Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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

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 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.

[March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entry and exit at sports days and athletic festivals! (1–10)

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

Sure, with pleasure / This way, Kento [Osaka Toin Wind Orchestra]

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

A track by Kento Kochchi that stands out with its up-tempo, catchy melody.

The lyrics portray struggles with everyday stress and pressure, resonating with many listeners.

In particular, the repeated phrases are memorable, and the choreography set to the rhythm also became a hot topic.

Released in May 2024, the single generated major buzz on social media and climbed high on various charts, including reaching No.

1 on Billboard Japan Heatseekers Songs in July of the same year.

If used as entrance or exit music for school sports days, it’s sure to brighten the atmosphere and energize the venue.

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hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years / Omoinotake [Osaka Toin High School Brass Band]

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

A gem of a mid-tempo tune by Omoinotake that sings of a powerful love transcending time and distance.

Riding on a melodious horn section and an exhilarating groove, it delivers a bold ode to a love that never fades.

Released in February 2024 as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Eye Love You,” the track was also selected as the entrance march for the 97th National High School Baseball Championship.

It’s a perfect fit both for a dignified procession and for tender, accompanying exit scenes.

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ultra soulB’z

[Wind Band Hit] ultra soul / B’z

ultra soulB'z

Released in March 2001, this is B’z’s 31st single, depicting a brilliant story of passion and challenge.

With its powerful sound and intensely passionate vocals, it’s cherished as a moving masterpiece packed with the courage to believe in your own potential.

It drew attention as the official theme song for TV Asahi’s “FINA World Championships Fukuoka 2001,” and has since been used at numerous sporting events.

Tak Matsumoto’s razor-sharp guitar work and Koshi Inaba’s soul-stirring vocals boost students’ morale during entrances and exits at school sports days and athletic festivals!

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[Marches] A curated selection of popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic meets! (11–20)

Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji

Lupin the Third Theme (Rock Version) [Wind Ensemble Hit]

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.

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I am the strongest.Ado

I’m the Strongest / Ado (insert song from the movie “ONE PIECE FILM RED”) [Wind Ensemble] Rocket Music POP390

I am the strongest.Ado

Created as an insert song for the anime film ONE PIECE FILM RED, this track features a confident melody and rhythm, and Ado’s vocals give you a sense of encouragement—making it a perfect fit for a competitive stage like a sports day.

Released digitally in August 2022 and included on the album of the same name, Uta no Uta ONE PIECE FILM RED, this piece is sure to fire up every participant and strengthen team unity when used as an entrance march.

It inspires everyone to join forces and do their best—an ideal song to boost the motivation of all participants!

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New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Shin Takarajima / Sakanaction SIT Band - Sapporo International Information High School Wind Ensemble

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

This lively song is brimming with the excitement of children embarking on unknown adventures.

Created by Sakanaction, it was produced in September 2015 as the theme song for the film Bakuman.

Its retro synthesizer tones and brisk beat are striking, evoking the sound of the late 1980s to early 1990s and making you feel as if you’ve time-traveled.

Giving you the courage to take a bold step toward the future, this track is perfect for a sports day entrance scene! It fills the entire venue with a bright mood and is a song that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

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Don’t give upZARD

“Wind Ensemble Hits” Don’t Give Up / ZARD

Don't give upZARD

This is ZARD’s biggest hit, the song that boosted their recognition and popularity, and it remains a beloved classic across generations.

In 1994, it was chosen as the entrance march for the 66th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, and during Nippon TV’s 24-Hour Television charity marathon, the group sing-along near the finish line has become a tradition.

Just hearing it lifts your spirits—perfect for a grand entrance at sports days and athletic festivals.

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