Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]

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 for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

The footrace event, the climax of any sports day! It gets everyone fired up—both the kids running and the adults watching.

And to make the race even more exciting, you can’t go without the right BGM.

Here, we’ve put together a selection of recommended songs for footrace events.

From timeless classics you’ve surely heard before to the latest buzzworthy J-pop hits, we’ve curated tracks that people of all generations can enjoy.

Every song is full of sprinting energy and is sure to double the excitement of the competition! Use this as a guide to help bring your sports day to life!

[Sports Day] Songs that fit sprint races. Tunes that make kids want to run [Classics & J-POP] (91–100)

giftRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Gift [Official Music Video]

giftRADWIMPS

Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Anpan,” this track is pop music that poses universal questions under the theme of a journey to find the meaning of life.

With a warm, embracing melody and poetic lyrics that resonate, it depicts the small joys of everyday life and the courage to take on challenges.

Yojiro Noda and the other members of RADWIMPS completed the piece over several months in preparation for “Anpan,” which is scheduled to air from April 2025.

Brimming with vitality, the song’s message makes it perfect for events like school sports days and athletic meets—let children and adults alike enjoy a sense of unity with this track!

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Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude” ONE PIECE Lyric MV

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

A song whose kindness and strength, embedded in SEKAI NO OWARI’s lyrics, resonate deeply.

With its powerful message of turning weakness into an ally and soaring high, it’s sure to encourage everyone.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime ONE PIECE starting in September 2023, this track’s exhilarating melody and uplifting lyrics are perfect for energizing a school sports day race! It also makes an ideal cheer song that gently supports children from behind.

With warm lyrics that feel as if they’re speaking directly to you, both adults and kids are sure to feel uplifted.

Overlapping with the sight of children running, it promises a moving experience that will make your heart tremble.

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[Sports Day] Songs that fit sprint races: tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J‑Pop] (101–110)

Joyfulikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Joyful' Music Video

Joyfulikimonogakari

When it comes to background music for running races, some of you might be looking for something not only with a sense of speed but also super high-energy.

In that case, I’d like to recommend “Joyful.” It’s a song by Ikimono-gakari that was created as a commercial song for Pocky.

Yoshiki Mizuno, who wrote and composed it, said he crafted it with the idea of making the sound and phrases stick in your head—and that’s exactly how it turned out.

The rhythm is so pleasant that it makes you feel like you can run faster than usual.

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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.

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RunnerSanpuraza Nakano-kun

[MV] Sunplaza Nakano-kun “Runner (Heisei 30 Ver.)” [Full ver.]

RunnerSanpuraza Nakano-kun

A signature song by Bakufu Slump: “Runner.” In 2018, marking 30 years since its release, vocalist Sunplaza Nakano released a solo version, “Runner (Heisei 30 Ver.).” The song was created with a track-and-field setting in mind, and in the Heisei 30 version’s music video, various people take on the role of runners, passing the baton along.

It’s the perfect track for a footrace!

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Carmen PreludeJoruju Bize

“Prélude” from the opera Carmen — Bizet

Carmen PreludeJoruju Bize

The prelude to Act 1 of Bizet’s opera Carmen.

This piece is so popular that you’ve probably heard it at least once, right? It’s often used in TV shows and commercials, and it’s a staple at school sports days too! Fast-tempo music like this is perfect for sprint scenes.

Since it’s known across generations, it’s sure to boost the excitement of both runners and spectators!

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Maru Maru Mori Mori!Kaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku.

Maru Maru Mori Mori! Video of Kaoru and Tomoki with choreography

Maru Maru Mori Mori!Kaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku.

Highly recommended for nursery and kindergarten sports days is this song.

It was used as the theme for the drama “Marumo no Okite” and sparked a social craze along with the dance by Mana Ashida and Fuku Suzuki.

Some people may have learned it back then and can still dance it today.

Its melody sticks in your head after just one listen, and the overall tone is truly adorable.

It’s a perfect pop number to further liven up a lively sports day, and one that both children and adults can enjoy.

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