electrifying electronica sound that seems to portray a passionate heart?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

My friend — now and forever...Ketsumeishi

When it comes to Ketsumeishi’s youth anthems, “Tomo yo ~ Kono Saki mo Zutto…” tops the list.

The lyrics make you want to band together with everyone—or even break into a run—and they really hit you in the heart.

If this song plays as the BGM at a sports day or school festival, the energy instantly goes up.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants to unite as one at a sports event or deepen the bonds with their class and friends.

The friends you make in your school days are for life, so keep this song close to your heart to never forget those ties.

It’s sure to be a track that stays on the page of your youth forever.

Raise the rankinglower

kinoshita ayaka

Report a problem

rayBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「ray」

rayBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN is a rock band that delivers music that gently stays close to people’s hearts.

Their 2014 release “ray” is a song that cheers on those who keep moving forward despite various hardships and worries.

Its grand yet refreshing sound, blending electronica and rock, pairs perfectly with the school sports festival, a milestone stage for students.

It’s an upbeat tune that energizes the event, where each student is the protagonist.

Be sure to listen to its warm message, which can also become a source of support for someone important to you.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem