[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!

ImaginationNEW!SPYAIR

SPYAIR “Imagination” TV anime “Haikyu!!” opening theme

If you want to amp up an already heated competition, you can’t go without this band’s blazing rock sound.

SPYAIR’s single released in April 2014 is an undeniable upper-tune that’s sure to fire up any relay race at a school sports day.

Chosen as the opening theme for the first season of the TV anime Haikyu!!, the track’s powerful drum rhythms and crisp guitar work create an exhilarating sense of speed.

It peaked at No.

9 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was later included on the acclaimed album BEST.

With a passionate theme about passing the baton among teammates, it pushes excitement during competition to the max.

It’s the perfect number for relay events that test teamwork, giving runners a strong push forward.

Standing on stageNEW!YOASOBI

YOASOBI "Stand on the Stage" Official Music Video

YOASOBI’s song gives a powerful push to those heading for the big stage.

Released in July 2024, it was newly written as NHK Sports Theme 2024, adding color to broadcasts of sporting events like the Paris Olympics.

Its exhilarating guitar rock sound and ikura’s wind-slicing vocals set listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Based on a collection of novels born from works by three manga artists including Taizan 5, its strong message—deftly capturing athletes’ inner turmoil and the expectations around them—is another major draw.

Play it during a heated relay, and it’s sure to spur the runners’ strides with even greater force!

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

This is a dynamic, invigorating track that dramatically portrays an all-out sprint.

Looking back as an adult, it brings to mind that fiery page of youth when we ran with everything we had.

Produced in July 2024 as the theme song for ABEMA’s “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita Summer Vacation 2024,” the piece achieves an epic sense of scale through a collaboration with a 40-piece orchestra.

Its powerful melody and driving sound gently encourage young people to move forward without fear of taking on new challenges.

It’s also an ideal choice for background music at school sports days and athletic events.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

How about livening up your sports day with this track, known for its emotional vocals? Released in April 2024 and selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery,” this song shines with Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature refreshing rock sound.

Its lyrics dynamically capture the complex emotions of youth, resonating with many listeners.

Play it as background music for a relay, and the kids are sure to feel even more motivated!

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

This is a moving piece by Vaundy that depicts the powerful determination to pursue one’s dreams, guided by a cherished song of memories held in the heart.

With a warm tone that cheers on adults who tend to lose their innocent passion and awakens the origins sleeping within, it leaves a strong impression.

Since its release in May 2020, its singable, catchy melody and powerful sound have gradually gained popularity, reaching No.

3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 in January 2023.

The exhilarating rhythm and fiery message make it perfect as background music for a relay where you and your teammates aim for first place.

flash[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Flash (MV) Theme Song of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash

With its powerful guitar riffs and energetic performance that stir the soul, this is an epic rock number by [Alexandros].

The lyrics portray a resolve to spread one’s wings into a new world after overcoming conflicts such as loneliness and fear experienced during growth, and they’re sure to encourage anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Released in May 2021, the song was chosen as the theme for the film Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway and captivated many listeners with its metallic sound.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced groove is perfect for a school sports day relay, igniting the fierce competitive spirit of the racers and making the moments they dash across the field even more memorable.

The BeginningONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]

This song delivers a deeply moving experience, with powerhouse vocals and a band sound so compelling it gives you goosebumps.

It captures the determination of those taking a new step forward and carries a message that pushes you from behind, radiating a power that resonates more with every listen.

Released in August 2012, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin, and through its synergy with the movie, it captured the hearts of a wide audience, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

Perfect as BGM for time trials or relay events, this track offers a refreshing sense of speed and the courage to take on challenges—be sure to experience it.