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

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi50rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

A hit song by Kenshi Yonezu that gained popularity as the theme song for the anime Chainsaw Man.

It also drew attention for being a collaboration with Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu and for its unique music video.

If you’re planning a dance for a school sports day, why not try this track? With its up-tempo, cool vibe, both the kids dancing and the audience are sure to get into it! There’s no official choreography, but many original choreography videos have been released, so be sure to check them out.

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sasashina

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The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster51rank/position

Little Glee Monster 'The World Is Smiling at You' Short Ver.

We recommend “The World Smiles at You” as a song to make your entrance feel bright and celebratory.

Released in 2018 during Little Glee Monster’s five-member era, this showcase of their exceptional vocals and harmonies has become one of the group’s signature songs, performed in a variety of settings.

It’s even used as a dance track at school sports days and athletic festivals.

The members’ richly colored vocal work and positive message are sure to get you excited! It will boost your energy and help you dive smoothly into the events and cheering.

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KEI

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OH!SHISHAMO52rank/position

SHISHAMO「OH！」

“OH!” perfectly matches the image of students dashing across the stage of a fresh, youthful school life.

Released in 2019 by the three-piece rock band SHISHAMO, the song portrays the importance of striving within limited time.

Its lyrics, which encourage not worrying about others’ eyes and diving into sweaty, all-out effort—like running at a sports day—fit the event perfectly.

The passionate vocals of Asako Miyazaki, carried by the band’s exhilarating performance, convey fiery emotion.

Be sure to include this indispensable rock number as a cheer song to hype up your school sports festival!

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mutō

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SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke53rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata “SMILE ~Like a Clear Blue Sky~” Commercial Broadcasters Official Special Movie (Joint Commercial Broadcasters Project ‘Let’s Do It Together’ Support Song)

Keisuke Kuwata’s “SMILE ~Harewataru Sora no Yō ni~” was written as the theme song for “Let’s Do This Together 2020,” a joint project by Japan’s five commercial TV networks planned for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The lyrics, which sing of “walking toward victory,” are perfect for a sports day where teams compete in relays and tug-of-war.

Kuwata’s bright, clear vocals are also a pleasure to listen to.

Let’s envelop the entire venue with this moving song!

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Hamada Takuya

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Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism54rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

An ambitious work crafted by Official HIGE DANDism as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers.

The song fuses lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview with an innovative sound that shifts keys roughly ten times.

It sings of the protagonist’s indomitable spirit in the face of fate, his comeback from setbacks, and the bonds with his friends, inspiring courage and emotion in listeners.

Since its release in May 2021, it peaked at No.

4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100.

It continued to be a long-running hit, ranking 13th on the year-end chart for 2021.

When you want to strive toward your goals together with your cherished friends, this song is sure to be a pillar of support.

We are!kitadani hiroshi55rank/position

TV Anime “ONE PIECE” 1000th Episode Commemoration: We Are!

It’s an energetic song packed with courage and a spirit of adventure.

With themes of camaraderie and taking on your dreams, it carries a bright, positive message.

Its up-tempo rock sound and powerful vocals make it a track that both kids and adults can sing along to and get excited about together.

This was Hiroshi Kitadani’s first single, released in November 1999 as the very first opening theme for the popular anime One Piece.

It was released by Nippon Columbia and includes a karaoke version.

The lyrics are simple and easy to remember, and the melody is familiar and catchy, making it a staple choice for karaoke.

It’s a song everyone can sing with one heart, so it’s sure to liven up school events and sports days.

O flowers now in full bloom,Kobukuro56rank/position

Kobukuro – Oh flowers now in full bloom

This song was produced as the theme for NHK’s broadcasts of the Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It’s Kobukuro’s 24th single, released in February 2014.

A hit track also included on the album “One Song From Two Hearts.” The song’s theme is about embracing your true self and developing the strength to overcome hardships.

It portrays people who possess both strength and kindness as they walk toward the future, stirring the heart.

When you have goals you want to strive for but lack confidence, I think this is an encouraging song that resonates with your heart.