[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.
- Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals
- [March] A curated selection of classic marches and dazzling crowd-pleasers for concerts!
- Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs.
- 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]
- [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 entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals (51–60)
Festive MarchDan Ikuma
This piece was composed in 1959 by the Japanese composer Ikuma Dan to celebrate the marriage of then-Crown Prince Akihito and Michiko Shoda.
It is one of the representative marches of postwar Japan, and the glamorous wedding parade likely brightened the nation at the time.
Ikuma Dan, the composer, was a multi-talented figure also known as an essayist.
If this piece is performed at a school sports day, I believe it would be enjoyed by elderly people who remember that era and could foster interaction across generations.
When the Saints Go Marching In
This tune is also a familiar one, but you might be surprised when you learn its roots.
It is one of the African American spirituals and was originally played at funerals in the United States.
At these funerals, a brass band would join the procession as the so-called second line, playing dark and solemn music on the way to the service and bright music on the way back.
The brightness of the return music is said to express a celebration of the soul’s release and its journey to heaven.
Today, it is often used as a sports cheer song as well.
Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE
An uplifting anthem that gives you the strength to overcome life’s hardships! With its lively tempo and soaring vocals, this track leaves a strong impression.
Released in April 2023, it was chosen as the theme song for the ABC TV/TV Asahi drama series “Even If It’s Sunday Night…”.
By repeating the word “Que Sera Sera,” meaning “whatever will be, will be,” the lyrics inspire hope for the future and resonate deeply.
The song became a massive hit, surpassing 200 million streams and winning the Excellence Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.
Played for a sports day entrance, it’s sure to unite each team’s spirit and boost their determination to win.
Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu
A heartrending song that poignantly sings of the struggles of youth! This track by ATARASHII GAKKO! drew attention alongside the popular “head-shaking dance” on TikTok.
They may look grown-up, but their hearts are still innocent—capturing the complex emotions of young people with finesse.
Released digitally in May 2020, it went on to win the Grand Prize at the TikTok First Half Trend Awards 2023.
Play it for a school sports day entrance, and it’s sure to resonate with students.
It’s a song that gently gives a push to children taking their first step onto an important stage.
[Marches] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrances and exits at sports days and athletic meets (61–70)
Military MarchFranz Schubert
Composed in 1818, the Three Marches Militaires are piano duets that Schubert wrote to teach the two daughters of the Esterházy family.
Of the three pieces, No.
1 is particularly famous, and the orchestral, wind band, and solo piano arrangements are also frequently performed.
You’ve probably heard it at least once.
FIFA anthemFranz Lambert
It’s the official theme song of the international football federation.
You often hear it during matches and in the news.
For international games, it’s the designated track used for the players’ entrance.
Since many elementary school students play soccer, it’s also a staple at school sports days.
When I hear this song, my heart races with the tension and excitement of “something is about to begin.” It’s a piece that stirs a sense of pride—like I’m on the national team, like I’m the star.
U.S.A.DA PUMP
With its catchy melody and energetic beat, DA PUMP’s track is perfect for a school sports day entrance march.
Featuring lyrics that express admiration for American culture and a lively rhythm that lifts the spirits, the song was released in June 2018 and was also used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Ousama no Brunch.” Its cheerful sound and spirited vocals are sure to boost children’s morale.
It’s not only great for the entrance march but also works well for dance performances, making it a top recommendation for teachers looking to energize their sports day.