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

paprikaFoorin43rank/position

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

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.

ultra soulB’z44rank/position

[Wind Band Hit] ultra soul / B’z

This single, released in March 2001, is an uplifting anthem delivered with a powerful rock sound and a message that strikes straight to the heart.

It conveys encouragement to those striving toward their dreams, depicting the emotions that waver between hope and disappointment, as well as the courage to challenge one’s own limits.

It’s a track where B’z’s signature sense of speed and Koshi Inaba’s dynamic vocals blend seamlessly.

The song was continuously selected as the official theme for the World Aquatics Championships from 2001 to 2024, becoming a staple that energizes the sports scene.

It’s also highly recommended as a cheer song for school sports days and athletic festivals, boosting participants’ morale and uniting everyone in excitement.

DoraemonHoshino Gen45rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Doraemon (Official Video)

“Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island” features a song that was used as the opening theme for the Doraemon TV anime.

Speaking of Gen Hoshino, he has released many songs popular among elementary school students, such as “Koi” and “Idea.” This song, “Doraemon,” is also widely known among elementary schoolers and is hugely popular as a dance track! The tempo is relaxed, and many simplified choreography videos tailored for children are available online.

If it’s a familiar song with easy moves, even kids who aren’t confident in dancing might think, “I’ll give it a try!” Be sure to challenge yourself at least once!

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sasashina

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MiracleGReeeeN46rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

It fired up the drama with passion as the theme song for TBS’s series ROOKIES.

That song always played during the best scenes, and Ryuta Sato’s powerful performance brought me to tears…

I think many people are reminded of the drama whenever they hear this track.

Of course, even apart from the show, the song’s emotional impact doesn’t fade—it’s perfect for livening up sports festivals and field days.

It would also be great as the entrance music for a baton relay.

Be sure to play it at the most thrilling moments, like the final battle or the championship match!

SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke47rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata “SMILE ~Like a Clear Blue Sky~” Commercial Broadcasters Official Special Movie (Joint Commercial Broadcasters Project ‘Let’s Do It Together’ Support Song)

Keisuke Kuwata’s “SMILE ~Harewataru Sora no Yō ni~” was written as the theme song for “Let’s Do This Together 2020,” a joint project by Japan’s five commercial TV networks planned for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The lyrics, which sing of “walking toward victory,” are perfect for a sports day where teams compete in relays and tug-of-war.

Kuwata’s bright, clear vocals are also a pleasure to listen to.

Let’s envelop the entire venue with this moving song!

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Hamada Takuya

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rainbowAqua Timez48rank/position

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

A refreshing Aqua Timez number that supports those striving toward the school sports festival.

It was chosen as the theme song for the smash-hit drama Gokusen Season 3, starring Yukie Nakama.

For those giving their all at the sports festival, the “rainbow” here symbolizes a moving, unforgettable memory.

Grueling practices, training that just doesn’t go well—many tough days unfold on the way to the big event.

But you have many teammates running alongside you toward the same goal.

With that in mind, even the hard days can turn into “It’ll be okay” on the day itself.

This is a song that makes you feel that, after pushing through, those efforts will become a beautiful, rainbow-like memory.

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SAKI

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JUMPIkuta Rira49rank/position

Rira Ikuta “JUMP” Official Music Video

A song by Rira Ikuta that portrays the theme of overcoming anxiety and challenges to achieve personal growth.

It expresses a strong will to move forward, overcoming the self that freezes in the face of hardship.

The imagery of leaping beyond one’s limits and the confidence and strength gained through taking on challenges are particularly striking.

Released in November 2022, it was also selected as the official theme song for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TV programming.

The track is included on the album “Sketch.” It’s a song that gives you the courage to take on challenges and the power to move forward in sports scenes.

Be sure to play it at school sports days and athletic festivals to get everyone fired up!