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

O flowers now in full bloom,Kobukuro41rank/position

Kobukuro – Oh flowers now in full bloom

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

[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’z43rank/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 Gen44rank/position

[Sports Day Dance] Gen Hoshino – Doraemon Easy Choreography [For Kindergarten, Nursery, and Lower Elementary Grades] Kids Dance | Recital Dance

“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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SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke45rank/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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