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

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

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.

Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

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.

earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Ketsubou” MV

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.

SignalWANIMA

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

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.

HeroYOASOBI

YOASOBI “The Brave” Official Music Video / TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” opening theme

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

YOASOBI “Gunjou” Official Music Video

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.

Helloyama × bocchiboromaru

yama × Bocchi Boromaru “Hello” MV (TV anime “Pokémon” opening theme)

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.