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 go well with footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J-POP] (31–40)

Racing into the NightYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Racing into the Night” Official Music Video

Racing into the NightYOASOBI

Sprint at full speed to a stylish sound! This is a signature track by YOASOBI, a musical duo consisting of composer Ayase—who is also active as a Vocaloid producer—and vocalist ikura, released in 2019.

The song is based on the novel “The Temptation of Thanatos.” It’s incredibly cool, with a driving sense of speed yet a somewhat shadowy tone.

You get both pop appeal and an artistic atmosphere at the same time.

I think the lyrics are especially relatable for teenagers.

The title also brings to mind a footrace.

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TRUTHT-SQUARE

TRUTH (LIVE) T-SQUARE

TRUTHT-SQUARE

When it comes to T-SQUARE’s “TRUTH,” many in our parents’ generation probably associate it strongly with Formula 1 Grands Prix, don’t they? It’s a track that really amps up the competition of athletes sprinting across the field, much like race cars tearing around a circuit! Students today might not be as familiar with it, but it’s such a classic that, when you think of running, this is the song that comes to mind!

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Be The OnePANDORA feat.Beverly

[MAD] Kamen Rider Build – Be The One Lyrics

Be The OnePANDORA feat.Beverly

For a song recommendation, I suggest the opening theme of Kamen Rider Build.

It’s not only upbeat, but as a hero-themed song it also has a powerful feel.

It might be more geared toward boys.

Even kids who aren’t good at running might be able to push themselves with this track.

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A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda “A Scenery I’ve Never Seen”

A view I've never seen beforeSuda Masaki

Since it became famous as the song used in the au commercials, I’m sure everyone has heard it at least once.

It’s sung by actor Masaki Suda and marks his solo debut.

The band-driven sound is striking, and it’s a cool track with a real sense of speed.

The lyrics are encouraging, like a push on the back when you’re feeling down, and they make you feel like you can give it your all in a school sports day race.

It’s perfect as a cheer song, and if you choose it as background music for an event, it’s sure to get everyone fired up!

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migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

migratory bird[Alexandros]

One of [Alexandros]’s signature songs, “Wataridori”! Not only was it used as the theme song for the film “Akegarasu,” but it was also featured in multiple commercials, making it a huge hit among young people.

As the title suggests, the song evokes the image of a migrating bird slicing through the sky, and the exhilarating chorus might make you feel like sprinting off yourself.

If you play this track during a running scene, it will surely amp up the excitement and help everyone share the emotion!

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[Sports Day] Songs that fit sprint races: tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J‑Pop] (41–50)

Main Street Electrical Paradesahashi toshihiko

Main Street Electrical Parade

Main Street Electrical Paradesahashi toshihiko

This is “Main Street Electrical Parade,” a piece composed by Toshihiko Sahashi, known for his work on show music at Tokyo Disneyland and musicals for the Shiki Theatre Company! It’s one of the beloved classics among Disney fans and is often heard in brass band performances, too.

It’s perfect for kids’ running scenes in nurseries, kindergartens, and lower grades of elementary school! A dreamy tune—let’s get excited with this one!

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Clarinet Polka

[Clarinet Quartet] Clarinet Polka, A Hupfata, Kirta Polka, Klarinetten Muck / Arranged by Fushi Shibuya

Clarinet Polka

Polka is a dance that originated in the Czech Republic.

It’s characterized by a fast tempo in a duple (2-beat) rhythm.

That makes it perfect as background music for a footrace.

As you can see in the video we’re sharing, the light, buoyant feel of the music might even carry you along and help you run faster.

“Polka” is a general term for a musical genre, so there are many pieces beyond this one.

Try looking around and find a work that matches your own image.

It might even be fun to go all-in on polkas.

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