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

A youthful pop tune, reflecting the cool hues of the sky and the summer sunlight, has arrived from Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

Woven with exhilarating guitar riffs and a lyrical melody, this track heralds the beginning of summer.

Released in August 2018 as the theme song for the film “Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-Nichi,” it portrays an honest, relatable first love and a longing for summer.

The song carefully expresses the emotions of falling in love with a season one once felt indifferent to, gradually discovering its charm, and carries a powerful message about believing in human connection.

Performed at the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in December 2024, it has become a staple of the summer season.

It’s the perfect track for creating radiant memories of youth—like running along the seaside with friends and talking about love under a bright blue sky.

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]

An energetic song that makes you want to break into a run as you bask in the morning light.

Set to refreshing guitar sounds, it paints an image of sprinting toward the future.

Born as a TV drama’s theme song, it’s a beloved anthem packed with positive messages.

Perfect for those taking on new challenges or seeking the courage to move forward.

It’s a track that lifts your spirits and helps you take that first step with a smile.

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

A powerful song themed around challenge and growth makes the perfect cheer anthem to support practice for sports days and athletic festivals.

Included on the album BOOTLEG, released in November 2017, and chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia, this track sings about the importance of moving forward by overcoming past failures and regrets.

With its bright, energetic sound, it fills listeners with courage and hope.

It’s sure to be a song that gives a push to everyone working hard toward their sports day or athletic festival.

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.