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

It’s okay.BLUE ENCOUNT50rank/position

BLUE ENCOUNT “Daijoubu” Music Video (YouTube Ver.)

With lyrics that hit straight to the heart, BLUE ENCOUNT’s “Daijoubu” pairs perfectly with youth.

Many of Blue En’s songs bring tears and reach straight for your heart, don’t they? This track is their fifth single, released in 2016.

True to the title “Daijoubu” (“It’s okay”), it’s a song that wholeheartedly affirms and cheers you on.

It’s a perfect fit as BGM for a sports day, giving you the motivation to look up, push forward, and aim higher.

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utatane

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No.1DISH//51rank/position

DISH// – No.1 [Official Video] (TV Anime “My Hero Academia” Season 5 Opening Theme / MY HERO ACADEMIA OPENING THEME)

A guitar-rock tune that powerfully resonates with a message of charging straight toward your goals with an unwavering heart! Released by DISH// in May 2021, this track stands out with its exhilarating piano and edgy guitar sound.

It embodies a strong will to keep moving toward the light of hope without losing sight of your destination, along with a determination to live authentically without making excuses.

Chosen as the opening theme for the first cour of Season 5 of the TV anime My Hero Academia, it won strong support from anime fans as well.

It’s a powerful cheering song you’ll want to hear when you need the courage to face forward—before an important match, in moments of anxiety, or anytime you’re preparing your heart for what’s ahead.

We are!kitadani hiroshi52rank/position

TV Anime “ONE PIECE” 1000th Episode Commemoration: We Are!

It’s an energetic song packed with courage and a spirit of adventure.

With themes of camaraderie and taking on your dreams, it carries a bright, positive message.

Its up-tempo rock sound and powerful vocals make it a track that both kids and adults can sing along to and get excited about together.

This was Hiroshi Kitadani’s first single, released in November 1999 as the very first opening theme for the popular anime One Piece.

It was released by Nippon Columbia and includes a karaoke version.

The lyrics are simple and easy to remember, and the melody is familiar and catchy, making it a staple choice for karaoke.

It’s a song everyone can sing with one heart, so it’s sure to liven up school events and sports days.

Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu53rank/position

Yū Takahashi’s directorial debut MV “Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day” — Omokuri Director Edit Version (Short Size)

A heartwarming song by Yu Takahashi that, with a gentle singing voice, portrays the worries and joys everyone experiences.

Its positive message—like laughing off awkward moments and remembering that a rainbow comes after the rain—gently encourages listeners.

Released in June 2015, it was featured in a Daihatsu commercial.

It’s also used as the departure melody at JR Akita Station, Takahashi’s hometown station.

This song is recommended for when you want to lift your spirits, overcome difficulties, or take a step toward tomorrow.

Gate of GloryHirai Dai54rank/position

Dai Hirai / The Door of Glory (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, who has gained popularity especially among younger generations with his acoustic sound rooted in surf music.

His 38th digital-only single, “Eikou no Tobira,” written as a support song for summer high school baseball, is a soothing number where a gentle vocal rides a pleasant beat to calm the heart.

Its message—that what matters isn’t just winning or losing in this very moment—reminds us of the importance of taking on challenges themselves.

An emotional pop tune whose organic ensemble stays close to the heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Goodbye DeclarationChinozo55rank/position

Chinozo “Goodbye Declaration” feat. FloweR

“Goodbye Sengen,” which gained popularity among people of all ages after a finger dance went viral on TikTok.

Released in 2020, the song was produced by the Vocaloid producer Chinozo.

Since it’s a tune many children are already familiar with, they should get used to the music quickly.

The finger dance performed by many is a bit complex and tricky with its finger movements, but it’s fine to simplify it while using the original choreography as a reference! Be sure to dance coolly through the non-chorus parts as well!

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SAKI

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Make you happyNiziU56rank/position

NiziU 『Make you happy』 M/V

NiziU’s pre-debut track, with its lively rhythm and catchy melody brimming with energy, is perfect for boosting the excitement at a school sports day.

Released in June 2020, it carries a warm, positive theme of wanting to make others smile, and drew major attention through an audition program that was regularly featured on Nippon TV.

The song became a social phenomenon, breaking the then all-time record for first-week streams.

Its bright, energetic sound is highly recommended as exit BGM for a brisk, running pace—ideal for sending off the hard-working children with smiles after their events!