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

Soul RevolutionSuperfly

Superfly 'Tamashii Revolution' Music Video

“Tamashii Revolution” is the perfect song for sports scenes that cranks the tension up to the max.

Just like the title says, it sets your soul on fire and fills you with the determination to go for it.

With its motivating melody and lyrics, it’s sure to hype up the relay event.

Even kids who are worried, thinking, “What if I get passed?” might feel their strength welling up when they hear this song.

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Heavy rotationAKB48

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]

Beginning with a driving electric guitar and Yuko Oshima’s catchy callouts, this track stands out in idol pop for its exceptional sense of exhilaration.

Its straightforward declaration of love gives listeners a refreshing rush and stirs an irresistible urge to break into a run.

Released in August 2010, AKB48’s single, together with its music video directed by Mika Ninagawa—renowned for its vibrant, pop-infused visuals—left a lasting impression on many.

It’s perfect for moments like sports festivals and athletic events, where participants and spectators alike want to come together and get fired up.

BeautifulNEW!Superfly

Superfly『Beautiful』Music Video

How about firing up the relay runners with a number packed with a message to face forward with strength? This is a track from Superfly, the solo project of Shiho Ochi, known for her overwhelming vocal prowess.

It was released for early digital distribution in May 2015 and included on the masterpiece WHITE, which came out the same month.

Chosen as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama Mother Game: Kanojotachi no Kaikyū, its theme of self-affirmation sparked a major response.

Riding on a refreshingly uplifting melody and rhythm that soar from the guitar intro, heartfelt emotions are sung with powerful warmth.

If this song echoes through the sports day venue, it’s sure to become the ultimate anthem cheering on the athletes single-mindedly passing the baton.

CHARMNEW!WANIMA

WANIMA「CHARM」（OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

This is a song by the band WANIMA, known for messages that powerfully push people forward and a driving, fast-paced beat.

Rooted in a melodic punk sound, it portrays the strength to face ahead while harboring a spirit of challenge and the anxieties of parting, and it sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Included on the single “Gotta Go!!” released in May 2017, it has been cherished as an important track that later connected to the album “Everybody!!”.

Many may remember it as it was featured in Kikkoman’s corporate movie and Morinaga’s “In Jelly for Exams” commercial song.

It’s an up-tempo tune recommended not only for runners in a relay who carry everyone’s hopes and pass the baton, but also for those cheering themselves hoarse on the sidelines.

Curtain callNEW!Yuuri

Curtain call

A blazing rock anthem by Yuuri that also drew attention as an anime theme song.

It was selected as the opening theme for Cour 2 of Season 7 of the TV anime My Hero Academia and released in July 2024.

Its emotional sound seems to powerfully push forward those who keep moving ahead despite getting hurt.

Yuuri’s earnest, powerhouse vocals and the melody that surges toward the chorus are simply irresistible.

It’s a perfect fit for moments when the excitement in the venue peaks, such as the latter half of a relay where the baton is being passed.

It will surely fire up the athletes’ determination not to lose and add a dramatic flair to a heated race!

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

A song by Kenshi Yonezu, written as the opening theme for the figure-skating anime “Medalist” and released in January 2025.

With a melody full of drive and a powerful sound, it brilliantly captures the exhilaration of the moment you surge toward your goal.

Centered on themes of mutual support and the courage to take on challenges, the piece likens achieving one’s goals to a “bow and arrow.” Used as BGM for a relay at a school sports day, it would not only fire up the runners but also draw passionate cheers from the crowd.

A Trumpeter’s HolidayLeroy Anderson

Bugler’s Holiday / Leroy Anderson (K2 Orchestra, Live) | Bugler’s Holiday / Anderson (Ketsuoke!)

This is a work by the American composer Leroy Anderson.

He was called a “master of American light music” by John Williams, who has composed numerous film scores such as Star Wars and Back to the Future.

Characterized by a lively trumpet timbre and brisk tempo throughout, it’s a piece that excites you just by listening.

At school sports days, it’s one of the pieces often used across a wide range of events, such as relays and bread-eating races.