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

rainbowAqua Timez57rank/position

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

A refreshing Aqua Timez number that supports those striving toward the school sports festival.

It was chosen as the theme song for the smash-hit drama Gokusen Season 3, starring Yukie Nakama.

For those giving their all at the sports festival, the “rainbow” here symbolizes a moving, unforgettable memory.

Grueling practices, training that just doesn’t go well—many tough days unfold on the way to the big event.

But you have many teammates running alongside you toward the same goal.

With that in mind, even the hard days can turn into “It’ll be okay” on the day itself.

This is a song that makes you feel that, after pushing through, those efforts will become a beautiful, rainbow-like memory.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

AdventureYOASOBI58rank/position

YOASOBI "Adventure" Official Music Video

This work is packed with an invitation to adventure.

The song YOASOBI released in February 2023 was written as the theme for Universal Studios Japan’s limited-time “Uni Spring” campaign.

Its lyrics portray the joy of taking a step beyond the everyday, paired with a pop, exhilarating sound.

It was first performed on March 11 at the special concert “Uni Spring! Live 2023.” It’s a captivating track that stirs the spirit of adventure and is perfect as entrance music for school sports days and athletic festivals.

It’s a song that gives a push to those embarking on new challenges!

I wish you lots of happinessnaniwa danshi59rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari60rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'The Wind Is Blowing MUSIC VIDEO (Short ver.)'

The song that celebrates all the preparation and practice for the sports day is “Kaze ga Fuiteiru” (“The Wind Is Blowing”).

Released in 2012 by Ikimonogakari, a music unit that led the J-pop scene from the 2000s, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s London Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts.

The beautiful strings resonating over a mid-tempo track are striking.

The orthodox melodic line, sung by Kiyoe Yoshioka, is deeply moving.

It’s a heartfelt song you’ll want to play during any sports day scene—from relays to dances.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

JUMPIkuta Rira61rank/position

Rira Ikuta “JUMP” Official Music Video

A song by Rira Ikuta that portrays the theme of overcoming anxiety and challenges to achieve personal growth.

It expresses a strong will to move forward, overcoming the self that freezes in the face of hardship.

The imagery of leaping beyond one’s limits and the confidence and strength gained through taking on challenges are particularly striking.

Released in November 2022, it was also selected as the official theme song for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TV programming.

The track is included on the album “Sketch.” It’s a song that gives you the courage to take on challenges and the power to move forward in sports scenes.

Be sure to play it at school sports days and athletic festivals to get everyone fired up!

So, you are not alone.Little Glee Monster62rank/position

Little Glee Monster “So, You’re Not Alone” Music Video Short Ver.

Little Glee Monster’s upbeat song “Dakara, Hitori Janai” (“That’s Why You’re Not Alone”).

Chosen as the ending theme for the anime My Hero Academia, it’s loved by anime fans as well.

As you move toward your dreams, there’s surely no one who can progress without hitting any walls.

Listening to this song makes you feel that way.

It’s a collection of 11 tracks that cheer on and encourage those who are giving their all.

With its sense of speed, it even seems like it could help your studying go more smoothly!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Gate of GloryHirai Dai63rank/position

Dai Hirai / The Door of Glory (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, who has gained popularity especially among younger generations with his acoustic sound rooted in surf music.

His 38th digital-only single, “Eikou no Tobira,” written as a support song for summer high school baseball, is a soothing number where a gentle vocal rides a pleasant beat to calm the heart.

Its message—that what matters isn’t just winning or losing in this very moment—reminds us of the importance of taking on challenges themselves.

An emotional pop tune whose organic ensemble stays close to the heart.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem