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

TouchNEW!Inaba Hiroshi

Koshi Inaba / Touch

An anime song everyone knows has been revived, wrapped in the excitement of global sports.

Covered by Hiroshi Inaba—who is also active as a solo artist and released the acclaimed album “Tada Mono” in June 2024—this track is a classic originally released in March 1985 as the theme song for the anime Touch.

Inaba’s cover version was selected in March 2026 as the tournament support song for the World Baseball Classic.

The fusion of his edgy vocals with an accessible melody overflows with powerful energy aimed at victory, making it a perfect BGM for a heated relay.

Let’s dash across the field with this timeless cheer song loved across generations!

IRIS OUTNEW!Yonezu Kenshi

IRIS OUT

This track is marked by a powerful rhythm that stages fierce battles and thrilling developments, further heightening the excitement of a heated relay race.

By deeply reading the characters’ emotions and reflecting them in the sound, the song gives runners a push forward as they pass the baton.

Created by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, it has been chosen as the theme song for the film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, set to be released in September 2025.

It premiered at an event in Los Angeles in July of the same year, drawing great attention.

Aggressive and full of speed, this piece is a perfect BGM for the relay—the biggest climax of a sports day.

Not only anime fans but anyone looking to ignite passionate cheers across the entire venue should give it a spin.

KICKBACKNEW!Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

This hit number by Kenshi Yonezu was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man and quickly became a hot topic.

Released in November 2022, the track features a dynamic sound that fuses rock and electronica.

It also achieved a historic milestone as the first Japanese-language song to receive Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

The rapidly shifting melodies and fast-paced, driving beat fiercely stoke the listener’s fighting spirit.

It’s an energetic song that will take events like tug-of-war, where the entire student body works together, to an absolute fever pitch.

ApollodorusMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Apollodorus” Official Lyric Video

This is a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that surpassed 100 million streams just three months after its release.

It also went viral on social media, with many creators posting videos using the track.

The lively sound and the vocalist’s exhilarating voice, which spans a wide range, will make kids want to dash off with energy! Released in July 2024, this fast-paced track is perfect as background music to hype up running events at school sports days.

Current destructionNEW!SPYAIR

SPYAIR 'Status Quo Destruction'

A SPYAIR track with a striking melody that fuels momentum and fighting spirit.

Released as a single in July 2013, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya.

Its loud sound, driven by a forward-leaning beat and razor-sharp guitar, overflows with speed and is perfect for heated competitions like relay races at school sports festivals.

The lyrics, infused with a strong will to break through a stifling reality and push forward, will powerfully spur on the runners.

Also included on the album MILLION, released in August of the same year, this track captures the band’s surging energy and is a recommended rock number for when you want to crank up the tension.

BeautifulNEW!Superfly

Superfly『Beautiful』Music Video

How about firing up the relay runners with a number packed with a message to face forward with strength? This is a track from Superfly, the solo project of Shiho Ochi, known for her overwhelming vocal prowess.

It was released for early digital distribution in May 2015 and included on the masterpiece WHITE, which came out the same month.

Chosen as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama Mother Game: Kanojotachi no Kaikyū, its theme of self-affirmation sparked a major response.

Riding on a refreshingly uplifting melody and rhythm that soar from the guitar intro, heartfelt emotions are sung with powerful warmth.

If this song echoes through the sports day venue, it’s sure to become the ultimate anthem cheering on the athletes single-mindedly passing the baton.

CHARMNEW!WANIMA

WANIMA「CHARM」（OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

This is a song by the band WANIMA, known for messages that powerfully push people forward and a driving, fast-paced beat.

Rooted in a melodic punk sound, it portrays the strength to face ahead while harboring a spirit of challenge and the anxieties of parting, and it sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Included on the single “Gotta Go!!” released in May 2017, it has been cherished as an important track that later connected to the album “Everybody!!”.

Many may remember it as it was featured in Kikkoman’s corporate movie and Morinaga’s “In Jelly for Exams” commercial song.

It’s an up-tempo tune recommended not only for runners in a relay who carry everyone’s hopes and pass the baton, but also for those cheering themselves hoarse on the sidelines.