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

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!

Naked HeroVaundy99rank/position

Naked Hero / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

The opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Ranking of Kings is Vaundy’s “Hadaka no Yuusha” (“Naked Hero”).

Released in 2022 as his first EP, it also marked Vaundy’s debut anime song.

The lyrics, powerfully expressing a hero’s feelings that tie in with the anime’s story, are striking, and the track is perfect for school sports days where children’s individual personalities and feelings collide.

Its up-tempo rock vibe is another big selling point!

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Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya100rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Tatsuya Kitani’s song “Ao no Sumika” captivates with a beautiful, heart‑stirring melody that feels like a snapshot of a fleeting moment in youth.

Released in July 2023, it drew attention as the opening theme for the second season of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen.

The lyrics, which portray lost time and feelings that never reached their destination, resonate deeply with listeners.

Its sense of speed and drive makes it perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.

It’s a track I especially recommend to those who are right in the midst of their youth.