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

Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi92rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi – “Our Tomorrow”

An Elekashi cheer song that encourages everyone who’s fighting clumsily.

The down-to-earth presence of Elekashi and Hiroji Miyamoto will give you courage even at sports days and athletic festivals.

If you listen slowly, the lyrics will gently seep into you.

It’s such a tear-jerker that it was once introduced by Koji Kato on the show “The Tearful Songs Nobody Knows” as a song that makes you cry.

A moving song that stays by your side when you’re about to falter, when you’re feeling weak, and, above all, when you’re doing your best.

Be sure to play it during your most moving moments.

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KEI

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Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone93rank/position

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video

Mone Kamishiraishi, who is active across a wide range of fields including acting, variety entertainment, and singing, released “Natsukashii Mirai” in 2022.

Written and composed by Naotaro Moriyama, the song was also featured in the 100th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It carries a message of support for students who have worked hard for various athletic meet events.

The lyrics, which convey the connection between past, present, and future, evoke images of the days spent practicing and the scenes on the day of the sports festival.

Accompanied by her clear, translucent voice, the melody unfolds with a grand, expansive feel.

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mutō

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One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu94rank/position

ATARASHII GAKKO! – One Heart (Official Music Video)

A song that brings everyone’s hearts together! It’s a青春 (coming-of-age) cheer anthem that echoes through the gym.

Atarashii Gakko no Leaders created a brand-new song for Bourbon’s “Fettuccine Gummi” TV commercial, premiering in March 2025.

This powerful track expresses the drive to keep moving forward, and through fans’ cheers and dance performances, it brings both adults and kids together in excitement.

For the music video shoot, about 300 fans gathered to pull off a large-scale group performance in a gymnasium.

It’s a fresh, energetic, and powerful song that will lift spirits not only at graduations and sports days, but also for anyone starting a new chapter in life.

WinnerShonan no Kaze95rank/position

Shonan no Kaze 'Winner' MUSIC VIDEO

How about a song that instantly boosts your mood? It’s a track by the popular reggae group Shonan no Kaze.

It’s included on their concept mini-album “Odore,” released in 2017.

The summery sound is really cool, isn’t it?

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Araki Jakkan

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Runnerbakufū suranpu96rank/position

Bakufu Slump “Runner” MUSIC VIDEO (HD)

The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.

Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.

Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.

This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.

Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.

Kaikai KitanEVE97rank/position

Kaikai Kitan – Eve MV

A work by Eve that stands out for its exhilarating sound and vocals that feel like an incantation.

Centered on themes of facing oneself and the strength to overcome darkness, the song powerfully portrays the inner struggles of being human.

It opens with a heavy guitar riff and deftly depicts dark, complex emotions.

Its melodic chorus grips the listener and won’t let go.

Released in October 2020 and used as the opening theme for the first season of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, this track gives you strength when you want to steel yourself for an important match or competition, and when you want to ignite your fighting spirit together with your teammates.

Make you happyNiziU98rank/position

NiziU 『Make you happy』 M/V

The hugely popular group NiziU’s debut song, “Make you happy.” It reportedly won a total of 64 crowns across domestic music streaming sites for both singles and albums.

Its music video has surpassed 200 million views and continues to rack up even more! With its upbeat tempo and cute lyrics, it seems perfect for any occasion—like a march or cheer song for sports days and athletic festivals.

If you want to include the famous “jump rope dance,” creating an original routine would be great too.

It’s a truly recommended track that’s incredibly versatile for many uses with just one song!