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: tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J‑Pop] (41–50)

Happinessarashi

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

Happinessarashi

One of Arashi’s popular songs, “Happiness,” is also a great choice for a race BGM! It’s a well-known track that everyone recognizes, and its bright melody and uplifting lyrics can motivate you when you’re about to lose heart.

The chorus in particular is sure to boost runners’ morale.

If you’re curating a playlist of “songs everyone knows” for BGM, this is definitely one to include!

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[Sports Day] Songs that match footraces. Tunes that make kids want to run [Classics & J-POP] (51–60)

Decisive Battle SpiritCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Decisive Battle Spirit / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Decisive Battle SpiritCHiCO with HoneyWorks

A hot, high-energy youth anthem, “Kessen Spirit.” It’s a song by CHiCO with HoneyWorks that was used as the ending theme for the anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP.

Plenty of kids in elementary school and up know CHiCO with HoneyWorks, right? As you’d expect from the ending theme of a coming-of-age volleyball series, this track is sure to fire up anyone striving in sports.

Its lyrics about facing hardships will give you strength when you listen while running!

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IdeaHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Idea (Official Video)

IdeaHoshino Gen

Idea, a song written by Gen Hoshino as the theme for the NHK morning drama Half Blue, has become popular across a wide range of age groups.

It’s often chosen as a favorite by elementary school students, so playing it for the sprint races at a school sports day is sure to get everyone excited! Both the runners and the cheering section will be full of energy with their favorite tune.

It’s the perfect BGM to match their hard work!

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A Little Love SongAmatsuki

[Original PV] A Small Love Song / MONGOL800 (cover) by Amatsuki

A Little Love SongAmatsuki

When it comes to “Chiisana Koi no Uta,” it’s a classic hit in the Japanese rock scene.

However, this time I’d like to introduce not the original by MONGOL800, but the cover version by Amatsuki, a singer especially popular among younger generations.

Combining Amatsuki’s vocals—beloved by many elementary, middle, and high school students—with the original song’s sense of speed and emotional punch, this cover is superbly done.

I think it would be perfect as BGM for a running race, too.

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Zankyo SankaAimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

Zankyo SankaAimer

A fast-paced, powerful song is essential for sprint events, right? Aimer, known for her beautiful yet ephemeral husky voice, released “Zankyo Sanka” in 2022—an upbeat tune that’s perfect for school sports days.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc.

The dazzling brass band arrangement resounds dynamically.

Since the song builds excitement from the verse into the chorus, it’s an ideal match for high-energy races! Try playing this family-friendly anime song for everyone to enjoy.

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Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

The title also feels suited to a footrace, but thanks to Sukima Switch’s refreshing vocals and melody, it’s not just about running—it’s a song that perfectly fits a sports day under a clear autumn sky.

I think it’s a track packed with all the best aspects of J-pop.

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room for growthCreepy Nuts

[MV] Creepy Nuts – Nobishiro (Room to Grow)

room for growthCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts is a hip-hop duo beloved by music fans of all kinds, transcending the boundaries of the hip-hop scene.

Their song Nobishiro, included on their 2021 release Case, is a pop track with a gentle vibe.

Its warm lyrics, delivered with a rhythmic flow, are deeply moving.

It’s a song that makes you feel the potential of the future, so it’s sure to cheer on the athletes who take center stage in track events.

Why not play it at your school sports day?

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