[Blazing] Carefully selected tracks perfect as BGM for cavalry battles at sports festivals!
Kibasen (cavalry battle), where teams of three to five form a “horse,” and the rider tries to snatch a hat or sash from riders on other “horses.” It’s a classic sports day event that gets not only the participants but also the spectators fired up, with battles as heated as those of samurai in the Warring States period! In this article, we introduce songs that are perfect for kibasen.
Drawing on the horseback theme, we’ve picked tracks from various genres—from theme songs of historical dramas depicting the lives of samurai, to sports day staples, to J-pop that fills you with energy just by listening.
Use this as a reference!
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[Red-Hot] Carefully Selected Songs Perfect for Sports Day Cavalry Battle BGM! (11–20)
KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi
This is a Kenshi Yonezu track characterized by roller-coaster-like, dramatic key changes and a driving, high-speed rhythm.
Written specifically as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man, it was released digitally in October 2022 and followed by a CD single the next month.
The lyrics, which sing of hard work and a forward-looking attitude toward the future, give listeners courage and hope.
Its fast-paced beat and powerful message are perfect for amping up a school sports day’s cavalry battle, sure to fire up the kids as they take on the competition.
Soldier, run.B’z
B’z, a world-renowned rock duo representing Japan.
This song, which served as the support anthem for Japan’s national rugby team, was released in May 2019.
It kicks off with a heavy, rallying “Ei, ei, oh!” chant, and its lyrics express the will and determination of men pushing relentlessly toward a farther, ultimate goal, overcoming each win and loss along the way.
It’s sure to give a powerful push to players striving to move forward.
It’s an ideal track for marquee school sports day events like the cavalry battle and the relay.
William Tell OvertureGioachino Antonio Rossini
With its majestic melody and driving rhythms, this piece unmistakably evokes a cavalry battle at a sports festival.
Premiered in 1829 as the overture to Rossini’s William Tell, it remains beloved by many today.
The finale in particular is a powerful passage that conjures the image of galloping horses, making it a perfect BGM for a mock cavalry charge.
It’s also famous as the theme for the TV series The Lone Ranger.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to energize a school sports day or to heighten the excitement of a heated competition.
We Will Rock YouQueen
This track features a powerful beat that almost sounds like galloping hooves.
It’s a perfect fit that evokes the intensity of a cavalry battle.
Known as one of Queen’s signature songs, it was released in July 1977.
There’s even an anecdote that it was composed with the image of a stadium crowd clapping along.
Its simple yet memorable rhythm is sure to heighten the excitement at the decisive moments of a cavalry match.
If you’re on a school sports day committee and struggling to pick BGM, give this a try.
Playing it as background music will definitely lift participants’ spirits.
Carmen PreludeGeorges Bizet
A powerful and energetic piece that conveys the passion of Europe.
Known as the prelude to Bizet’s masterpiece Carmen, it premiered in Paris in March 1875.
Although it received some critical reviews at the time, it has since become a beloved classic around the world.
Its brilliant, lively character makes it perfect for a school sports-day cavalry battle! The bold rhythm heightens the excitement of competition.
Play it before the event or during the match, and it’s sure to fire up both participants and spectators.
This piece will give you a strong push as you engage in a heated contest.
Soul RevolutionSuperfly
Superfly’s song, which served as the theme for the TV drama “GOLD” and was selected as NHK’s soccer theme in 2010, fired up the FIFA World Cup.
The song conveys a powerful message: believe in your own strength, forge a path toward an unseen future and an unknown world, and move forward when you feel it’s right.
It’s a message well-suited to the cavalry battle, the most grueling event at a school sports festival.
This is a track that shares its strength with both the athletes and the cheering squads.
[Heated] Carefully selected songs perfect as BGM for sports day cavalry battles! (21–30)
Galop of the ClownsDmitri Kabalevsky
Composed by Dmitry Kabalevsky, this piece is characterized by its cheerful and dynamic melody.
The rhythmic music vividly evokes the lively antics of clowns and energizes listeners.
Arranged by Kabalevsky himself in 1940 as part of a concert suite, it has become a staple at school sports days.
Of course, it’s also perfect as background music for the cavalry battle event.
Let’s use its spirited tempo to boost everyone’s enthusiasm for the competition!