[March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!
The parade of classes and groups that kicks off sports days and athletic festivals.
In the past, classical pieces were the mainstay, but in recent years you often see entrance scenes on social media set to a wide range of music—from classic marches to popular J-pop.
In this article, we’ll introduce famous pieces originally composed as marches, as well as J-pop and anime songs arranged for marching.
If you can hum the melody but can’t recall the title, this might be your solution!
We hope you find the perfect track to energize those entrance and exit marches.
- [Sports Day] Entrance songs that will hype the crowd! A comprehensive roundup from classics to the latest hits
- [March] A curated selection of classic marches and dazzling crowd-pleasers for concerts!
- Recommended exit songs for sports day: A collection of tracks that are perfect for a brisk, quick-march exit.
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- [2026] Curated J-POP to Energize Sports Days and Athletic Festivals! Also Great as Entrance Music
- [Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]
- [March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day
- Songs that hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- Recommended for older kindergarteners! A collection of dance songs perfect for sports day
- Perfect for sports day parachute routines! Recommended J-pop songs
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- [Kids’ Cheer Song] Uplifting Positive Songs & Message Songs
[March] Carefully Selected Popular Songs Recommended for Entering and Exiting at Sports Days and Athletic Festivals (71–80)
The Zero Sense10-FEET
A gymnasium anthem that sets your basketball spirit ablaze—marked by fierce rock sounds and deeply relatable, heart-grabbing lyrics! Featured on the December 2022 album “Collins,” this track dynamically captures the explosive joy of sinking a shot and the rhythmic pulse of dribbling, layered with 10-FEET’s signature high-energy performance.
As the ending theme for the animated film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” it powerfully conveys the passion of youths sprinting across the gym and their resolve to chase their dreams.
It’s sure to fire up everyone’s fighting spirit during entrances and exits at sports days and school athletic festivals.
the beauty among beautiesJohn Philip Sousa
Speaking of John Philip Sousa, he was a composer from the United States, and the powerful, exhilarating character typical of marches is the appeal of his works.
However, in this piece, rather than the vigor found in his signature works like “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “The Washington Post,” the melody carries an elegance and fluidity reminiscent of British marches.
It’s not one of those tunes you hear everywhere, and it’s a great choice when you want something a bit out of the ordinary.
dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song that truly resonates in the heart as a classic to brighten a refreshing morning.
Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi 8,” this track was released in May 2022 and included on the mini-album “Unity,” packing in all the charm of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE.
Its gentle melody and catchy rhythm make it perfect for entrance and exit scenes at school sports festivals.
Since it’s a fun song everyone can dance to together, it’s also recommended as background music for a cheer dance to boost class unity.
[March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrances and exits at sports days and athletic meets (81–90)
African SymphonyVan McCoy
The original song is faster than a marching tempo, so it needs to be slowed down a bit to use, but it’s a familiar classic that’s even played at Koshien.
As expected, under the hot sun, lively songs with impact are the best! The African-style rhythms really lift the energy.
Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji
A piece centered on the piano of Yuji Ohno, a leading figure in Japan’s jazz scene.
Its thrilling, dynamic performance and chord progressions inspired by Spaghetti Westerns vividly portray the protagonist’s dazzling exploits.
Released as a single in October 1977, it added color as the opening theme for the anime series.
From its impactful opening, the rhythmic call-and-response of the chorus leading into the refrain leaves a strong impression on listeners.
Arranged as a march, it would also make a commanding presence at sports days and other events.
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
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!
strollHisaishi Joe
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.