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

Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala

Yosugala – Kono Yubi Tomare

This is yosugala’s entrance anthem for their next stage, infused with strong, gentle encouragement.

It’s a song of support for those facing setbacks and self-doubt, expressing the desire to keep believing in others’ brilliance and to stand by them.

It tenderly accompanies people confronting hardship and loneliness, delivering a moving message: keep believing in the inner light everyone carries.

The track was recorded for release in March 2025 and premiered at the solo show at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA on February 8 of the same year.

Created by the members of AliA, its band-born richness in melody and sense of scale vividly color the song’s world.

Played during the exit of a school sports day, it would be etched in the hearts of the participating children as a cherished memory filled with deep emotion.

superstarKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Superstar”

This song features a captivating blend of hip-hop and pop, filled with messages of positivity and encouragement.

It celebrates everyone’s innate talents and charms, emphasizing the importance of believing in one’s potential.

Released on November 4, 2020 as Ketsumeishi’s 33rd single, it was also selected as the theme song for the TV Asahi anime Crayon Shin-chan starting October 3 of the same year.

The music video, filmed entirely in India, visually expresses its brightness and uplifting message.

Perfect as a cheer song for school sports days and athletic festivals, this track energizes listeners and gently supports those striving toward their goals—truly an ideal anthem of encouragement.

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO

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.

LuluAdo

[Ado] RuRu (Rule)

Ado is known for her overwhelming vocal power and sharp, message-driven songs.

This track is a powerful piece that portrays doubt and defiance toward society’s rules.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Billion×School,” it was released in July 2024.

With lyrics by Vocaloid producer MARETU, the song clearly embodies a stance of breaking through established values.

Ado’s vocals carry an intensity that ignites listeners’ hearts.

It’s the perfect song to hear before competitions that demand strength and grit—like a tug-of-war—guaranteed to fire you up.

I’ll tell you what you don’t know—listen up, SHOW.TOKONA-X

TOKONA-X Ignorant? I'll tell you, SHOW

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!

S.P.LThe Birthday

The Birthday – S.P.L

The Birthday’s song is a work that fuses the intensity of rock with poetic lyrics.

This piece depicts the power of love, with striking imagery like pink-colored love and the beauty of the world.

It was released in April 2024 as part of the EP “April,” followed by a vinyl edition in July.

The band has also provided music across a wide range of media, including the opening theme for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.

With its exhilarating pace and energetic lyrics, it’s a perfect BGM choice for a tug-of-war at a school sports day.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to stoke their fighting spirit.

Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – Pump It (Official Music Video)

Pump It, with its memorable and striking intro phrase, really sticks in your head.

Widely used across various media, this track was created by the American music group The Black Eyed Peas.

It delivers a unique sound that blends surf music and rock instrumentation with hip-hop, evoking images of the seaside and sandy beaches.

Its fresh yet passionate melody is perfect for energizing an intense tug-of-war.

It’s also a great pick for clap-along cheering over its lively beat.

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