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

Angel and DemonNEW!GRe4N BOYZ

GRe4N BOYZ / “Angel & Devil” Anime ONE PIECE Opening Theme Song

This is a song by GRe4N BOYZ released in April 2025 as the opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.

Built on an electropop foundation, its exhilarating, fast-paced sound stands out.

While portraying conflicting emotions and inner struggles, the dramatic structure lifts your spirits as it surges toward the chorus and unleashes feeling all at once.

It was later included on an album release and sent many fans into a frenzy as a track that colors the story’s new chapter.

The melody, which explodes from stillness into motion in an instant, is perfect as BGM for a tug-of-war where the whole team syncs up and gives everything they’ve got.

It’s sure to fire up your fighting spirit and give you the courage and momentum to pull with all your might.

-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)NEW!Ofisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Rashisa [Official Video]

A powerful number by Official HIGE DANDism that sings about overcoming inner struggles and moving forward.

Released in August 2025, this work was produced as the theme song for the feature-length anime “Hyaku-emu.” Featuring a high-velocity band sound, it’s a perfect fit for moments when you’re giving it your all in a tug-of-war, or when you and your teammates unite as one to aim for victory.

The overwhelming sense of speed and the fierce drum beats will further heighten the taut tension of competition.

With a tone that gives you the courage to face challenges despite your doubts, it’s a track I’d recommend to anyone taking on the contest right in front of them.

Why not grab the rope and pull with everything you’ve got to its burning rhythm?

beat the crap out of someoneNEW!WANIMA

WANIMA “Full-on Beating” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

If you’re looking for a track that radiates the fighting spirit to face any hardship and utterly crush it, this is the one! Crafted by WANIMA, this piece captivates with its exhilarating sound that portrays the strength to rise again and again, no matter how many times you’re knocked down.

It was selected as the opening theme for the anime “Baki-dō,” and was released ahead of the March 2026 album “ExcuseError” as an advance digital single in February 2026.

Its relentless sense of speed and hefty band ensemble perfectly match scenes that burn with intensity.

It would be an ideal BGM for an all-out, push-to-the-limit competition—like tug-of-war—where teammates sync their breathing and haul a single rope with everything they’ve got!

LuminousNEW!Aina ji Endo

AiNA THE END / Luminous [Official Music Video] (TV Anime ‘ONE PIECE’ opening theme song)

If you want to boost the excitement of a tug-of-war, an emotional and powerful pop song is the way to go.

This track, sung by AiNA THE END, was released in April 2026 and chosen as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime ONE PIECE’s Elbaf arc.

Following the album RUBY POP, this work became an important release.

It carries a self-empowering message about moving forward with unwavering conviction while accepting one’s doubts.

The husky, body-warm vocals and the exhilarating, rock-tinged sound perfectly match scenes that are heating up.

How about using it as BGM for the intense events at a school sports day?

IRIS OUTNEW!Yonezu Kenshi

IRIS OUT

This track brims with a sense of speed, conjuring images of intense battles and thrilling twists.

Created by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, it has been selected as the theme song for the animated film Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc, set for release in September 2025.

Crafted to closely read the original characters and align with the story’s worldview, the piece features a powerful rhythm and an energetic melody.

You can feel its overwhelming force even in the 90-second trailer.

With a passionate tone that stirs fighting spirit, it’s perfect as BGM for tug-of-war, where you need power and grit.

Try playing it during a heated sports day scene.

Mela!NEW!Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Mela!' Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Mela!

Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a rock band that has gained popularity for its powerful high-tone vocals and modern pop sound.

Originally released digitally in April 2020 and included on the album “SINGALONG,” this track is known as one of their signature songs.

It drew attention through numerous tie-ins, including serving as the CM song for Dariya’s “Palty Coloring Milk” and a dance project on Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri.” Its uplifting, encouraging message and bouncing beat add even more heat to strong, tug-of-war–style competitions.

It’s an invigorating, high-energy tune that perfectly suits the fresh spirit of sports day, firing you up and raising the excitement.

LOVE 2000NEW!tsuru and kame

Tsuru and Kame “LOVE 2000” Official Music Video

This is the single released in January 2026 as the theme song for the film “Pure Love, Bring It On!” It’s performed by Tsuru and Kame, a limited-time unit featuring Jutaro Yamanaka from M!LK and Aloha Takamatsu from Bullet Train.

Boldly reimagined with a pop sensibility, this work is an arranged cover of a classic that was a massive hit around 2000.

The straightforward melody and sense of speed of the original are infused with the tactile feel of contemporary dance-pop, making the powerful beat stand out.

Set against a story about the leaders of rival high schools, the sound brims with momentum and a provocative euphoria—perfect for a tug-of-war where fighting spirit blazes.

It will provide a positive driving force in moments when you sync with your teammates and give it your all.