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

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE1rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

Brimming with the sparkle and exhilaration of summer, this piece is perfect as BGM for sports days and athletic festivals.

Created by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, it was released in August 2018 as the theme song for the film “Aonatsu: 30 Days of Love.” It was later included on the album “Attitude.” Its refreshing band sound and a worldview that captures the brilliance of youth are the song’s key charms.

Overflowing with energy that gives listeners a push forward, it boosts the motivation of students practicing hard for the big day.

How about playing it during relays, cheer battles, and other moments when you want to heat up the field? It’s sure to become a cheer that resonates in the hearts of those working up a sweat.

together; along with; bothWANIMA2rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This song, which celebrates friendship, hope, and the strength to overcome hardship, fills listeners with energy and courage.

WANIMA’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound and positive message stand by those who continue to face challenges, serving as a powerful support.

Released in August 2016 as the theme song for Nivea Kao’s “8×4” commercial, it also carries the members’ deep love for their hometown of Kumamoto and their hopes for its recovery.

Included on the album “Are You Coming?”, the track was also performed at the 2017 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With its strong message, the song brings the perfect blend of excitement and refreshment for a school sports day’s exit scene.

It is expected to heighten the sense of unity in the venue, along with the children’s feelings of accomplishment and emotion after giving their all in competition.

Happinessarashi3rank/position

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

How about a hit number by Arashi, a group beloved nationwide for many years? Released in September 2007 as their 20th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Sho Sakurai, and has become one of their most cherished signature songs.

Carrying a message about moving forward to new places rather than looking back on the past, its energetic, guitar-driven sound lifts your spirits.

The bright, fast-paced melody is perfect as background music for heated moments like relay races at school sports days!

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI4rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude” ONE PIECE Lyric MV

This is a passionate cheer song by SEKAI NO OWARI, chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime One Piece.

It expresses universal themes—finding the courage to move forward by accepting one’s weaknesses, and personal growth for the sake of supporting others—set to a grand, expansive sound.

Released in September 2023 and included on the album Nautilus, the song was performed on programs such as FNS Music Festival and Music Station in December of the same year.

When you find yourself about to stop in front of life’s obstacles or want to challenge your limits, it will be a powerful ally.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism5rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Now a band boasting nationwide popularity, Official Hige Dandism released “Shukumei” in 2019.

It’s a song that cheers on the days spent preparing for sports day and encourages students on the big day itself.

The passionate band sound intertwined with the bright tones of a brass band resonates deeply.

Many will relate to lyrics that honestly express inner anxiety and doubt.

No matter what difficulties lie ahead, this song teaches the importance of forging ahead as yourself.

Be sure to play this number to make an already heated sports day even more exciting.

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peace signYonezu Kenshi6rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

The gradually building intro is so cool! It’s a song by hit-making singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, released as a single in June 2017.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime My Hero Academia and became a hot topic.

With a fast-paced guitar rock sound, the arrangement ramps up in intensity toward the chorus, and just listening to it fills you with motivation.

It carries a powerful message about facing your own weaknesses while still moving forward, making it perfect as BGM for a school sports day relay or a cheer battle.

It’s a track you can get hyped up with together with the kids!

migratory bird[Alexandros]7rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

Released in June 2015, “Wataridori” has been featured in numerous commercials and TV show theme songs, and is also cherished as a staple for school sports days and athletic festivals.

The lyrics carry a message that even if things are tough, if you keep moving forward, a bright future surely awaits.

That sentiment will resonate not only with athletes gearing up for a match, but also with young people who feel uncertain about their future.

If you ever find yourself thinking, “What’s the point of trying so hard?” please give it a listen.

It will surely help you face forward again.