RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[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!

[Heated] Carefully selected songs perfect as BGM for sports day cavalry battles! (21–30)

Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” Fourth MovementAntonín Leopold Dvořák

A celebrated piece, noted for its powerful string sonorities and passionate fanfares, was premiered by Antonín Dvořák at Carnegie Hall in New York in December 1893.

With its majestic sound and exhilarating momentum that makes you want to move, this work was composed during his stay in America and was inspired by Native American music.

It has been recorded by many renowned conductors and orchestras, and was even used in Japanese commercials in the 1970s.

Popular as background music for school sports-day cheer battles and footraces, its thrilling performances ignite the entire venue.

Frequently used for ceremonies and graduations—bright, festive occasions—it’s perfect for creating memorable moments.

L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2: FarandoleGeorges Bizet

[Vasily Petrenko] Georges Bizet: Farandole, from “L’Arlésienne” Suite
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.

[Red Hot] Carefully Selected Songs Perfect for Sports Day Cavalry Battles (31–40)

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā

A heartwarming song from Sambomaster that delivers a straightforward message as a cheer anthem coloring a page of youth.

Centered on the belief in the miracle that each person can shine and the courage to start running toward it, it gently gives a push to those burdened with worries and anxieties.

Its powerful lyrics, which emphasize the importance of blooming in your own way without comparing yourself to others, resonate deeply.

Released in August 2018, it served as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama Cheer☆Dan, memorably enriching the story of high school students striving toward their dreams.

This work is recommended as a warm encouragement song that stands by people at moments like charging toward a goal with teammates at a sports festival, or taking a new first step.

GONGWANIMA

WANIMA「GONG」OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
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

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
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]

[Alexandros] – Flash (MV) Theme Song of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash
flash[Alexandros]

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.

We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā

A powerful anthem that gives you a push in those youthful moments.

Released by Sambomaster in February 2010, this song carries a warm message that boosts self-affirmation and the spirit to take on challenges.

Centered on themes of “not giving up,” “moving forward,” and “possibility,” it offers a gentle embrace for everyone’s anxieties and doubts while giving the courage to take a new step.

It has been featured in a Nissan commercial and as the image song for the film Cheer☆Dance, resonating with many hearts.

It’s a classic that students training for sports festivals, as well as anyone standing at a crossroads in life, should hear.