Perfect for sports day parachute routines! Recommended J-pop songs

YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki

YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.) / Hideki Saijo

This is the 28th single by singer Hideki Saijo, who was counted among the “New Big Three” in the pop scene of the 1970s and enjoyed popularity as a top male idol singer.

It’s an arrangement of Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” with cheer-style lyrics and a youthful kayō pop feel—a song that even generations unfamiliar with Hideki Saijo have likely heard at least once.

With its catchy phrases and melodies and an arrangement that lifts your spirits, it’s perfect as background music for a school sports day.

It’s a pop tune loved across generations that makes you want to cheer along, singing as the kids perform with a parachute.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Swallow feat. Midories, Neru Nagahama, and Tokyo Metropolitan Katakura High School Wind EnsembleToukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora

Swallow feat. Midories & Neru Nagahama & Tokyo Metropolitan Katakura High School Brass Band / TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra covered YOASOBI’s hit, and with Midories gaining recognition, the song Tsubame is spreading in popularity much like Paprika.

Since it was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” many of you may find it familiar.

In that sense, it’s a song that can unite not only the students performing the parachute dance but also the parents, bringing the entire venue together.

If you’re planning a parachute routine with clear contrasts—restrained verses in the A and B sections and a chorus where the horns joyfully ring out—this song is a perfect match.

The YOASOBI version is wonderful too—give it a listen!

paprikaFoorin

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

A song by Foorin, a five-member unit of elementary and middle school students selected through an audition for the “NHK 2020 Support Song Project.” Produced by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, the track became a social phenomenon after numerous dance videos were posted on social media.

Its simple yet catchy melody and positive lyrics make it perfect for performances by children with bright futures.

Featuring the voices of boys and girls that match the airy feel of a para-balloon, it has become a new standard song for school sports festivals.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Happinessarashi

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

This is the 20th single by Arashi, a five-member group that, as a national idol group, has each member active in a variety of fields beyond music.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” and it has become a staple at concerts and on music shows—one of Arashi’s signature tracks.

Its driving beat and catchy pop melody boost kids’ excitement while enhancing performances.

It’s the perfect number for a sports day held under a blue sky, letting the audience get hyped as they watch the performances.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Odoru Pompoko RinE-girls

E-girls / Odoru Ponpokorin

This is the 10th single by E-girls, a dance and vocal group that belonged to LDH, known for EXILE, and disbanded in 2020.

It’s a cover of B.B.

Queens, a music group produced by Being, which dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s.

The song was used as the opening theme for the nationally beloved TV anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

Its irresistibly cheerful melody and comical lyrics make it perfect for livening up a parachute (paraballoon) performance.

Because it’s a well-known tune recognized by both children and adults, it serves as BGM that lets kindergarteners and audiences alike enjoy the activity together.

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Hoshino Takashi

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