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

I am the strongest.Ado22rank/position

[Ado] I’m the Strongest (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

A powerful anthem of will and resolve from the film ONE PIECE FILM RED.

Released by Ado in June 2022, the song is notable for lyrics brimming with self-affirmation that wells up from deep within and heartfelt care for one’s companions.

The energetic, exhilarating rock sound crafted by Motoki Omori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and Ado’s distinctive vocals truly shine.

The song expresses the feelings of the film’s character Uta, depicting the process of acknowledging one’s own weaknesses and anxieties while overcoming them to grow stronger.

It’s a perfect track for rallying yourself at a sports day or athletic festival, or when you want to strive together with your teammates.

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA23rank/position

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)

This song depicts the courage to face adversity, with a powerful rock sound and a richly projected vocal that represents modern anime.

It captures the indomitable spirit of a protagonist striving to overcome countless hardships and the strong will to protect loved ones, resulting in a striking piece.

LiSA’s vocals brilliantly convey the story’s themes.

Released in April 2019, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, became a massive hit, and earned numerous accolades, including an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its dynamic, high-impact sound is perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, and it also works great as a rousing cheer song everyone can enjoy together.

We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā24rank/position

[We’ve Gotta Do the Impossible] Sambomaster “Simple Dance” — A simple arranged dance you can do at sports days and presentations!

A positive, powerful song that makes kids want to move their bodies is one of Sambomaster’s popular tracks.

The lyrics convey the importance of taking on exactly what seems “impossible,” giving children confidence and courage.

Released in February 2010 as the theme for Nissan’s Serena commercial, the song was later used as the image song for the film Cheer☆Dance, capturing the hearts of many.

Combining energetic rhythms with a strong message, this track is perfect for those looking for music to dance to at events like sports days or recitals.

Even complex choreography can be easily adapted, so children who are new to dance can enjoy moving along!

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA25rank/position

Yattemiyou

“I’ll give you the courage to move forward!” This warm message resonates in this uplifting anthem.

WANIMA’s powerful performance and lyrics that gently nudge you to face forward and keep going are truly compelling.

Aired from January 2017 in au’s Santaro series commercials and included on the album “Everybody!!,” this song is perfect not only for sports days and athletic festivals, but also for cultural festivals, band performances at live events, and choral singing—any school occasion where you take on challenges together with friends.

Sing it together and get fired up, and it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory!

Brother BeatSnow Man26rank/position

Snow Man “Brother Beat” Music Video

Brother Beat was produced as an upbeat, party-style track.

It’s a song released by Snow Man and is also known as the theme song for the movie Osomatsu-san.

The structure has the nine members taking turns singing their thoughts and feelings.

Overall, it packs in a lot of comedic call-and-response elements that will make you chuckle.

Another hallmark is the abundance of rap parts.

It’s perfect when you want to create a lively, boisterous atmosphere.

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yamamoto

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Curtain callYuuri27rank/position

Curtain Call by Yuuri: My Hero Academia Special Music Video / My Hero Academia Season 7 Cour 2 Opening Theme Anime MV

This is a song by Yuuri featuring an exhilarating, up-tempo rock melody and lyrics filled with hope as two people strive to understand each other.

It powerfully and directly sings of the protagonist’s strong resolve to keep pursuing the path they believe in, while showing empathy toward those they stand opposed to.

A rousing cheer song that gives you a push to chase dreams together with teammates at sports days and athletic festivals, it was released in July 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for Season 7, Cour 2 of the popular anime My Hero Academia.

It’s a track we especially recommend to everyone competing with friends, helping one another, and giving their all toward their goals.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN28rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Live Music Video

With its lively beat and pop sound, UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is perfect for school sports festivals.

Released as a single in 2015 and used as the ending theme for the UHF anime “Blood Blockade Battlefront,” it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

“Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is a technically demanding track, featuring many moments where the music briefly stops, which is why many people use it for dance routines.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube, so why not check them out for inspiration for your sports day dance?

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Hamada Takuya

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