RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[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.

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

Sky of the heartNEW!arashi

ARASHI – Kokoro no Sora [Official Music Video]
Sky of the heartNEW!arashi

The powerful beat and dazzling layers of vocals evoke a will to move forward.

It was included as the lead track on the album “Japonism,” released in October 2015.

The lyrics, composition, and arrangement were handled by Tomoyasu Hotei.

Its dance-ready rhythm and call-and-response chants create a huge sense of excitement, making it a great recommendation as BGM for entrance marches and cheer battles at school sports festivals.

Enjoy the festive vibe!

Under the banner of the double-headed eagleJosef Franz Wagner

Under the Double Eagle (Under the Banner of the Double-Headed Eagle)
Under the banner of the double-headed eagleJosef Franz Wagner

This work is by Josef Franz Wagner, an Austrian military bandmaster and composer.

He is a different person from Richard Wagner, who was from the Kingdom of Saxony.

This historic march is still used today as the march of the 2nd Division of the Austrian Army.

At school sports days, it is mainly used as an entrance and exit march, and it is also sometimes played as background music between program items or during periods when no events are taking place.

Treasure IslandIzumi Hirotaka

Treasure Island / Ritsumeikan University Cheerleading Band, Ritsumeikan Univ. Symphonic & Marching Band
Treasure IslandIzumi Hirotaka

When it comes to upbeat Latin-style band staples, “Takarajima” is the go-to piece.

Originally composed by Hirotaka Izumi, the keyboardist of the fusion band THE SQUARE, it was included on their 1986 album “S•P•O•R•T•S.” For wind ensemble, Toshio Mashima’s arrangement is especially well known; compared to the original, it’s been reborn in a samba style that makes extensive use of Latin percussion.

Its great groove also makes it perfect for marching, so it’s highly recommended as an entrance march!

SOUSA SPECTACULARJohn Philip Sousa

A medley included on an album of signature works by John Philip Sousa, the “March King,” who produced numerous marches brimming with overwhelming presence and dignity.

It features his hallmark pieces: The Washington Post, Semper Fidelis, and The Stars and Stripes Forever.

This is an ideal number not only for entrances and exits at school sports days and athletic meets, but also as a practice piece for marching bands and wind ensembles.

Accompanied by this work’s compelling sonority that makes you want to march with a proud, steady stride, student athletes will feel their spirits sharpen as they enter.

Overture from Dragon Quest Isugiyama kouichi

"Overture" from Dragon Quest I / Japan Coast Guard Band
Overture from Dragon Quest Isugiyama kouichi

A grand orchestral piece with an irresistibly dignified aura! Composed by Koichi Sugiyama, it opens with a fanfare-like introduction and unfolds in a thrilling way that evokes the exhilaration of embarking on an adventure.

First featured in-game in May 1986, it has since been released in numerous versions.

Its selection as an entrance theme for athletes at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony in July 2021 attests to its timeless appeal.

With its valiant tone and steady 4/4 rhythm perfect for marching, it’s sure to add a touch of splendor to entrance and exit scenes at school sports days and athletic events.

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

Mela! Ryokushoku Shakai — Osaka Toin High School Wind Ensemble
Mela!Ryokushokushakai

The song, themed around a passion that blazes in the heart, expresses the justice and courage familiar from superhero stories through pop music.

Its lyrics sing of the urge to help someone in difficult situations, and the exploration of self-trust and trust in others leaves a strong impression.

Released in April 2020, it drew attention as a track on the album “SINGALONG” and was also used in commercials by the Japan Racing Association (JRA).

With its energetic vibe and catchy melody, more and more schools are adopting it to liven up entrance and exit scenes at sports festivals.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants the courage to face the challenges right in front of them.

[March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals! (21–30)

BeautifulNEW!Superfly

Superfly『Beautiful』Music Video
BeautifulNEW!Superfly

A classic Superfly track that brings a refreshing flourish to a brisk exit.

Carrying a message about acknowledging your own existence and facing forward, the song opens with a guitar intro and features an exhilarating melody that soars upward in one go.

Included on the album WHITE, released in May 2015, it was used as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama Mother Game: Kanojotachi no Kaikyū.

Blending grand strings with a robust band sound, this piece is perfect for an exit scene after giving it your all.

Highly recommended as a song that celebrates the efforts of everyone who tried their best.