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 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.
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)

Critical HitRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Masterstroke [Official Music Video]

Critical HitRADWIMPS

This is a rock anthem packed with a grand message that resonates with young people, included by RADWIMPS in their December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to.” Riding on powerful guitar riffs and driving drum rhythms, it portrays the struggles and growth of a protagonist trying to find their own path in the midst of youth.

Its uncompromising alternative sound is brimming with energy, making it perfect for opening or closing ceremonies at school sports days.

The music video was filmed at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture and features a massive scale with 1,500 extras.

This work strongly supports students in the thick of their youth and those standing at life’s crossroads.

It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take a new step forward.

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March “Beyond the K-Point”Takahashi Shinya

March “Beyond the K-Point” — Composer: Shinya Takahashi; Performance: Tokyo Ryusei Wind Orchestra; Conductor: Takao Hatakeda

March “Beyond the K-Point”Takahashi Shinya

A passionate and powerful wind band march adds vibrant color to any sports day.

Composed by Shinya Takahashi in 1999 as a set piece for the All Japan Band Competition, this work is named after the K-point in ski jumping.

Its charm lies in a bright, lively melody interwoven with modern harmonies that create a rich, resonant sound.

You can enjoy a commanding performance of this piece on the album “All Japan Band Competition: Reference Performances of Set Pieces 1997–1999,” recorded by the Osaka Municipal Symphonic Band (now the Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra) as a reference rendition.

From scenes of vigorous marching to the opening of the ceremony, this is a piece that shines in every moment of a sports day.

Just listening to it straightens your posture and gives you a refreshing urge to step forward—perfectly suited to the spirit of the event.

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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.

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ultra soulB’z

B’z / ultra soul

ultra soulB'z

This is a classic rock number that powerfully sings out a soul’s cry to challenge one’s own limits.

Riding on a sound brimming with intensity and impact, it vividly portrays the meaning of hard work and the passion for achieving goals.

Released in March 2001 as the official theme song for TV Asahi’s “FINA World Championships Fukuoka 2001,” the track became a major hit as B’z’s 31st single.

It has since been used repeatedly at subsequent World Aquatics Championships and the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.

Its uplifting, powerful melody and positive message make it the ultimate BGM to boost the morale of a team taking on a tug-of-war.

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earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Ketsubou” MV

earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER’s deeply moving masterpiece that sings about the importance of human connections is included on their album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.

The song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built with the support of many people and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.

The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the anthem for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.

It’s the perfect song for cheering on those practicing for sports days and field days, or for reminiscing about the memories of working up a sweat with your friends.

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