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!
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
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Songs that hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026] (31–40)
Fly Highmilet36rank/position
Singer milet, who has worked on numerous anime and commercial tie-in songs, is known for her husky yet supple voice.
Among her tracks, the one that’s perfect for a sports day is “Fly High.” It’s included on her 2022 release “visions” and was selected as the theme song for NHK’s “Winter Sports.” Its dramatic sound with a grand atmosphere is truly moving.
If you’re looking for BGM for the opening ceremony or athletes’ entrance, be sure to give it a listen.
The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari37rank/position
The song that celebrates all the preparation and practice for the sports day is “Kaze ga Fuiteiru” (“The Wind Is Blowing”).
Released in 2012 by Ikimonogakari, a music unit that led the J-pop scene from the 2000s, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s London Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts.
The beautiful strings resonating over a mid-tempo track are striking.
The orthodox melodic line, sung by Kiyoe Yoshioka, is deeply moving.
It’s a heartfelt song you’ll want to play during any sports day scene—from relays to dances.
HEROAmuro Namie38rank/position
Namie Amuro, the singer who sparked the “Amuraa” boom that became a social phenomenon in the 1990s and rose to fame as a charismatic icon for young women.
Her 45th single “Hero,” chosen as the NHK theme song for broadcasts of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, features a sweeping melody woven with her beautiful vocals that truly stirs the heart.
Its dramatic ensemble mirrors the ever-changing tides of competition at sports days and athletic festivals, lifting your spirits in step.
With its powerful choral work that amps up the energy, it’s an emotional number through and through.
100% CourageHikaru GENJI39rank/position
The theme song of the anime Nintama Rantaro is packed with messages that boost energy and courage! Released in May 1993, the song was brought to fame by Hikaru GENJI and has since been passed down and performed by junior groups like Hey! Say! JUMP and Sexy Zone.
Its bright, positive lyrics and lively rhythm blend beautifully.
When you listen to it when you’re feeling down, discouraged, or on the verge of giving up a challenge, it mysteriously gives you a push forward.
It’s also perfect as BGM for sports days and athletic festivals, or as a dance track.
It’s a song that accompanies scenes where everyone works up a sweat together and gets absorbed in what they’re doing.
Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts40rank/position
An upbeat tune by Creepy Nuts that sings about the importance of shining as your true self.
It was released in January 2024.
Used as the opening theme for the anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES,” it matches the show’s dynamic worldview.
The lyrics are distinctly Creepy Nuts—energetic and free-spirited.
It has gained international attention, ranking 8th on the Billboard Global 200 for the week.
It’s also been spreading widely on social media like TikTok.
It would work well as an entrance song for school sports days and athletic festivals, too.
With a message celebrating self-affirmation and the spirit of challenge like this track, it’s sure to give everyone a boost!
Songs that hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals: Japanese Music and J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026] (41–50)
O flowers now in full bloom,Kobukuro41rank/position
This song was produced as the theme for NHK’s broadcasts of the Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It’s Kobukuro’s 24th single, released in February 2014.
A hit track also included on the album “One Song From Two Hearts.” The song’s theme is about embracing your true self and developing the strength to overcome hardships.
It portrays people who possess both strength and kindness as they walk toward the future, stirring the heart.
When you have goals you want to strive for but lack confidence, I think this is an encouraging song that resonates with your heart.
paprikaFoorin42rank/position
This is a song by Foorin, a unit formed through NHK’s “2020 Support Song Project.” It was released as a single in August 2018.
Broadcast on the program Minna no Uta, it became a song listened to by a wide range of ages, not just elementary school students.
The lyrics and music were written by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.
The work expresses children’s pure feelings and their hopes for their dreams.
It’s also popular as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals, and has long been loved as a cheer song.