Songs that hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]
Sports days and athletic festivals are some of the most festive school events where all grades come together, so you really want to get the crowd excited.
Music, in particular, is a key factor in boosting the energy!
I’ve put together a ranked list of recommended hype songs for sports day—hope you find it helpful!
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Songs that get the crowd pumped at sports days and athletic festivals: Japanese music/J-Pop artist rankings [2026] (21–30)
Zankyo SankaAimer22rank/position
Aimer’s songs, which sing of hope and courage with powerful, beautiful melodies, are perfect for dances where children move as one in body and spirit.
The lyrics, themed around the importance of bravely moving forward, and the bright, light rhythm leave a strong impression.
Released in December 2021, this track also gained popularity as a TV anime opening theme.
Its upbeat tempo and rhythmic development make it easy to dance to at school sports festivals, helping bring out children’s smiles and energy.
It’s also fun to get creative with choreography for each class or group.
Through the joy of dancing, it can be used to create lasting memories in children’s hearts.
Your AdventureOkazaki Taiiku23rank/position
This is the theme song for the anime Pokémon Sun & Moon by singer-songwriter Taiiku Okazaki.
It was used as the opening theme starting in October 2018, and Okazaki also performed the ending theme, which drew a lot of attention.
The classic, high-energy pop tune pairs perfectly with his familiar, easy-to-listen-to vocals.
The lyrics affirm that gaining experience—even getting sunburned or dirtying your clothes—becomes part of who you are, and they give you the courage to step into the unknown.
It’s a track brimming with positive energy that powerfully cheers on those who keep chasing their dreams, even if they’re clumsy or awkward.
It’s a hugely popular anime song that will surely give you a push when you’re starting a new challenge or feeling a bit down.
OrangeSPYAIR24rank/position
A heart-thumping number where the bittersweetness of youth coexists with optimism.
The lyrics, which look back on past memories while singing of hope for the future, are particularly striking.
Released in February 2024, this track was used as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle and became a major talking point.
It marks SPYAIR’s fourth collaboration with the Haikyu!! series.
Fresh and energetic, the song is perfect to listen to before an important game or competition.
It will surely give a gentle push to your back as you believe in yourself and move forward.
Fanfaresumika25rank/position
An uplifting anthem that strikes a chord with its driving melody and bright lyrics! It’s a song that encourages a brave first step—from darkness into light, breaking out of your shell.
The invigorating sound alone gives you energy, and the storytelling—accepting your own weaknesses while stepping into a new world—is memorable.
This refreshing track, woven by sumika’s band sound, was released as a double A-side single in August 2018 and also drew attention as the opening theme for the animated film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” It’s perfect for school festival dances, choirs, or band performances, and is sure to gently embrace the entire venue!
Soul RevolutionSuperfly26rank/position
An energetic cheer song that fires you up.
It’s a track by the music unit Superfly, released in June 2010.
It was chosen as NHK’s theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
It features Shiho Ochi’s powerful vocals and lyrics that truly make your soul surge.
It teaches you the courage to face adversity and the importance of believing in yourself.
It’s also a staple BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals.
Wake Up!AAA27rank/position
A song by the performance unit AAA, specially written as the theme for the anime ONE PIECE, evokes a rising sense of excitement toward embarking on an adventure that reflects the work’s worldview.
With a band sound that incorporates brass timbres, it conjures a grand, bright scene reminiscent of blue skies and the open sea.
It’s a track that conveys joyful emotions—expressing the courage to move toward one’s goals and the happiness of moving forward together with companions.
Brother BeatSnow Man28rank/position
Brother Beat was produced as an upbeat, party-style track.
It’s a song released by Snow Man and is also known as the theme song for the movie Osomatsu-san.
The structure has the nine members taking turns singing their thoughts and feelings.
Overall, it packs in a lot of comedic call-and-response elements that will make you chuckle.
Another hallmark is the abundance of rap parts.
It’s perfect when you want to create a lively, boisterous atmosphere.
