[Sports Day] Recommended Songs for Tug-of-War: A curated selection of powerful BGM to fire up 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: A Curated Selection of Powerful BGM That Ignites Fighting Spirit! (41–50)
AdventureYOASOBI
This song was specially written as the theme for Universal Studios Japan’s limited-time “Uni Spring” campaign and is packed with everything that makes YOASOBI so captivating.
It was reportedly created in sympathy with the positive spirit of reclaiming youth depicted in the original novel, which focuses on university life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Released digitally in February 2023, it was followed by a special live performance at Universal Studios Japan in March.
Its exhilarating, adventurous sound is sure to supercharge any sports day or athletic festival.
The lyrics, filled with anticipation for new discoveries and experiences, will undoubtedly fire up the fighting spirit of everyone taking on the tug-of-war!
[Sports Day] Recommended songs for tug-of-war. A carefully selected set of powerful BGM that stirs your fighting spirit! (51–60)
Feeling great!!mihimaru GT
For those in our parents’ generation, this might bring back memories.
It’s a hit number released by mihimaru GT in 2006.
It seems to be a real staple at school sports days and athletic festivals.
Since it’s a bright, uplifting song, playing it as background music is sure to get everyone pumped up!
Joyfulikimonogakari
A popular number you can sing while twirling a towel at Ikimonogakari’s live shows.
Released on September 23, 2009 as their 15th single, it’s a double A-side track with “YELL,” which was also chosen as the required piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high division.
In contrast to “YELL,” this is a pop tune that reportedly aimed to overturn Ikimonogakari’s image.
Its melody lets you enjoy the sound of the lyrics, matching vocalist Yoshioka’s voice and putting you in a buoyant mood! Since having fun is the most important part of a sports day, this song comes highly recommended.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
This is “Zenryoku Shōnen” by Sukima Switch, released in 2005.
It’s a slightly older song, but it’s a motivational anthem that has been loved consistently over the years.
I think it’s a track that gives you a lot of energy, with gentle yet uplifting encouragement.
The fresh melody and vocals seem like they’d look perfect against a blue sky.
It’s the kind of BGM that feels like someone is kindly giving you a firm push forward.
helm’N bass10-FEET
A powerful song by 10-FEET that boldly incorporates reggae arrangements into an eight-beat rhythm.
Its captivating melody line and positive energy are striking.
The lyrics convey the complexity of love born from sorrow and a cry against social inequality, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in July 2024, the track was also chosen as a support song for Asahi Super Dry and 3×3.EXE PREMIER.
In addition, it served as the theme song for the TV drama “Fermat no Ryori.” It’s a perfect track for tug-of-war at school sports days—highly recommended when you want to stir up fighting spirit or feel a sense of unity with your teammates.
Theme of the Unruly Shogun
This piece was composed as the opening theme for the period drama series Abarenbo Shogun.
Its music evokes a fiery, surging fighting spirit, making it perfect for a tug-of-war scene where the whole team gives their all.
The dynamic brass band sound, unfolding alongside the lively drum performance, will heighten the excitement of the event.
At just under a minute long, the track also fits the time limit for the competition.
As you pull the rope with strength, choose this blazing, fast-paced sound as your BGM.
nowHikakin & Seikin
The number-one dream job for elementary and middle schoolers: YouTuber.
This is “Ima” (Now), released in 2018, sung by the top YouTuber HIKAKIN and his older brother SEIKIN.
The lyrics and composition are by SEIKIN.
The song explores themes like time, history, the past and the future.
It’s catchy and you’ll find yourself humming along.
The tempo is just right—perfect for a tug-of-war at a school sports day.