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 are perfect for races: tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J‑Pop] (11–20)

flash[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Flash (MV) Theme Song of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash

flash[Alexandros]

With its powerful guitar riffs and energetic performance that stir the soul, this is an epic rock number by [Alexandros].

The lyrics portray a resolve to spread one’s wings into a new world after overcoming conflicts such as loneliness and fear experienced during growth, and they’re sure to encourage anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Released in May 2021, the song was chosen as the theme for the film Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway and captivated many listeners with its metallic sound.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced groove is perfect for a school sports day relay, igniting the fierce competitive spirit of the racers and making the moments they dash across the field even more memorable.

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The Zero Sense10-FEET

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

The Zero Sense10-FEET

A 10-FEET track whose exhilarating sound and powerful lyrics will shake your soul.

Released as a digital single in November 2022, it drew attention as the ending theme song for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.

It also gained traction on TikTok, with its memorable melody capturing the hearts of many.

Centered on themes of pursuing dreams and self-realization, the lyrics skillfully weave in basketball terminology, offering courage and hope to young people.

Played during a school sports day race, it would ignite children’s spirits—truly a song that makes you want to run.

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monsterYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Monster” Official Music Video (YOASOBI – Monster)

monsterYOASOBI

This track stands out for its fast-paced electronic sound and powerful vocals.

Released in January 2021 as the opening theme for season 2 of the anime BEASTARS, it became a major talking point.

The lyrics capture the protagonist’s inner conflict, growth, and determination to protect the one they love.

It ranked high on the Billboard JAPAN charts, and its total streaming plays have surpassed 100 million.

With moving lyrics and an intense sound, it’s the kind of song that can give children a strong push to give their all in a school sports day race.

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VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Vertigo」

VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

This track is striking for its tense, adrenaline-charged sound and English lyrics that portray a dizzying sense of chaos.

Released by MAN WITH A MISSION in March 2025, the song sounds an alarm about a modern society where the line between right and wrong has grown blurred.

Written and composed by member Jean-Ken Johnny, it powerfully depicts people being swept up by information and desire.

It was also selected as a promotional song for the near-futuristic sci-fi mecha game “Mecha BREAK.” Blending a strong message with an energetic sound, this piece is recommended for anyone looking to fire up their spirit at school sports days or athletic festivals.

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ultramarineYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Gunjou” Official Music Video

ultramarineYOASOBI

A signature work by YOASOBI that vividly expresses young people’s passion and pursuit of dreams through striking lyrics.

Released in September 2020, the song gained broad recognition after being featured in Bourbon’s “Alfort Mini Chocolate” commercial.

In 2021, it was also selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Dance ONE Project ’21,” adding flair to high school students’ dance performances.

Evoking the image of blue light, the piece impressively portrays the challenges of self-expression and creativity, making it perfect for school sports-day entrance marches and dance performances.

It’s a song that lets everyone share in the unique sense of unity of a sports festival and the courage to take the first step toward their dreams.

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POKÉDANCEnanahira

[Official] “POKÉDANCE” Dance Practice by ENHYPEN — featuring partner Pokémon from past generations dancing

POKÉDANCEnanahira

This piece is a fun dance tune set to charming electronic sounds and a light, buoyant rhythm, celebrating the joy of friendship and new encounters.

Its English lyrics convey the message of “having fun together with friends,” wrapping listeners in a warm atmosphere that brings smiles to everyone.

Released in February 2024, the song beautifully matches Nanahira’s clear, soaring vocals with a cute melody, and the animated music video featuring partner Pokémon dancing drew plenty of attention.

A dance practice version by ENHYPEN was released simultaneously, capturing the hearts of Pokémon fans.

With its rhythmic, upbeat feel, it’s perfect for group performances like school sports festivals.

Pairing it with balloon choreography can make the presentation even more dazzling.

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[Sports Day] Songs that go well with footraces. Songs that make kids want to run [Classics & J-POP] (21–30)

Make you happyNiziU

NiziU 『Make you happy』 M/V

Make you happyNiziU

NiziU’s debut song features an exhilarating sound and lyrics that focus on smiles.

It expresses the desire to “make you smile” with a pop melody and catchy phrases.

Released in June 2020, it became a smash hit in no time, sparking a social phenomenon with dance videos going viral on TikTok.

If you play it during a school sports day race, it might ease the children’s nerves and help them fully enjoy the event.

The jump-rope dance in the chorus could even make the cheering parents want to join in!

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