Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]

I wish you lots of happinessnaniwa danshi85rank/position

[Sachi Are] Naniwa Danshi 'Easy Dance & Flag' — Dance for sports day or at home! A dance for preschoolers and elementary school kids!

Naniwa Danshi’s second single, released in 2022, is “Sachi Are.” It was selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s morning information program “Mezamashi TV,” and it reached No.

1 on both the Oricon and Billboard single charts.

The fresh, morning-appropriate sound and the energetic, up-tempo beat make it heartwarming to watch kids dance along.

With simple choreography—like crossing a flag in front of the chest and spreading and waving the hands wide—it’s a great recommendation for lower elementary school students’ performances at sports day events.

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Hamada Takuya

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R.Y.U.S.E.ISandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu86rank/position

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

The thirteenth single by the dance and vocal group Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE.

Released in June 2014, it gained attention with multiple tie-ins, including serving as the 2014 campaign song for Tokyo City Keiba.

It is also included on the album PLANET SEVEN.

It’s a pop EDM-style track characterized by a strong beat and an exhilarating sound that lifts your mood just by listening.

The running man choreography in the instrumental break is widely known and easy for anyone to imitate.

It’s a hot dance tune perfect for everyone to perform together in coordinated routines at school sports days and athletic festivals.

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GReeeeN – Kiseki

It fired up the drama with passion as the theme song for TBS’s series ROOKIES.

That song always played during the best scenes, and Ryuta Sato’s powerful performance brought me to tears…

I think many people are reminded of the drama whenever they hear this track.

Of course, even apart from the show, the song’s emotional impact doesn’t fade—it’s perfect for livening up sports festivals and field days.

It would also be great as the entrance music for a baton relay.

Be sure to play it at the most thrilling moments, like the final battle or the championship match!

IdeaHoshino Gen88rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Idea (Official Video)

A singer-songwriter who has earned high acclaim not only as a musician but also as an actor, Gen Hoshino’s first digital single.

Written specifically as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Half, Blue,” the track weaves together multiple styles—band arrangement, dance number driven by programming, and even solo acoustic—yet stands cohesively as a single song.

Carrying a message of pressing on without flinching in the face of trials or obstacles that life may bring, it’s a song that inspires courage—one you’d want children to hear when they’re feeling stuck in their studies or club activities.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sheena Ringo – NIPPON

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil sent all of Japan into a frenzy.

This powerful anthem, crafted by Ringo Sheena as NHK’s soccer theme song, skillfully fuses traditional Japanese elements with a modern rock sound.

The track symbolically expresses the Japanese spirit—pure ambition and the pursuit of lofty ideals.

Included on the album Hi Izuru Tokoro, it was created as a cheer for players competing on the world’s greatest stage.

Recommended for those seeking a song to give them a push in decisive moments or to elevate their mindset before an important match.

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wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

wacci is a rock band that delivers music that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

Their song “Sora ni Waraeba,” included on the 2018 album Gunjō Refrain, empowers people striving toward their dreams and goals.

The lyrics unfold like a portrait of days spent working hard with classmates toward a school sports festival.

Even when things get tough, you can picture everyone overcoming it together.

With a warm band arrangement incorporating beautiful strings, it’s a moving song that resonates with the heart.

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mutō

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Ulfuls – Guts da ze!!

With its powerful message and funky rhythm, this classic song amps up the excitement of any sports day scene.

Tortoise Matsumoto’s passionate vocals and the band’s danceable groove forcefully lift listeners’ spirits! Released in December 1995, the track was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s variety show “Shinpin Butai.” It boosted anticipation for the following year’s album “Banzai” and became a pivotal song that sparked Ulfuls’ breakthrough.

Straightforward with a slightly comical vibe, it’s perfect for easing pre-performance nerves.

Play it during sprints or relays, and it’ll be the ultimate cheer for the athletes—sure to make them push on with smiles!