Songs that hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu64rank/position

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

The dance and vocal group Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE captivates fans with their translucent singing voices and breathtaking dance performances.

Their 13th single, “R.Y.U.S.E.I.,” which was chosen as TCK’s 2014 campaign song, features an immersive sound that evokes the image suggested by its title.

The running man in the song’s interlude—now synonymous with the group—would be a spectacular sight when everyone dances it together at school sports days and athletic festivals.

It’s an upbeat dance tune that elevates the energy, even as background music during competitions.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Heart-throbbingHinatazaka4665rank/position

Hinatazaka46 “Kyun”

Hinatazaka46’s “Kyun” follows the classic idol style, with a cute and catchy melody that’s perfect for school festivals and sports days.

While the combinations in the choreography are challenging, many of the individual moves are simple, so with practice you can master it.

Why not aim for a full, exact cover? I think dancing in school uniforms would look adorable.

Everyone is a heroAI66rank/position

Minnagaminna Au (Full Version)

AI captivates many fans with a powerful, resonant voice that speaks to the heart.

This song, too, conveys a moving message through its lyrics and AI’s vocal expression.

Released in February 2016 as the CM song for au’s “Santaro” series, it has been loved by many ever since.

A new version was produced for the first time in eight years, showing how enduring the song’s appeal is.

It carries the idea that through everyday joys and challenges, anyone can become a hero in their own right.

It’s also perfect as a cheer song for school sports days, making it a track that people of all ages—from children to adults—can enjoy.

It’s a wonderful song that gives you courage every time you listen.

Live in the present.Saucy Dog67rank/position

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.

Rat-tat-tatSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu68rank/position

[Sports Day Dance] “Rat-tat-tat” / Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS (Easy Choreography | Lower Elementary, Middle Elementary, Upper Elementary)

Rat-tat-tat” by J SOUL BROTHERS III from EXILE TRIBE drew attention as the song for the “Zombie de Dance” segment at USJ’s Halloween event.

Released in 2019, the track is memorable for its distinctive choreography in the chorus, where you raise both hands and swing them side to side.

LDH group songs can seem difficult to dance to, but don’t worry—an official kid-friendly easy version is available! There are even parts in the lyrics that tell you whether to move your hands up or down, so you can just follow along.

Let’s hype up your sports day with a cool dance!

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SAKI

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Aim to be a Pokémon MasterMatsumoto Rika69rank/position

Aim to be a Pokémon Master

A heart-pounding song filled with passion for dreams and adventure, highlighted by Rica Matsumoto’s powerful vocals.

It delivers a youthful, positive message, singing of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with friends—perfect for boosting excitement at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Released as a single in June 1997, it was used as the opening theme for a TV anime.

It won the Work Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize and garnered widespread support, reaching as high as No.

7 on the Oricon charts.

Even when practice time is limited for a sports-day cheer song, its simple, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics mean the whole class can start singing it right away.

NIPPONShiina Ringo70rank/position

Sheena Ringo – NIPPON

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil sent all of Japan into a frenzy.

This powerful anthem, crafted by Ringo Sheena as NHK’s soccer theme song, skillfully fuses traditional Japanese elements with a modern rock sound.

The track symbolically expresses the Japanese spirit—pure ambition and the pursuit of lofty ideals.

Included on the album Hi Izuru Tokoro, it was created as a cheer for players competing on the world’s greatest stage.

Recommended for those seeking a song to give them a push in decisive moments or to elevate their mindset before an important match.