[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 entry and exit at sports days and athletic festivals! (1–10)
SUNNEW!Hoshino Gen
It’s a vibrant, life-affirming song that makes both your heart and body want to dance.
Released as a single in May 2015, it was written as the theme song for the drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne.” It was later included on the album “YELLOW DANCER,” and as one of Gen Hoshino’s signature works that cemented his popularity, it remains beloved to this day.
Its moderately fast, bouncy beat is perfect for a lively entrance march at sports days and athletic festivals—sure to bring smiles to everyone at the venue.
Because the sun will rise againNEW!Ryokushokushakai
This song was written as the theme for the animated film Crayon Shin-chan: Mononoke Ninja Chinpūden.
Released as a single in April 2022, it was later included on the album pink blue.
The track features a captivating melody that blends Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s signature clarity and strength.
Embracing days when things don’t go well while inspiring hope for tomorrow, it’s crafted as a cheer song.
It will brightly color the opening of any team-based competition where people work together!
paprikaNEW!Foorin
This song is captivating for its worldview that depicts the natural scenes of the seasons and the joy of moving your body.
It’s a work by the unit Foorin, produced by Kenshi Yonezu, and was released on CD in August 2018.
Created as part of the “NHK 2020 Cheer Song Project,” including broadcasts on NHK’s Minna no Uta.
It quickly became a popular song known by many.
It’s a recommended track for scenes where all students walk together at kindergarten or elementary school sports days.
The bright vocals will fill the entire venue with a warm atmosphere.
[Marches] A curated selection of popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic meets! (11–20)
TOMORROWNEW!Mayo Okamoto
This is Mayo Okamoto’s debut single, released in May 1995, which took the world by storm as the theme song for the TBS drama “Second Chance.” Its uplifting melody gives you a powerful push forward, and the piano-centered, driving arrangement is incredibly appealing.
In March 1996, it was also selected as the entrance march for the High School Baseball Championship, attesting to its proven potential as a march.
At sports days and athletic festivals, it adds a splash of color to entrance and exit scenes as students stride energetically onto the field.
HarukaNEW!YOASOBI
A heartwarming song told from the perspective of a mug, depicting its meeting with its owner, their growth together, and their eventual parting.
Released in December 2020, the track was later included on the album “THE BOOK.” It carries a gentle message overflowing with gratitude and love for the accumulation of everyday moments.
Its calm, pop ballad tempo is perfect for entrance and exit scenes with a slightly slower pace.
Why not march to this piece with your cherished companions, holding gratitude in your hearts?
Ninjari Ban BanNEW!kyarī pamyu pamyu
This is a song by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu that beautifully fuses traditional Japanese melodies with technopop.
Its ninja-themed, oriental sound is adorably catchy and will make your heart dance just by listening.
Released as a single in March 2013, it was written for the au TV commercial “Turn Surprise into Common Sense.
FULL CONTROL/REAL.” It was later included on the album Nanda Collection.
The track has been loved worldwide, featuring even in the animated film Sing.
It’s a tune that people of all ages—from kids to adults—can enjoy together!
You are the star.NEW!Sazan Ōrusutāzu
This single was released in July 2004.
It’s also included on the album “Killer Street,” and its fresh, breezy vibe is part of its appeal.
It was used as the CM song for Toyota’s “MORE THAN BEST” campaign, so many people may find it familiar.
With an approachable melody and a light rhythm, it lifts the listener’s spirits.
Recommended for boosting the energy of the entire venue during entrance scenes at school sports days and athletic festivals.