Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Recommended Songs for Group Gymnastics: A Collection of Tracks to Elevate Your Routine [2026]

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.

When it comes to the highlights of a school sports day, group gymnastics definitely stands out! In recent years, out of concern for safety, there’s been a trend away from large-scale pyramids and similar formations.

Even so, seeing a large group move in perfect sync and perform a variety of routines is truly moving.

Group gymnastics has countless memorable moments, and to elevate them, BGM is absolutely essential! Classical pieces that are considered the standard are beautiful, of course, but J-pop songs that everyone knows are also extremely popular! In this article, we’ll carefully select and introduce recommended songs for group gymnastics BGM from a wide range of genres—use it as a guide for your playlist!

Recommended songs for group gymnastics: A roundup of tracks to elevate your performance [2026] (31–40)

sunflowerHakasé Tarō

Taro Hakase - Sunflower [OFFICIAL]

sunflowerHakasé Tarō

I imagine many people feel, “I’ve heard this somewhere before.” This piece was composed by the famous violinist Taro Hakase.

The flower language of sunflowers includes meanings like “admiration” and “you are wonderful.” Perhaps Hakase chose this title with those sentiments in mind.

I think it can be interpreted as a piece that carries such a message.

How about performing each formation in your group gymnastics to this music?

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One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

This song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, released in 2010, was used as the cheer song for the 92nd National High School Baseball Championship, with professional baseball player Masahiro Tanaka featured on the cover.

It’s also sometimes performed as a choral piece at choir competitions.

With lyrics that capture the feelings of youth, it would be a perfect fit for junior high or high school sports festivals.

There’s also a brass band version, so a collaboration between a brass band and a group gymnastics performance could be interesting.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude” ONE PIECE Lyric MV

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

Turning weakness into an ally and soaring high—this piece carries that message, featuring SEKAI NO OWARI’s characteristically profound lyrics and memorable melody.

Released in September 2023, it was chosen as the opening theme for Season 25 of the popular anime ONE PIECE.

Its four-on-the-floor dance beat and brass sections are striking and suit group gymnastics performances perfectly.

Also included on the album Nautilus, this song resonates with many as a cheer anthem that gives courage to overcome hardships and face forward.

Use it for group gymnastics at a school sports day, and it’s sure to get the whole venue fired up.

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Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: Wasted Nights [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK

“Wasted Nights,” which became the theme song for the movie KINGDOM.

The title carries the idea of not spending nights in vain, and the song delivers a message to face what’s in front of you with all your effort, without fear, no matter the time.

We want young people to live each moment of their youth without regrets.

When this passionate song plays during group gymnastics, where everyone works together, it will surely lift the students’ spirits.

Practicing while also learning the meaning of the lyrics might give them even more fight!

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Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it's embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

This song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai vividly portrays the rush of sprinting through the fleeting moments of youth.

Released in July 2024, its uptempo sound and distinctive melodic lines resonate powerfully with young listeners.

It carries a message: there’s no need to be embarrassed about giving your all—treasure the experiences you can only have in this very moment.

The track is included on the album “Channel U” and was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s original romance show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.

Summer Vacation 2024.” It’s a perfect fit for scenes of coming together at school sports days or athletic events, making it an ideal choice as background music for group gymnastics as well.

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Recommended songs for group gymnastics: A collection of tracks to elevate your performance [2026] (41–50)

Everyone is free.Half time Old

Minnajiyuda

Everyone is free.Half time Old

An incredibly fun number, “Minna Jiyū da” (“Everyone Is Free”).

It’s a song where the vocals and vibe of the rock band Half time Old are absolutely top-notch.

The track is super upbeat—drums, guitar, and vocals are all blazing hot.

That groove and intensity are so cool that once you hear it, you won’t forget it.

This festival-like tune is perfect for sports days and school festivals—guaranteed to hype everyone up.

It’d even work well for elementary school group gymnastics.

You’ll feel like you can give it your all right to the end.

“Everyone Is Free” is a song everyone can enjoy together.

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The Legend of AshitakaHisaishi Joe

The Legend of Ashitaka (Symphonic Suite “Princess Mononoke” / Live)

The Legend of AshitakaHisaishi Joe

Especially for performances with a large group, grand pieces are recommended.

In that vein, how about “The Legend of Ashitaka” from Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece film Princess Mononoke? Its tone alone evokes a sweeping sense of story—you can feel the thrill.

It makes you think, “I want to watch it again.” It would work well to use this piece for the climax of a group gymnastics routine, matching it with big, powerful moves.

Not only will the audience be moved, but the students might also feel their spirits ignite.

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