[Sports Day BGM] Carefully selected classic standards and popular hit songs perfect for the closing ceremony

Tokyo Olympic MarchKoseki Yūji

Tokyo Olympic March with Fanfare, 1964

In October 1964, when a stately march resounded through the National Stadium, the piece composed by Yuji Koseki became a pivotal work that colored the first Olympic Games ever held in Asia.

Its elegant yet powerful brass sound and vibrant rhythm not only enlivened the athletes’ entrance but also stood as a symbol to the world of Japan’s postwar recovery.

Brimming with brightness and splendor befitting a festival of peace and youth, the work offers a melody of hope that only a composer who had lived through war could express.

It is truly a piece you’d want to use for a sports day opening ceremony or entrance parade—an elevated, dignified march perfect for highlighting children’s big moment on stage.

Young powerShinichi Takada

“Young Power” (National Sports Festival Song) — Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band, Concert at the 2018 Gunma Prefecture Encouragement Rally for Prospective SDF Enlistees and Trainees

This is a classic sports day staple that everyone in Japan knows, created during the postwar reconstruction period.

Composed by Shinichi Takata as a sports song to enliven the National Sports Festival venues, it is notable for its bright and powerful melody.

At the second National Sports Festival held in Kanazawa in October 1947, about 4,200 sixth-grade boys and girls performed a group routine to this piece, captivating the audience.

Since then, it has been widely loved as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals across the country.

With an up-tempo beat that makes you want to run, it was also used at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Koshien High School Baseball Exchange Games.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a march for sports days or a lively piece for group performances.

BetelgeuseYuuri

Yuuri “Betelgeuse” Official Music Video

This song, inspired by the stars in the night sky, features a heartwarming and beautiful melody.

Yuri’s clear, transparent vocals gently sing of the precious bonds between people and everlasting love.

The melody gradually swells, and in the chorus she deftly switches between powerful belts and delicate falsetto, weaving a grand, expansive sound.

Released as a digital single in November 2021, the track was written as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “SUPER RICH.” It captured many listeners’ hearts, including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs chart.

For a group gymnastics performance, the lyrics’ worldview—expressing human connection and mutual support—and the song’s dramatic development are a perfect match, elevating the routine into something truly moving.

Humoresque in G-flat major, Op. 101 No. 7Antonín Dvořák

Dvořák: Humoresque in G-flat major, Op. 101 No. 7

Antonín Dvořák, a Czech composer and a pioneer of the Czech national school, is widely known for his powerful Symphony No.

9 in E minor, Op.

95, B.178, “From the New World.” While that piece has strongly shaped his image, he also left many works with gentle, flowing melodies, such as Humoresque in G-flat major, Op.

101 No.

7.

Its soothing tune, as if embracing a weary body, would surely suit a closing ceremony where you want to cool down.

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Yuuki

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El CapitanJohn Philip Sousa

El Capitan / J.P. Sousa

This is a bold marching piece with a dazzling, buoyant melody that is highly appealing.

Originating from an operetta, it evokes a grand atmosphere that conveys the courage and determination of the protagonist, leader of a rebel army.

Premiered in 1896, it remains one of John Philip Sousa’s most popular works and is beloved as a staple for wind ensembles and military bands.

It also drew attention in Japan, having been selected as the required piece for the workplace division at the 4th All-Japan Band Competition in 1956.

It is perfect for scenes that call for a solemn ambiance, such as entrance marches at sports festivals or award ceremonies.

Combining strength and elegance, this work offers a bracing, uplifting experience that makes listeners sit up straight.

paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call

suis from Yorushika × Evan Call “Paper Airplane” [Theme song for the anime ‘Dragonite and the Mailman’]

This is a grand message song by Yorushika’s suis and Evan Call, where the feelings conveyed through a letter are expressed with an orchestra and a clear, translucent vocal.

Its melody gently embraces both the importance and the difficulty of delivering words to someone, resonating deeply in the heart.

Released in February 2025, it was chosen as the theme song for the anime “Dragonite and the Mail Carrier,” which premiered around the same time.

Two versions were produced— a Japanese version by Ameko Kodama and an English version by Evan Call—carrying the power and potential of words across borders.

It’s recommended as a memorable finale song for school and cultural festivals, and for anyone holding dear feelings for someone special.

Gate of GloryHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Door of Glory (Music Video)

The song that will liven up the sports day, where students showcase the results of all their hard practice, is “Eiko no Tobira” (“Door to Glory”).

It was released in 2022 by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai and was also chosen as a cheer song for the summer high school baseball tournament.

His warm vocals, which gently accompany feelings of doubt and anxiety, resonate deeply.

The words that cheer on the days devoted to preparing for competitions and matches will surely encourage the athletes.

It’s a piece that portrays not only wins and losses, but the beauty of striving itself.

Alongside its grand, unfolding sound, lend an ear to the message that supports students on their big day.

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mutō

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