[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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[Heated] Carefully selected songs perfect as BGM for sports day cavalry battles! (21–30)
In a Persian marketAlbert William Ketèlbey

This piece features music and scene painting rich with exotic flair.
From the caravan’s arrival and a beggar’s plea to the entrance of a beautiful princess and the call to prayer, it unfolds like a grand orchestral story.
The bustling marketplace, depicted through exotic melodies and rhythms, and the princess’s elegant theme carried by clarinet and cello, brim with musicality that sparks the listener’s imagination.
Composed by Albert William Ketèlbey and released in 1920, it became a major hit, selling over one million copies of sheet music by the end of the 1920s.
In actual school sports festivals, it has been used for opening ceremonies and entrance marches, and is loved for lifting participants’ spirits.
Its brilliant, energetic atmosphere makes it a recommended choice for anyone looking to enliven a sporting event.
ultra soulB’z

This single, released in March 2001, is an uplifting anthem delivered with a powerful rock sound and a message that strikes straight to the heart.
It conveys encouragement to those striving toward their dreams, depicting the emotions that waver between hope and disappointment, as well as the courage to challenge one’s own limits.
It’s a track where B’z’s signature sense of speed and Koshi Inaba’s dynamic vocals blend seamlessly.
The song was continuously selected as the official theme for the World Aquatics Championships from 2001 to 2024, becoming a staple that energizes the sports scene.
It’s also highly recommended as a cheer song for school sports days and athletic festivals, boosting participants’ morale and uniting everyone in excitement.
[Red Hot] Carefully Selected Songs Perfect for Sports Day Cavalry Battles (31–40)
L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2: FarandoleGeorges Bizet

This is a powerful piece based on a traditional festive dance from the Provence region of France.
It also incorporates local Christmas carols, achieving a splendid fusion of brilliant, majestic melodies and vibrant, dynamic rhythms.
Georges Bizet’s incidental music for the play “L’Arlésienne,” premiered at the Théâtre du Vaudeville in Paris in October 1872, ended after 21 performances; however, this work was later published in 1879 as part of a suite compiled by his friend Ernest Guiraud.
It’s a familiar piece that was also used in Disney’s educational series “Little Einsteins,” making it a perfect choice as background music for sports day marches or during competitions.
With its sense of drive and exhilaration, it’s an energetic tune that naturally makes you want to move.
GONGWANIMA

Starting with a powerful intro where the guitar riff rings out, this fiery track from WANIMA delivers a exhilarating rock sound and an empowering message that resonates deeply.
Released in July 2019 as the theme song for the feature-length anime One Piece: Stampede, the song portrays the feelings of adventurers sailing across vast seas, emphasizing a strong will to face hardships and the importance of bonds with comrades.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you give it your all and step up to the challenge—or when you want to shout out and push yourself forward.
together; along with; bothWANIMA

This song features a powerful, passionate vocal performance and a striking rock sound.
Its uplifting message encourages pushing forward through setbacks and anxiety, and the melody that sings of friendship and gratitude resonates deeply.
Released in August 2016, it was featured in a NIVEA Kao “8×4” commercial, capturing many hearts with its energetic sound and meaningful lyrics.
During production, the Kumamoto earthquakes occurred, and that experience imbued the song with reflections on the preciousness of life and love for one’s hometown, making it a profound piece.
This track is perfect not only for tug-of-war at school sports festivals, but also for moments when you want to work hard with someone, take on challenges as a team, or find the courage to move forward.
flash[Alexandros]
![flash[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xfG6L9I7N8I/sddefault.jpg)
Centered on powerful guitar riffs and an exhilarating rock sound, [Alexandros]’s theme song paints an epic story.
Released in May 2021, the track brilliantly captures the world of the theatrical anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway.
Its lyrics—laden with deep messages about hope for the future born from past pain and dialogues with one’s inner voice—are a perfect fit for scenes like a tug-of-war at a sports day, where fighting spirit burns.
The driving sound and empowering message will strengthen team unity and serve as a reliable ally when aiming for victory.
Heaven and HellOfufenbakku

Its exhilarating melody and lively rhythm make it perfect for a sports day finale.
Born in 19th-century France, this work originated from a story that satirically portrays the absurdities of human society through the gods of Olympus.
With its catchy phrases—familiar to almost everyone—and a performance full of vitality, it puts listeners in a joyful mood.
Premiered in Paris in October 1858, it went on to achieve 228 performances by the following year.
Since then, it has continued to be performed worldwide and used in a variety of settings.
The melodic line, in harmony with the rhythm of running footsteps, will create impeccable timing as an exit march for school sports festivals and athletic meets.



