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Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Kids’ Cheer Song] Uplifting Positive Songs & Message Songs

Studying, sports, play, love—no matter the era, there are always so many things kids can be passionate about.

But sometimes things don’t go well, or competition gets them down, and they may lose confidence.

In this article, we’ve gathered recommended cheer-up songs to support hardworking children.

From classic sports day BGM to moving graduation songs and positive tracks by popular artists, we’re bringing you timeless tunes that fit every scene.

We hope these warm, message-filled songs will give kids the courage they need.

[For Kids: Cheer Song] Uplifting Positive Songs & Message Songs (71–80)

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā

Familiar from TV and the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, this song captures the feelings of a heartbroken man with an upbeat melody.

Its message—filled with lingering attachment to an ex, regret, and the wish to be together again—has resonated with many.

Released in October 2009, the track has spawned yearly “buzzword” versions that reflect the spirit of the times.

In fiscal 2013, it won the JASRAC Gold Award, a remarkable feat for an indie release.

It was also used in a House Foods “Mega Shaki” commercial, gaining popularity across a wide audience.

Perfect for amping up sports festivals and dance events, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike can enjoy dancing to.

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”
It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

This is a dynamic track that feels as refreshing as the breeze of an ekiden relay.

The vocals convey both strength and intimate warmth, and the rhythm—featuring an effective Latin groove—leaves a strong impression.

It portrays the challenges of sports, the bonds with teammates, and the joy of personal growth in a way anyone can relate to.

Released in January 2025, the song has been used across various contexts, including an ekiden event commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the film “Kaminofude,” and Honda’s new Odyssey web commercial.

It’s a heartfelt anthem that gently supports those taking a new step forward—perfect not only for sports days and athletic festivals, but as an encouraging song that truly resonates.

VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Vertigo」
VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

Set to a powerful rock sound, this thought‑provoking song sharply portrays the chaos of modern society and the human psyche.

Included on MAN WITH A MISSION’s EP “XV e.p.,” released in March 2025, the track was also chosen as the promotional song for the game “Mecha BREAK,” with the band sounding an alarm to society.

Addressing how we can be swept up in a whirlpool of information and lose our ability to make sound judgments, it underscores the importance of discerning the truth.

Performed on the nationwide “MAN WITH A ’15th’ MISSION PLAY WHAT U WANT TOUR 2025,” the song has expanded a circle of empathy through the unity felt at their live shows.

It also speaks to young people striving alongside their peers at school sports days and athletic festivals, urging the value of friendship and the importance of holding to one’s own convictions.

[For Kids: Cheer-Up Songs] Uplifting Positive Songs & Message Songs (81–90)

FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!(MV)
FRIENDS!!!imase

Set to a light, breezy melody, this heartwarming coming-of-age song celebrates the importance of friendship.

A groovy rhythm and the gentle vocals of imase, an artist from Gifu Prefecture, weave an exquisite harmony that carefully depicts reunions with friends, the subtle distances between hearts, and the feelings toward an unchanging bond.

Released in February 2025 as the theme song for the collaboration project “Everyone’s Concert” by the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation, the piece also features a special video with over 120 performers, proposing new ways to forge connections through music.

It’s perfect not only as BGM for school sports festivals and athletic meets, but also as a track to brighten any playlist capturing pages of youth spent with friends.

A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

Ukasukazy “A Victorious Smile With You” Music Video
A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

A fusion sound of J-pop and hip-hop overflowing with youthful passion and sportsmanship.

Created by Ukasuka-G, the duo of Kazutoshi Sakurai from Mr.Children and GAKU-MC, this piece sings of the bonds between friends and the courage to take on challenges.

Its powerful message—conveying the resolve to face towering obstacles and the trust in your teammates—resonates deeply.

Released in May 2014 as a lead single from the album AMIGO, it was adopted as an official support song by the Japan Football Association and featured in various tie-ins, including Kirin’s “Japan Linking Arms” commercial song.

It’s a reliable track not only for school sports days and athletic festivals, but also for any moment when you want to strengthen teamwork or strive toward a goal together with your friends.

Heavy rotationAKB48

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]
Heavy rotationAKB48

Beginning with a driving electric guitar and Yuko Oshima’s catchy callouts, this track stands out in idol pop for its exceptional sense of exhilaration.

Its straightforward declaration of love gives listeners a refreshing rush and stirs an irresistible urge to break into a run.

Released in August 2010, AKB48’s single, together with its music video directed by Mika Ninagawa—renowned for its vibrant, pop-infused visuals—left a lasting impression on many.

It’s perfect for moments like sports festivals and athletic events, where participants and spectators alike want to come together and get fired up.

Opening DeclarationNovelbright

Novelbright – Opening Declaration [Official Music Video]
Opening DeclarationNovelbright

An encouraging song that helps you take a step toward your dreams and hopes was born in April 2021 from the major 1st album “Kaimaku Sengen.” With a bright, powerful melody and a passionate spirit like the sun shining in the wide sky, this work is a fervent message song crafted by Novelbright.

In 2022, it was selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s nationwide high school dance club support project, “Dance ONE Project ’22” on the program Sukkiri, powerfully backing the challenging spirit of young people.

It’s a song that gently pushes the backs of everyone uniting their hearts—whether for field day events, sports festivals, or cheer battles.