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Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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

After working up a sweat and experiencing both joy and frustration, the sports day comes to a close with the closing ceremony, where the winning team and top performers are honored and final remarks are given.

In this article, we introduce songs perfect for that closing ceremony.

From classical music to J-pop, we’ve gathered a wide range of tracks: songs that celebrate participants’ hard work, moving pieces that help everyone finish the event with pride, and calm tunes for cooling down.

Feel free to use them for the closing ceremony’s entrance and exit, the awards presentation, or as background music during the ceremony itself!

[Sports Day BGM] Carefully selected classic standards and popular hit songs perfect for the closing ceremony (41–50)

Goodbye for today.sakushi sakkyoku: Kaneko Shouichi

“Kyou no Hi wa Sayonara” is a kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song) released by Ryoko Moriyama in 1976, known for its relaxed melody.

The lyrics and music were written by Shoichi Kaneko, and this collaboration between two big names gives the song a moving atmosphere.

With its gentle feel, the song has been featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and in music textbooks, and it’s also recommended as a song to sing together with classmates or teammates at closing ceremonies.

There are choral arrangements and other sheet music available, so feel free to use them as a reference.

Yuuki
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100% CourageHikaru GENJI

100% Courage – Nintama Rantarō (Full)
100% CourageHikaru GENJI

“Yūki 100%,” which portrays the pursuit of dreams without yielding to hardship, is also perfect for a school sports day.

The song was released by Hikaru GENJI in 1993 and is well known as the theme song of the anime Nintama Rantarō.

Its positive lyrics and bright vocals are sure to liven up the finale of the event.

The march arrangement version is great for the parade, and Hey! Say! JUMP’s cover—familiar as the recent theme song—is also recommended.

yamamoto
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I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

Walk looking up Sakamoto Kyu — with lyrics
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

Singer Kyu Sakamoto, known for signature songs like “Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o” and “Ashita ga Aru sa.” His “Ue o Muite Arukou” is a track brimming with positive energy that makes you want to keep going without losing heart, even when things are tough.

When you’re feeling frustrated, like when you narrowly miss your goal, listening to this song will surely lift your spirits and make you think, “All right, I’ll try again next time!” With its calm, kayōkyoku-style melody, it’s also perfect for cooling down after a workout.

Yuuki
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HeroAmuro Namie

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)
HeroAmuro Namie

Namie Amuro, who enjoyed charismatic popularity in genres like J-pop and R&B.

Her song “Hero,” true to its title, is a top pick for the closing ceremony to honor the heroes who gave their all at the sports festival.

The track was also used as the theme song for broadcasts of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics.

Her crystal-clear voice is sure to blow away the sadness when results aren’t what you hoped for—and of course, when you achieve something great, this moving song will amplify that joy many times over!

Yuuki
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El CapitanJohn Philip 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.

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paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call

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

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.

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One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

“Ato Hitotsu” is a song that celebrates people dedicated to sports.

It’s a track released by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS and is well-loved as a cheer song for high school baseball and as walk-up music for baseball players.

As a medium-tempo ballad, it’s perfect when you want to wrap up a closing ceremony without getting too somber.

The passionate vocals and message are sure to stir your heart.

If you’d like to use it as background music for closing remarks, the instrumental version is a good option.

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