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Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [Athletic Festival]

Mass games are a staple event at school sports days and athletics festivals.

They’re large-scale marching performances where participants change formations in sync with the timing.

When everyone moves in perfect harmony, it feels great—not just for the audience, but for the performers too!

This time, we’ve put together a list of popular Japanese songs that are perfect for mass games.

The key point in choosing tracks is that the speed matches the movement.

We’ve selected songs that make it easy to keep your steps brisk and rhythmic!

We hope you find the perfect track to match your vision!

[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [School Athletic Festival] (41–50)

Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY

PUFFY 'Et Cetera Related to the Beach' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY

This is a classic summer song sung by PUFFY that lets you savor the season with a laid-back rhythm.

It’s also well known that the track was provided by the duo of Yosui Inoue and Tamio Okuda.

The languid, relaxed atmosphere and rhythm evoke moments spent by the summer seaside, and the tempo feels calm enough to let you smoothly unfold formations even in a mass performance.

The lyrics are notable for including many words that conjure images of the sea, leaving a stronger impression with their sound than with a storyline.

It might be fun to create highlights at the moments when striking words appear—like “crab,” for example.

TokimekiVaundy

Tokimeki / Vaundy:MUSIC VIDEO
TokimekiVaundy

Let me introduce Tokimeki, which gives off a bright and uplifting vibe.

This song was created by Vaundy as a tie-in with Docomo’s Youth Discount.

It portrays someone sunk in sadness and then turning positive to seize a happier life.

The music video, themed around The Wizard of Oz, has also been a hot topic.

It could be fun to incorporate elements like the cute costumes.

Another highlight is the chorus part designed for everyone to sing along.

flower fortune-tellingVaundy

Flower Fortune-telling / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO
flower fortune-tellingVaundy

When it comes to songs that make your body move to a light, upbeat rhythm, “Hanauarai” fits the bill.

Released in 2021 by Vaundy, a singer-songwriter known for genre-blending production, it’s perfect for energizing large venues like athletic fields or gymnasiums.

With its brisk, radiant sound, it suits large group marches as well.

Incorporating the laid-back dance featured in the music video is a great idea, too.

Try performing to this catchy number that captures the refreshing spirit of youth.

Don’t give upZARD

Don't give up (What a beautiful memory ~forever you~)
Don't give upZARD

This is one of ZARD’s signature songs, and it’s strongly associated with sports scenes.

Not only for track and field or marathons, it’s perfect for moments of striving toward a goal or creating something together with teammates.

Its rhythm, which stirs up courage, is particularly memorable.

The song carries a powerful message of encouragement, calling on listeners to keep moving forward without giving up, so it might be a good idea to incorporate memorable movements at the points where you want to emphasize certain words.

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)
migratory bird[Alexandros]

This song can be considered one of [Alexandros]’s signature tracks, with a refreshing atmosphere that evokes feelings of gazing into the distance.

Its structure is clear—with relaxed sections and a bright, expansive chorus that feels like the view opening up—so it would work well for a mass performance, allowing for dynamic contrasts.

The fresh sound incorporating acoustic guitar and the lyrics evoke a strong sense of youth.

The theme of migratory birds flocking toward their destination also makes it a perfect fit for a mass game performed by a group.