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

If you laugh at the skywacci61rank/position

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

wacci is a rock band that delivers music that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

Their song “Sora ni Waraeba,” included on the 2018 album Gunjō Refrain, empowers people striving toward their dreams and goals.

The lyrics unfold like a portrait of days spent working hard with classmates toward a school sports festival.

Even when things get tough, you can picture everyone overcoming it together.

With a warm band arrangement incorporating beautiful strings, it’s a moving song that resonates with the heart.

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mutō

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I wish you lots of happinessnaniwa danshi62rank/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.

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Hamada Takuya

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Love will winKAN63rank/position

Aiwa Katsu

KAN, the popular singer-songwriter, is best known for his signature song “Ai wa Katsu” (“Love Will Win”), a piece that sings about the importance of believing in the power of love.

Released as a single in September 1990, it was chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s program “Quiz Omoshiro TV.” Inspired by a friend’s love-life consultation, the song was reportedly written with Billy Joel in mind, and its piano tones combined with KAN’s warm vocals resonate deeply.

It’s a courageous, hope-filled track that makes you want to listen together with someone special—perfect for times when you’re feeling down or when you want to give it your all.

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.