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

GO!!!FLOW57rank/position

FLOW 'GO!!! ~15th Anniversary ver.~' (Music Video Full Ver. with Commentary)

FLOW is a rock band known for creating numerous anime songs.

Their 2004 release “GO!!!” was also used as the fourth opening theme for the anime Naruto.

The song depicts a fiery heart that stands up to the reality before us, making it a perfect match for school sports days where students take on various events and cheer each other on.

Singing the passionate chorus together with classmates and teammates creates an even stronger sense of unity.

Why not deliver some spirited support with this fast-paced rock number?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children58rank/position

Mr.Children “Footsteps” Live from TOUR 2015 REFLECTION

A popular song that was also used as the theme for the drama “Nobunaga Concerto.” Described in the show as a motivational anthem that gives you a push forward, it was reportedly completed after numerous rewrites and marks Mr.

Children’s first self-produced track.

Perhaps for that reason, it carries a vibe of taking a new step.

While it’s not uptempo, it could work well for intermission staging or as background music.

Spring SwallowHey! Say! JUMP59rank/position

Hey! Say! JUMP – Spring Swallow [Official Music Video]

Haru Tsubame, released in 2022 by the male idol group Hey! Say! JUMP, was selected as the theme song for the anime Love All Play, which portrays the youth of a high school badminton team.

The song depicts a bird soaring beyond the sky, delivering a refreshing sound that evokes a clear blue sky.

It’s an upbeat track with a bright, expansive worldview that perfectly matches a sports day where classmates and teammates give it their all.

Why not play this song—rich with their harmonies and brimming with passion and hope—at a sports day that’s sure to set hearts ablaze?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Opening DeclarationNovelbright60rank/position

Novelbright – Opening Declaration [Official Music Video]

This song, which celebrates a forward-looking spirit and the importance of friendship, comes from Novelbright’s major-label debut album, “Kaimaku Sengen” (Opening Declaration).

While preserving the universal message of “making dreams come true,” it’s marked by a warm resolve to join hands with friends, share laughter, and move forward together.

Even when faced with setbacks and hardships, the story of supporting one another and overcoming obstacles is sure to resonate with many.

Released in April 2021, the track was chosen as the theme for a high school dance club support project on Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri,” fueling the passion of young people.

Its grand sound, backed by a full orchestra, is another highlight.

As a rousing cheer song for sports days—where friends encourage each other and take on heated competitions—it’s sure to become a memorable tune.

If you laugh at the skywacci61rank/position

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

wacci is a rock band that delivers music that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

Their song “Sora ni Waraeba,” included on the 2018 album Gunjō Refrain, empowers people striving toward their dreams and goals.

The lyrics unfold like a portrait of days spent working hard with classmates toward a school sports festival.

Even when things get tough, you can picture everyone overcoming it together.

With a warm band arrangement incorporating beautiful strings, it’s a moving song that resonates with the heart.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

I wish you lots of happinessnaniwa danshi62rank/position

[Sachi Are] Naniwa Danshi 'Easy Dance & Flag' — Dance for sports day or at home! A dance for preschoolers and elementary school kids!

Naniwa Danshi’s second single, released in 2022, is “Sachi Are.” It was selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s morning information program “Mezamashi TV,” and it reached No.

1 on both the Oricon and Billboard single charts.

The fresh, morning-appropriate sound and the energetic, up-tempo beat make it heartwarming to watch kids dance along.

With simple choreography—like crossing a flag in front of the chest and spreading and waving the hands wide—it’s a great recommendation for lower elementary school students’ performances at sports day events.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

Love will winKAN63rank/position

Aiwa Katsu

KAN, the popular singer-songwriter, is best known for his signature song “Ai wa Katsu” (“Love Will Win”), a piece that sings about the importance of believing in the power of love.

Released as a single in September 1990, it was chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s program “Quiz Omoshiro TV.” Inspired by a friend’s love-life consultation, the song was reportedly written with Billy Joel in mind, and its piano tones combined with KAN’s warm vocals resonate deeply.

It’s a courageous, hope-filled track that makes you want to listen together with someone special—perfect for times when you’re feeling down or when you want to give it your all.