[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)
HeroYOASOBI
A heart-thumping YOASOBI track packed tightly with passionate emotion, released in September 2023 as the opening theme for the TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.” Its powerful melody and brisk rhythm create an impression filled with hope, conveying the protagonist’s resolve to keep moving forward throughout the story.
It’s the perfect song when you want the courage to share time with precious companions and take a new step.
It will make the moments of running together and competing all the more wonderful.
ultramarineYOASOBI
A signature work by YOASOBI that vividly expresses young people’s passion and pursuit of dreams through striking lyrics.
Released in September 2020, the song gained broad recognition after being featured in Bourbon’s “Alfort Mini Chocolate” commercial.
In 2021, it was also selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Dance ONE Project ’21,” adding flair to high school students’ dance performances.
Evoking the image of blue light, the piece impressively portrays the challenges of self-expression and creativity, making it perfect for school sports-day entrance marches and dance performances.
It’s a song that lets everyone share in the unique sense of unity of a sports festival and the courage to take the first step toward their dreams.
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā
This is a renowned song that powerfully portrays a protagonist, burning with passion, dashing toward the future while pursuing their true self.
It resonates with the message that there’s no need to imitate anyone else, and that it’s important to let your own unique flower bloom.
The track is filled with courage and determination, urging listeners to take a step toward hope by overcoming the sorrow and pain they carry.
Released as Sambomaster’s single in August 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan.” As a song that supports the story of high school students striving toward their dreams, it deeply moved many viewers.
It’s a piece that strongly pushes the backs of those devoted to lessons and practice, and those facing hardships, giving them the courage to take a step forward.
[Sports Day] Recommended songs for tug-of-war: powerful BGM that fires you up (81–90)
SignalWANIMA
A song filled with courage and hope that sets listeners’ hearts ablaze! It features a driving, fast-paced sound and uplifting lyrics, carrying the message: “Even if we’re unfinished, let’s keep challenging ourselves.” Included on the January 2018 album “Everybody!!,” it was performed with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds on the NHK special program “18-sai Matsuri.” It was also used as the commercial song for Lotte Ice “Sou.” This is a track that gives a push to young people standing at life’s crossroads, such as during entrance exams or job hunting.
All the more reason to listen when you’re struggling with worries or anxiety—you’re sure to find courage.
gg resplendent10-FEET
An energizing, spirit-stirring track amps up the intensity of a tug-of-war showdown.
Created by 10-FEET, the song features a powerful rock sound and fiery message.
Released in June 2024, it was also selected as the theme song for ABC professional baseball.
Fueled by the passion of the band’s baseball-fan members, the piece brilliantly captures the excitement and unity of sports.
The music video—featuring lively elements like fire dancing inspired by capoeira—has also become a talking point.
Perfect not only for tug-of-war but for summer festivals, school sports days, and any scene where everyone wants to get fired up.
Just listening will fill you with strength—be sure to check it out!
Hypnosis Mic -Division Battle Anthem-Division All Stars
Wildly popular on the streets, aka “HypMic.” It’s Hypnosis Mic, a character rap battle where top male voice actors face off with just a mic.
Even if you’re not into rap, it pulls you in with its sheer cool factor.
The groove is incredible—you’ll be so pumped you could start a tug-of-war.
The tracks are quite long too, so you’re set even if it turns into a long match (lol).
I’ll tell you what you don’t know—listen up, SHOW.TOKONA-X
TOKONA-X, the legendary rapper representing Aichi.
He passed away from heatstroke at the age of 26, but he’s still spoken of as a legend among heads.
This track is the masterpiece where you can feel his fiery vibes the most.
Within Japanese hip-hop it’s old-school, so the rhyming isn’t complex, but the lyrical message is extremely strong—highly recommended.
It was released in January 2004 and reached No.
84 on the Oricon charts.
It was reissued in October 2013.
It’s perfect as BGM for a tug-of-war at a school sports day, and great for training, too!