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

Happinessarashi1rank/position

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

How about a hit number by Arashi, a group beloved nationwide for many years? Released in September 2007 as their 20th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Sho Sakurai, and has become one of their most cherished signature songs.

Carrying a message about moving forward to new places rather than looking back on the past, its energetic, guitar-driven sound lifts your spirits.

The bright, fast-paced melody is perfect as background music for heated moments like relay races at school sports days!

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI2rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude” ONE PIECE Lyric MV

This is a passionate cheer song by SEKAI NO OWARI, chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime One Piece.

It expresses universal themes—finding the courage to move forward by accepting one’s weaknesses, and personal growth for the sake of supporting others—set to a grand, expansive sound.

Released in September 2023 and included on the album Nautilus, the song was performed on programs such as FNS Music Festival and Music Station in December of the same year.

When you find yourself about to stop in front of life’s obstacles or want to challenge your limits, it will be a powerful ally.

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE3rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

Brimming with the sparkle and exhilaration of summer, this piece is perfect as BGM for sports days and athletic festivals.

Created by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, it was released in August 2018 as the theme song for the film “Aonatsu: 30 Days of Love.” It was later included on the album “Attitude.” Its refreshing band sound and a worldview that captures the brilliance of youth are the song’s key charms.

Overflowing with energy that gives listeners a push forward, it boosts the motivation of students practicing hard for the big day.

How about playing it during relays, cheer battles, and other moments when you want to heat up the field? It’s sure to become a cheer that resonates in the hearts of those working up a sweat.

migratory bird[Alexandros]4rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

Released in June 2015, “Wataridori” has been featured in numerous commercials and TV show theme songs, and is also cherished as a staple for school sports days and athletic festivals.

The lyrics carry a message that even if things are tough, if you keep moving forward, a bright future surely awaits.

That sentiment will resonate not only with athletes gearing up for a match, but also with young people who feel uncertain about their future.

If you ever find yourself thinking, “What’s the point of trying so hard?” please give it a listen.

It will surely help you face forward again.

together; along with; bothWANIMA5rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This song, which celebrates friendship, hope, and the strength to overcome hardship, fills listeners with energy and courage.

WANIMA’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound and positive message stand by those who continue to face challenges, serving as a powerful support.

Released in August 2016 as the theme song for Nivea Kao’s “8×4” commercial, it also carries the members’ deep love for their hometown of Kumamoto and their hopes for its recovery.

Included on the album “Are You Coming?”, the track was also performed at the 2017 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With its strong message, the song brings the perfect blend of excitement and refreshment for a school sports day’s exit scene.

It is expected to heighten the sense of unity in the venue, along with the children’s feelings of accomplishment and emotion after giving their all in competition.

ApollodorusMrs. GREEN APPLE6rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Apollodorus” Official Lyric Video

This work is a grand composition that expresses the athlete’s inner “calm” and “motion.” It delivers deep inspiration and courage to listeners—truly an anthem for everyone who takes on a challenge.

Released in July 2024, it was also used in broadcasts of the Paris Olympics.

It portrays the pain and anxiety experienced on the path toward a goal, as well as the strength to overcome them.

It’s a song we especially want students dedicated to their club activities and anyone striving toward their dreams to hear.

It’s a piece that lets you feel the breadth and depth of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s musicality.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism7rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Now a band boasting nationwide popularity, Official Hige Dandism released “Shukumei” in 2019.

It’s a song that cheers on the days spent preparing for sports day and encourages students on the big day itself.

The passionate band sound intertwined with the bright tones of a brass band resonates deeply.

Many will relate to lyrics that honestly express inner anxiety and doubt.

No matter what difficulties lie ahead, this song teaches the importance of forging ahead as yourself.

Be sure to play this number to make an already heated sports day even more exciting.

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