[Sports Day] Recommended songs for tug-of-war: powerful BGM that ignites your fighting spirit
When you hear “music for tug-of-war at a school sports day,” does any song come to mind?
You might easily imagine tracks for relays or sprints, but when it comes to tug-of-war, nothing quite clicks—that’s probably true for many people.
So in this article, we’ll introduce songs from a wide range of genres—popular J-pop, international pop, video game music, and more—that seem like a great match for tug-of-war.
From powerful, driving tunes to high-energy tracks that stoke your fighting spirit, we’ve gathered plenty of punchy songs.
Use this as a reference when choosing your BGM!
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[Sports Day] Recommended songs for tug-of-war: powerful BGM that ignites fighting spirit (71–80)
Kaikai KitanEVE
A work by Eve that stands out for its exhilarating sound and vocals that feel like an incantation.
Centered on themes of facing oneself and the strength to overcome darkness, the song powerfully portrays the inner struggles of being human.
It opens with a heavy guitar riff and deftly depicts dark, complex emotions.
Its melodic chorus grips the listener and won’t let go.
Released in October 2020 and used as the opening theme for the first season of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, this track gives you strength when you want to steel yourself for an important match or competition, and when you want to ignite your fighting spirit together with your teammates.
Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet
A powerful rock sound that pierces the dark night and milet’s clear, transparent vocals make this collaboration with MAN WITH A MISSION unforgettable.
It unfolds a dramatic world of courage in the face of adversity and the bonds shared with cherished companions.
Released in May 2023, it drew attention as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc.
Portraying friends joining forces and taking steady steps toward their dreams, this track is sure to stir the heart as march music for sports festivals and field days, or as uplifting BGM for performances.
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
An ambitious work crafted by Official HIGE DANDism as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers.
The song fuses lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview with an innovative sound that shifts keys roughly ten times.
It sings of the protagonist’s indomitable spirit in the face of fate, his comeback from setbacks, and the bonds with his friends, inspiring courage and emotion in listeners.
Since its release in May 2021, it peaked at No.
4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100.
It continued to be a long-running hit, ranking 13th on the year-end chart for 2021.
When you want to strive toward your goals together with your cherished friends, this song is sure to be a pillar of support.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This song depicts the courage to face adversity, with a powerful rock sound and a richly projected vocal that represents modern anime.
It captures the indomitable spirit of a protagonist striving to overcome countless hardships and the strong will to protect loved ones, resulting in a striking piece.
LiSA’s vocals brilliantly convey the story’s themes.
Released in April 2019, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, became a massive hit, and earned numerous accolades, including an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Its dynamic, high-impact sound is perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, and it also works great as a rousing cheer song everyone can enjoy together.
Helloyama × bocchiboromaru
A heartwarming collaborative piece by yama and Bocchi Boromaru, brimming with positive energy as a rousing anthem.
It carries a message that awakens hope for the future and a spirit of adventure, with a simple yet powerful melody that resonates deeply.
The song is approachable for a wide audience and was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon starting in October 2023.
In December 2023, it was released on CD in two formats: a standard edition and a limited-time production edition.
As a positive track that makes you want to sing along with someone, it’s perfect for cheering at sports days and athletic festivals.
Raise your voices together with friends under the blue sky, and it will surely become a wonderful memory.
earnest desireSUPER BEAVER
A gem of a rock number that strikingly portrays the importance of human connection and smiles arrives from SUPER BEAVER.
One person’s happiness is built through the involvement of many, and smiles spread to those around us.
This song sings about such simple, subtle feelings in straightforward words.
Its lyrics, which encourage looking warmly upon others and embracing a generous heart, resonate strongly with the emotions of youth.
Included on the February 2024 album “Ongaku” (Music), the release also features several buzzworthy tracks such as “Gradation,” the theme song for Tokyo Revengers 2.
It’s a perfect choice for school events or sports festivals, ideal for young people who want to reaffirm their bonds with friends.
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
An aggressive rock number by ONE OK ROCK that champions valuing instinct over logic and the importance of always pushing forward! Its powerful vocals and driving sound will inspire anyone who listens.
The track was selected as the ending theme for the TBS TV program “Arabikidan,” and upon its release in February 2010, it reached No.
9 on the Oricon weekly chart—marking the band’s first-ever Top 10 entry.
It’s the perfect song to boost your motivation during a workout, delivering a fiery message that feels like it’s telling you, “Now’s the time to get moving!”—sure to ignite your determination.