[March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!

March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko

365 Steps March

This is the 23rd single by Kiyoko Suizenji, released in 1968.

As the lyrics mention, it carries the subtitle “One-Two Punch.” Unlike the mainstream enka songs she had sung up to that point, this is a kayōkyoku number.

As the title suggests, it’s a march-style song that encourages taking life one step at a time, day by day.

Its bright, uplifting mood makes it perfect as an entrance or exit march.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

Wind Band Hit: Zenzenzense / RADWIMPS (M8 Wind Orchestra)

This is a song that became a huge sensation as the theme song for the film “Your Name.” In the intro, the woodwinds carry the melody, beautifully supported by the brass in harmony.

The tempo is a bit fast, so I think walking at half the tempo would be just right.

This piece includes a drum set, so please try re-arranging the percussion so it can be performed while marching!

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Hane Keisuke

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strollHisaishi Joe

Band Hit: Stroll

Composed as the opening theme for the Ghibli masterpiece My Neighbor Totoro, the song “Sanpo” is, as its title suggests, characterized by a breezy feel that’s perfect for marching.

It’s widely known across all ages, making it a great recommendation for any sports day—from elementary school events to community gatherings.

That said, watching little children march to this tune is irresistibly cute.

There also seem to be marching band arrangements available, so be sure to consult them when performing.

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Hane Keisuke

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Heaven and HellOfufenbakku

Heaven and Hell / Sports Day BGM

This piece boasts overwhelming power and brilliance, expressing the story of Orpheus and Eurydice from Greek mythology with a lively rhythm.

Created by Offenbach as a satire of 19th-century French society, it is still widely used today as a staple at school sports days.

Premiered in October 1858 at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens in Paris, it achieved an astonishing 228 performances by the following year.

Its dynamic melody and strong beat make it perfect as an entrance march for athletic festivals and sports events.

Everyone can clap along and get excited together, and it also works well as a cheering song for competitions.

With a familiar tune that people of all ages have likely heard at least once, it’s a charming work that naturally brings smiles to both audiences and performers.

Critical HitRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Masterstroke [Official Music Video]

Overflowing with fiery passion and strength, this is the track RADWIMPS released to the world in December 2013 on the album “X to O to Tsumi to.” The protagonist, who can’t surpass their own expectations no matter how many regrets they pile up, is striking as they wrestle between ideals and reality yet still take a bold step forward by following their true feelings.

The music video—shot at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture with 1,500 extras—was directed by Takuro Okubo.

This work harmonizes Yojiro Noda’s poetic lyrics with the band’s powerful sound to stunning effect, capturing the hearts of many listeners and dominating the on-air charts at FM stations to take the No.

1 spot.

It’s a song that gives you a strong push on the back in those moments when you want to look ahead and dash forward with everything you’ve got—like the exit scene at a school sports day.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This song, which celebrates friendship, hope, and the strength to overcome hardship, fills listeners with energy and courage.

WANIMA’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound and positive message stand by those who continue to face challenges, serving as a powerful support.

Released in August 2016 as the theme song for Nivea Kao’s “8×4” commercial, it also carries the members’ deep love for their hometown of Kumamoto and their hopes for its recovery.

Included on the album “Are You Coming?”, the track was also performed at the 2017 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With its strong message, the song brings the perfect blend of excitement and refreshment for a school sports day’s exit scene.

It is expected to heighten the sense of unity in the venue, along with the children’s feelings of accomplishment and emotion after giving their all in competition.

William Tell OvertureRosshīni

[Yuri Simonov] Gioachino Rossini: Opera “William Tell”, Overture (March of Swiss Army)

The overture to a grand opera by Rossini, one of Italy’s most iconic composers.

Structured in four parts, it begins at dawn, passes through a storm scene, moves into pastoral tranquility, and then unfolds into a heroic march—a truly masterful progression.

Premiered in 1829, this work became widely known as the opening theme of the American TV series The Lone Ranger and was also used on Fuji TV’s Oretachi Hyokin-zoku, lodging itself in the memories of many.

Its powerful rhythms and dynamic melodies make it perfect for the exit scene at a school sports day, heightening the excitement as participants leave the field and bringing the event to a rousing, resonant close.