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

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman85rank/position

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

This is a heartwarming encouragement song by Berry Goodman that aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from December 2024 to January 2025.

The powerful melodies and warm lyrics woven by the trio offer support to those who feel their efforts go unrewarded.

Highlighting not only those who shine on center stage but also the importance of those who support them behind the scenes, the song is also included on the album “Thank You.” Accompanied by Reiko Yokosuka’s delicate animation using washi paper and watercolor, it captured the hearts of many viewers.

It’s a moving track that gently pushes forward people facing hardships or working hard out of the spotlight.

The Zero Sense10-FEET86rank/position

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

A powerful rock number that passionately belts out the spirit of basketball and the thrill of challenge! The lyrics, brimming with the fervor of chasing your dreams and the resolve to face adversity, feel as if they’re giving you a push from behind.

10-FEET’s sound, packed with overwhelming power and taut intensity, grips the listener’s heart and never lets go.

Featured on the album “COLLINS” and released in December 2022 as the ending theme for the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” this track is perfect not only for basketball and sports fans, but also for those moments when you want to strive toward your dreams or fire yourself up before an important showdown.

Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon87rank/position

Attack on Titan OP [Guren no Yumiya] High Quality Audio

The opening theme of the anime Attack on Titan became so popular that it even appeared on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Since the work’s theme is “battles with giants,” the lyrics are meant to rouse warriors.

Wouldn’t it be a perfect fit for a showdown program?

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP88rank/position

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

When it comes to moving songs, isn’t it impossible to talk about them without mentioning this one? It’s a signature track by SMAP, the nationally beloved idol group.

With lyrics themed around “Only One,” I think it’s perfect for school sports days, too.

It might be a slightly older song, but I believe it’s one of those timeless classics that still deserves to be loved.

The members’ gentle voices really touch the heart, don’t they?

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FRIENDS!!!imase89rank/position

【imase】FRIENDS!!!（MV）

In February 2025, imase crafted a new-generation pop song distinguished by its groovy rhythm and rich blend of instruments.

Centered on the importance of friendship and the depth of bonds, the piece was produced as the theme song for “Everyone’s Concert,” a collaboration project between the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation.

Gently expressing the awkward distance with friends you haven’t seen in a while and the enduring beauty of friendship that doesn’t change with time, it’s a perfect fit to close out a school sports day.

A special movie featuring a collaboration with over 120 performers was also created, hinting at the formation of new communities through music.

It’s a track you can enjoy while picturing the brisk exit scene, walking side by side with friends whose bonds have grown stronger, all to a comfortably soothing melody.

100% for Youkyarī pamyu pamyu90rank/position

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Kimi Ni 100 Percent [Legendado em Português]

This song was used as the theme for the Crayon Shin-chan movie.

With its bursting pop sound and catchy melody, it’s an adorable track! What I want you to focus on are the straightforward lyrics that give you motivation.

They make you feel like you’ve got to give everything you’ve got, so it’s a perfect match for sports days and athletic meets! It might be fun to have everyone dance to it, too…?

A victorious smile with youUkasukaji91rank/position

Ukasukazy “A Victorious Smile With You” Music Video

Ukasuka-G’s song, carrying a powerful message about friendship, is a youthful cheer anthem that captures the spirit of teammates moving forward with pride held close to their hearts.

Cherishing the bonds forged through wholehearted competition, it portrays the strength of comrades overcoming challenges and their smiles, set to an uplifting, positive sound.

Released on May 20, 2014, the track is a digital-only single from TOY’S FACTORY and has been loved across a wide range of scenes, including as the Japan national soccer team’s support song and in Kirin’s “Nihonjuu ga Kata o Kumu” TV commercial.

As a song that fires up the hearts of those striving in team sports and club activities, it’s also a perfect staple to energize school sports festivals.