[Sports Day] Recommended Songs for Tug-of-War: A curated selection of powerful BGM to fire up your fighting spirit!

Get WildTM NETWORK

TM NETWORK「Get Wild」Official Music Video

A signature song by TM NETWORK, the legendary band that revolutionized Japan’s music scene.

Released in April 1987, it was also used as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter, propelling the band to stardom.

Its powerful synth sound and exhilarating, fast-paced melody make it a perfect fit for tug-of-war at a school sports day.

The lyrics’ message of “becoming stronger” is sure to ignite the athletes’ fighting spirit.

Combined with the popularity of the ‘free-to-play uncle’ at the Paris Olympics, playing it during a tug-of-war will undoubtedly fire up both the competitors and the crowd as one.

Sora-buneTOKIO

Sora-fune (Sky Ship) – TOKIO (Full)

It’s one of TOKIO’s signature songs, notable for its powerful, stirring sound that sets the heart ablaze.

It’s also well known as a song provided by Miyuki Nakajima, and you can strongly feel the resolve and passion it conveys.

With a powerfully rock-driven sound that puts TOKIO’s band identity front and center, the lyrics evoke the image of a ship cutting through rough seas.

It’s a track that seems well-suited to competitions where teammates join forces toward a single goal.

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Rocky Themebirukonti

Every ROCKY Training Montage in Order

A sports anthem that resonates with a powerful brass section and full orchestral sound, portraying humanity’s boundless potential and passion.

Known as a quintessential masterpiece at the intersection of film and music, it stages a grand narrative themed around hard work, growth, and a leap toward one’s dreams.

Composed by Bill Conti for the film Rocky, released in February 1977, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of the same year and ranked 58th on AFI’s 100 Years of Film Scores.

Beyond exit scenes, it’s a highly effective track for moments when you want to encourage people who are giving their all—such as school events, sports day practice, and lineup formations.

Kawasaki DriftBAD HOP

BAD HOP / Kawasaki Drift (Official Video)

BAD HOP’s track “Kawasaki Drift” is a song defined by rap brimming with intense vibes.

The eight-member hip-hop group based in Kawasaki powerfully expresses their own experiences and ambitions.

The track is included on their mini-album “BAD HOP HOUSE,” released in June 2018, and is known as one of the group’s signature songs.

All members take part in a mic relay format, resulting in a piece where each individual’s personality shines.

Its powerful sound makes it a great choice to fire people up—even as background music for a tug-of-war at a school sports day.

Be sure to check it out.

Plan ADISH//

DISH// – Plan A [Official Video] | TV Anime “The Elusive Samurai” Opening Theme

A high-energy, uplifting track has arrived! This rock number—said to be inspired by anime pacing and battle scenes—is packed with phrases themed around challenge and hard work.

Released in July 2024, the song has been making waves as the opening theme for the TV anime ‘The Elusive Samurai.’ Composed by all the members of DISH// with lyrics by Takumi Kitamura, it’s a piece that empowers listeners, making it a perfect choice for a tug-of-war at a school sports day—guaranteed to fire you up! It’s also an ideal track for anyone seeking the courage to face difficulties head-on.

APOLLO STYLEAPOLLO

APOLLO – APOLLO STYLE

APOLLO, who’s making waves in Japan’s reggae scene with a unique style that fuses reggae and hip-hop.

This release from the Osaka-born, Heisei-era artist is an energetic track grounded in electronic music and big beat.

Released in July 2016 by Kaerustudio Music, the song gained wide support in the club scene and at music festivals.

Packed with APOLLO’s rapid-fire delivery and powerful messages, the lyrics tell young people the importance of confidently forging their own path.

Use it as background music for a tug-of-war at a school sports day, and it’s sure to fire everyone up!

Soldier, run.B’z

B’z Live from AVACO STUDIO “Soldiers, Run”

B’z’s “Tsuwa-mono, Hashiru” (“Warriors, Run”) captured many hearts, inspiring the courage to keep challenging yourself without giving up.

Many people probably remember it as the support song for Japan’s national rugby team.

You might instinctively read the title’s kanji 兵 as “hei,” but the correct reading here is actually “tsuwamono”! Reportedly, when Koshi Inaba was writing the lyrics and thought of the word “tsuwamono,” he typed it into his smartphone and happened to find this kanji via predictive conversion.

The character 兵 can also mean “a brave, strong person,” making it a perfect fit for children giving their all at a school sports day.

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yuri

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