Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

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

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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 [Athletic Festival] (21–30)

New EraAdo

[Ado] New Genesis (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

New EraAdo

Ado’s song “New Genesis,” with its story-like lyrics, is a track that’s often used at school sports festivals.

In the chorus, raise your hands energetically and use your whole body to express yourself, conveying the image of opening up a new era with bold movements.

When performing a mass game with a large group, keeping the choreography simple in the chorus makes it easier to synchronize and creates a sense of unity in the dance.

For practice, it’s recommended to break the routine into sections, and once you get used to it, start incorporating formation changes and other transitions.

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Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

Isn’t SHISHAMO’s “Ashita mo” a perfect song for a mass performance? SHISHAMO is popular among elementary and junior high school students.

Their songs are poppy and cute, yet many carry strong messages.

At recent sports festivals, J-pop is used a lot.

Since this song was also in a commercial, it’s well-known, so not only the performers but also the audience can easily relate to it, don’t you think? It’s also recommended for mass performances because the tempo is just right.

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[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [School Festival] (31–40)

Sora-buneTOKIO

Sora-fune (Sky Ship) – TOKIO (Full)

Sora-buneTOKIO

TOKIO is a three-member idol group that pioneered the new genre of “farmwork idols,” and is also known for their high-level performance skills and songwriting.

Their 35th single ‘Sorafune,’ released as a double A-side with ‘do! do! do!,’ was used as the theme song for the TV drama ‘My Boss My Hero.’ Its powerful vocals and catchy ensemble make a striking impact that grabs your ears even in the middle of a school sports day event.

The lyrics’ message also lifts your spirits—it’s a classic from years past.

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Hoshino Takashi

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COSMIC☆HUMANHey! Say! JUMP

Hey! Say! JUMP – COSMIC☆HUMAN [Official Music Video]

COSMIC☆HUMANHey! Say! JUMP

The nationally popular idol group Hey! Say! JUMP wrote “COSMIC☆HUMAN” for the drama Tokyo Alien Brothers, starring group member Kei Inoo.

The song carries a message of “having the courage to push forward toward your dreams.” It’s a refreshing pop tune that uses the blue sky as one of its themes, making it well-suited for performances under an open sky.

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Joyfulikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Joyful' Music Video

Joyfulikimonogakari

This song by Ikimonogakari brings a bright, lively atmosphere to the forefront.

It’s also well-known for being used as the CM song for Ezaki Glico’s Pocky, where the content likewise emphasized a sense of fun.

The band’s rhythmic, enjoyable sound draws you into its cheerful world.

The lyrics, which prioritize the resonance of words layered over the sound, also let you savor a playful rhythmic feel.

With its buoyant beat and strikingly repeated phrases, it’s well-suited for mass performances; you could emphasize movements to match these timing points.

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To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts

[MV] Creepy Nuts – To Us Who Were Once Geniuses

To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts

With its profound lyrics and emotionally powerful melody, Creepy Nuts’ “To Us Who Were Once Geniuses” is a perfect song for kids from about the upper grades of elementary school.

The tempo ramps up toward the chorus, so viewers won’t be able to take their eyes off the children’s strong, expressive performance.

By incorporating the same movements while changing formations, it could match the melody and turn into a cool, mature dance.

It’s also recommended for mass performances!

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StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – StaRt

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “StaRt,” with its catchy melody, is a song that people of all ages can enjoy.

Since it’s energetic right from the intro, let’s incorporate strong, simple movements into the expression.

The uplifting melody should help create a greater sense of unity in the venue.

For the up-tempo parts, focus while moving your arms and legs, and express it with a smile.

Wearing matching outfits for the performance will enhance the sense of togetherness and make it a wonderful sports day.

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