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[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 formation routines [School Athletic Festival] (11–20)

NIPPONShiina Ringo

A song that passionately cheers on Japan has arrived.

Created as the theme song for NHK’s soccer broadcasts, this track channels experiences from Shizuoka’s Shimizu, where Ringo Sheena spent her childhood, infusing it with fiery feeling.

The lyrics strongly express Japanese pride and a fighting spirit.

It’s the perfect tune to hype up a sports day or athletics festival.

It’s sure to boost everyone’s determination to come together as one!

dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Dance Hall” Official Music Video
dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

It’s a refreshing pop tune that clears your mind.

It’s a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, released as a digital single in May 2022.

Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s morning information program “Mezamashi 8,” this track’s positive message and lively rhythm give you a motivational boost.

Use it as the music for a group performance at a sports day or athletic festival, and the whole venue is sure to come together in excitement.

If everyone synchronizes their moves, it will definitely become an unforgettable memory.

I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā

Sambomaster / We’ve Gotta Do the Impossible MUSIC VIDEO
I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā

This is a Sambomaster song that delivers a powerful message true to their style.

It was released in February 2010 as their 14th single.

In 2018, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dance,” and became a hot topic.

Listening to it, you can feel energy welling up from deep within.

It might make school sports days and athletic festivals even more exciting.

If you play it during a mass performance, it’s sure to inspire the participating students.

Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48

[MV full] Koi Suru Fortune Cookie / AKB48 [Official]
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48

A song that even those who aren’t confident in acting or dancing can try is “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie.” It was released in 2013 by the national idol group AKB48.

Papaya Suzuki handled the choreography, and the “Onigiri Dance” became a hot topic.

It features a funky beat set to disco sounds.

The rhythm is easy to follow, making it simple to synchronize movements in a group.

Since it was originally created with large-group singing and dancing in mind, it should be well-suited for mass performances.

GONGWANIMA

WANIMA「GONG」OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
GONGWANIMA

Set to a powerful rock sound, this song delivers a fiery message.

Created by WANIMA, it was released in July 2019 as a tie-in for the feature-length anime ONE PIECE STAMPEDE.

It brilliantly captures the world of ONE PIECE, themed around seafaring adventures, and its lyrics—pushing listeners forward—leave a strong impression.

Use it as background music for a mass performance, and it’s sure to unite everyone’s spirits!

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka’s song “Sakuranbo” is an energetic track that celebrates the sweet relationship between lovers.

Released in December 2003, it’s included on the album “LOVE PUNCH” as well as the best-of compilation “Ai am BEST.” It’s loved in a wide range of settings—sometimes even used as a cheer song for high school baseball—thanks to its charming feel and uplifting sound design.

The lyrics, which express the strength of a couple’s bond and the depth of their love, are memorable and bring a smile to listeners’ faces.

It’s also perfect for mass performances at school sports days and athletic festivals.

I think its tempo makes it great for moving your feet!

[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [Athletic Festival] (21–30)

mirror tunezutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

ZUTOMAYO – “Mirror Tune” MV (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.)
mirror tunezutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

For those who want to take on a stylish marching performance, “Mirror Tune” is highly recommended.

It was produced in 2022 by the music unit Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni, known as one of the artists with a nocturnal vibe.

Brilliant brass band and synth tones resound throughout.

The funky beat makes you want to try a cool routine.

With its urban atmosphere, it also works well to keep changing formations one after another.

Liven up the venue with light steps and marching.