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

ENVYcoldrain

coldrain – ENVY (Official Music Video)

With powerful vocals and fierce guitar riffs, this track fires up the listener’s fighting spirit.

Centered on the anguish of toxic relationships, it portrays disappointment and inner conflict toward self-centered behavior.

Featured on the album “FATELESS,” released in October 2017, it marked the band’s first work with Warner Music Japan.

This song is also perfect as background music for tug-of-war.

Played in moments when everyone needs to pull together, it’s sure to boost team morale.

Use it for a tug-of-war event at a school sports day, and the entire venue will undoubtedly heat up!

COME and GOsutoreitenaa

Straightener – COME and GO

An ambitious work by Straightener that fuses a driving, fast-paced rock sound with emotional lyrics.

Centered on themes of life’s journey and inner conflict, it portrays the rapid changes and chaotic conditions of modern society.

Released in August 2024, it was also selected as the ending theme for the sequel to the drama Golden Kamuy.

This song gives you the courage to overcome the past and move forward into the future—perfect for moments when you want to fire yourself up, like before a tug-of-war at a school sports day.

Be sure to check out this track packed with Straightener’s bold new challenge.

Believe in YourselfAbe Mao

Mao Abe – Believe in yourself (Official Music Video)

Abe Mao’s 2014 release, the supremely encouraging anthem “Believe in yourself.” Above all, its stern yet gentle, uplifting lyrics make a strong impression.

She’s a singer-songwriter who has stood on many big stages and thrived, so the cheers that come from her carry real energy.

Many people have surely been empowered by this rock tune that sings about her way of life.

I’m sure it would make a perfect theme song that steels the heart—even for a tug-of-war at a school sports day!

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Murakami Shinpei

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I can still go on.Abe Mao

Mao Abe – I Can Still Go On [Mada Ikemasu] (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Mao Abe.

Since her debut, she has delivered a string of hits with her powerfully sharp vocals.

The track Mada Ikemasu is a standout, laying gritty rock energy over brisk, jangly acoustic guitar strumming.

Released in 2020, it shows her music sharpening once again several years after her debut, setting our hearts ablaze.

It’s a song that makes the high-stakes drama of a tug-of-war even more thrilling.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)

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.

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.

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.