Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
We’ve picked out songs that are sure to hype up the latest sports days and athletic festivals.
We’re introducing them in a ranking format based on play counts, from most to least played.
So which song was listened to the most?
Whether you want to listen and remember that day, or think about that special someone, it’s up to you.
Enjoy in your own way.
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Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day/Athletic Festivals [2026] (41–50)
100% CourageHikaru GENJI43rank/position
The theme song of the anime Nintama Rantaro is packed with messages that boost energy and courage! Released in May 1993, the song was brought to fame by Hikaru GENJI and has since been passed down and performed by junior groups like Hey! Say! JUMP and Sexy Zone.
Its bright, positive lyrics and lively rhythm blend beautifully.
When you listen to it when you’re feeling down, discouraged, or on the verge of giving up a challenge, it mysteriously gives you a push forward.
It’s also perfect as BGM for sports days and athletic festivals, or as a dance track.
It’s a song that accompanies scenes where everyone works up a sweat together and gets absorbed in what they’re doing.
Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE44rank/position
This song delivers a powerful message that resonates in the heart: “Let’s live brightly and face forward.” Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in 2023, it was written as the theme song for the TV drama “At Least on Sunday Night…”.
Garnering numerous awards—including the Best Video Award at MTV VMAJ 2023 in November and the Grand Prix at the 65th Japan Record Awards—this track is also perfect as BGM for sports days or as a dance number! It not only brings out children’s energy, but also warms the hearts of parents and teachers watching over them.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai45rank/position
This song unfolds with a forward-looking, hope-filled narrative.
It powerfully expresses the importance of having the courage to help others, singing of a strong desire to become a hero.
Even as the protagonist confronts their own powerlessness, their impulse to help someone is conveyed through a moving melody that tugs at the heart.
Recorded by Ryokuoushoku Shakai on their April 2020 album “SINGALONG,” the track was later featured in 2023 as a JRA (Japan Racing Association) commercial song, resonating deeply with many.
It’s perfect for moments of resolve to help others or when taking a new step forward—and it makes an excellent entrance song for school sports events as well.
HEROAmuro Namie46rank/position
Namie Amuro, the singer who sparked the “Amuraa” boom that became a social phenomenon in the 1990s and rose to fame as a charismatic icon for young women.
Her 45th single “Hero,” chosen as the NHK theme song for broadcasts of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, features a sweeping melody woven with her beautiful vocals that truly stirs the heart.
Its dramatic ensemble mirrors the ever-changing tides of competition at sports days and athletic festivals, lifting your spirits in step.
With its powerful choral work that amps up the energy, it’s an emotional number through and through.
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE47rank/position
“Nando Demo,” which matches the stage of a sports day where it’s important to persevere to the very end, was released in 2005 by the nationally renowned music duo DREAMS COME TRUE and has become a staple at their live shows.
Its lyrics, portraying the noble figure of someone who keeps facing challenges no matter the hardships, are particularly striking.
It’s a perfect number to cheer on various sports day events—like tamaire, where you keep trying within a time limit, or relays that test running speed.
Why not cheer on your precious teammates with its heartwarming phrases?
Soul RevolutionSuperfly48rank/position
An energetic cheer song that fires you up.
It’s a track by the music unit Superfly, released in June 2010.
It was chosen as NHK’s theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
It features Shiho Ochi’s powerful vocals and lyrics that truly make your soul surge.
It teaches you the courage to face adversity and the importance of believing in yourself.
It’s also a staple BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals.
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS49rank/position
“Zenzenzense,” written as an insert song for the film Your Name.
and a massive hit, was released by the rock band RADWIMPS in 2016.
The track unfolds a story that matches the film’s worldview.
Its sound, which opens with a passionate guitar riff, will energize various scenes at a sports day.
Along with its exhilarating sense of speed, it’s also recommended for cheering on teammates taking on relays or group jump rope.
It’s a rock number that refreshingly colors a stage set ablaze with excitement.