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

Zankyo SankaAimer36rank/position

[For Sports Day and Recitals] Aimer “Zankyo Sanka” Simple Dance Choreography & Bandanas for Preschoolers and Elementary School Kids

Aimer’s songs, which sing of hope and courage with powerful, beautiful melodies, are perfect for dances where children move as one in body and spirit.

The lyrics, themed around the importance of bravely moving forward, and the bright, light rhythm leave a strong impression.

Released in December 2021, this track also gained popularity as a TV anime opening theme.

Its upbeat tempo and rhythmic development make it easy to dance to at school sports festivals, helping bring out children’s smiles and energy.

It’s also fun to get creative with choreography for each class or group.

Through the joy of dancing, it can be used to create lasting memories in children’s hearts.

Don’t give upZARD37rank/position

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)

ZARD’s “Makenaide,” released in 1993, is a classic beloved by a wide range of generations and has been featured in numerous forms of media.

When taking on events at a sports day, there are moments when anyone might feel like giving up or losing heart.

This song is filled with a warm message that gives strength in those moments.

Its lively, energetic band sound and Izumi Sakai’s clear, crystalline vocals inspire courage and hope.

Why not include it in scenes where you’re cheering your teammates on with all your might?

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mutō

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Wake Up!AAA38rank/position

AAA / 「Wake up!」Music Video

A song by the performance unit AAA, specially written as the theme for the anime ONE PIECE, evokes a rising sense of excitement toward embarking on an adventure that reflects the work’s worldview.

With a band sound that incorporates brass timbres, it conjures a grand, bright scene reminiscent of blue skies and the open sea.

It’s a track that conveys joyful emotions—expressing the courage to move toward one’s goals and the happiness of moving forward together with companions.

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kappamaki

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Standing on stageYOASOBI39rank/position

YOASOBI "Stand on the Stage" Official Music Video

A youthful anthem cheering on athletes who keep striving toward their dreams.

It’s the NHK sports theme song released by YOASOBI in July 2024.

The lyrics sing of the effort to surpass oneself, the bonds with teammates, and the very moment of stepping onto a longed-for stage.

It’s a powerful cheer song that supports not only those dedicated to sports, but everyone pursuing their dreams.

Interestingly, this piece was created based on three manga works.

It also helped boost excitement for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, making it a song truly fit for a stage of growth.

It would surely enliven any venue as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals, too!

paprikaFoorin40rank/position

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

This is a song by Foorin, a unit formed through NHK’s “2020 Support Song Project.” It was released as a single in August 2018.

Broadcast on the program Minna no Uta, it became a song listened to by a wide range of ages, not just elementary school students.

The lyrics and music were written by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.

The work expresses children’s pure feelings and their hopes for their dreams.

It’s also popular as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals, and has long been loved as a cheer song.

ultramarineYOASOBI41rank/position

YOASOBI “Gunjou” Official Music Video

A signature work by YOASOBI that vividly expresses young people’s passion and pursuit of dreams through striking lyrics.

Released in September 2020, the song gained broad recognition after being featured in Bourbon’s “Alfort Mini Chocolate” commercial.

In 2021, it was also selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Dance ONE Project ’21,” adding flair to high school students’ dance performances.

Evoking the image of blue light, the piece impressively portrays the challenges of self-expression and creativity, making it perfect for school sports-day entrance marches and dance performances.

It’s a song that lets everyone share in the unique sense of unity of a sports festival and the courage to take the first step toward their dreams.

Your AdventureOkazaki Taiiku42rank/position

Your Adventure

This is the theme song for the anime Pokémon Sun & Moon by singer-songwriter Taiiku Okazaki.

It was used as the opening theme starting in October 2018, and Okazaki also performed the ending theme, which drew a lot of attention.

The classic, high-energy pop tune pairs perfectly with his familiar, easy-to-listen-to vocals.

The lyrics affirm that gaining experience—even getting sunburned or dirtying your clothes—becomes part of who you are, and they give you the courage to step into the unknown.

It’s a track brimming with positive energy that powerfully cheers on those who keep chasing their dreams, even if they’re clumsy or awkward.

It’s a hugely popular anime song that will surely give you a push when you’re starting a new challenge or feeling a bit down.