[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!

Playlist

[Sports Day] Recommended Songs for Tug-of-War: A curated selection of powerful BGM to fire up your fighting spirit!
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Angel and DemonGRe4N BOYZ		Opening theme song of GRe4N BOYZ
2	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)Ofisharu Higedan Dism		The strength to overcome inner conflict and move forward
3	beat the crap out of someoneWANIMA		WANIMA's exhilarating, fast-paced band sound
4	LuminousAina ji Endo		Aina passionately sings the ONE PIECE theme song
5	IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi		Chainsaw Man theme song Kenshi Yonezu
6	Mela!Ryokushokushakai		Signature song of Ryokuoushoku Shakai, perfect for a sports day
7	LOVE 2000tsuru and kame		Iconic Movie Theme Songs: Pop Covers
8	lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE full of a sense of speed
9	New Treasure IslandSakanakushon		Sakanaction film theme song alternative
10	InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs.'s “Inferno” is perfect for tug-of-war.
11	breakthroughSUPER BEAVER		A song that expresses the power of challenge
12	together; along with; bothWANIMA		A classic whose uplifting vocals give your heart a gentle push forward
13	Go for it!!Urufuruzu		Ulfuls' smash-hit song, “Gattsu da ze”
14	I am the strongest.Ado		Expressing the determination to face difficulties with a powerful singing voice
15	GUTS !arashi		Arashi’s “GUTS!” is a cheer song for sports festivals.
16	mixed nutsOfisharu Higedan Dism		Official HIGE DANDism's anime theme song
17	My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS		A rock song that expresses the movie’s worldview
18	Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy		Vaundy’s self-affirming rock song
19	R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		The dance that captivates by Sandaime J SOUL
20	Limit-Break x SurvivorHikawa Kiyoshi		Kiyoshi Hikawa sings a fiery message that goes beyond his limits
21	KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s Chainsaw Man opening song
22	flash[Alexandros]		Gundam theme song, hope and fighting spirit
23	Zankyo SankaAimer		Demon Slayer OP, perfect for a sports day
24	The Zero Sense10-FEET		The passion to pursue one's dreams and the resolve to face hardships
25	LOSERYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu's 'LOSER' is suitable for a sports day
26	ultra soulB’z		A powerful cry of the soul that challenges the limits
27	Tsunahiki Empiregagaga supi		Gagaga SP Tug-of-War Life Cheering Song
28	We Will Rock YouQueen		Heavy beat tracks go well with tug-of-war.
29	Soul RevolutionSuperfly		Stoke your fighting spirit with Tamashii Revolution
30	ECHOLittle Glee Monster		NHK Rugby Theme Song 'ECHO'
31	Be The OnePandora		Build Theme Composed by Tetsuya Komuro
32	Hey MickeyToni Basil		Tony Basil's 1981 hit song
33	BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu to produce the opening theme song for Medalist
34	Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki		Introduction to Masaki Suda’s “Sayonara Elegy”
35	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		WANIMA’s background music for a sports day
36	Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s theme song for Aonatsu
37	One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		Introducing the best songs for tug-of-war at a sports day
38	OrangeSPYAIR		A powerful cheering song by SPYAIR
39	Night Sky Patrol of TomorrowOrangestar		A Vocaloid song that sings of parting and the future
40	RISINGYoshida Kyōdai		Liven up the tug-of-war with a Tsugaru shamisen piece by the Yoshida Brothers
41	NIPPONShiina Ringo		Soccer World Cup theme song composed by Ringo Sheena
42	A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s debut song, an uptempo rock track
43	Rocky Theme		The Rocky theme boosts fighting spirit.
44	FateOfisharu Higedan Dism		Higedan’s high school baseball cheering song
45	100% Courage		The energetic theme song of Nintama Rantaro
46	Don’t give upZARD		ZARD’s classic uplifting songs
47	GOATNumber_i		A powerful rap song by Number_i
48	The Greatest ShowHugh Jackman, Keala Settle, Zac Efron, Zendaya & The Greatest Showman Ensemble		Recommended for tug-of-war as the theme song of a musical film
49	Enthralling Dance ~ MizutsuneUraya Reo		Monster Hunter Subjugation Battle BGM
50	AdventureYOASOBI		YOASOBI to produce the theme song for Uni Spring
51	Feeling great!!mihimaru GT		Nostalgic hit songs by mihimaru GT
52	Joyfulikimonogakari		A pop number by Ikimono-gakari
53	Full-Power BoySukima Suichi		Sukima Switch’s cheer song
54	helm’N bass10-FEET		A reggae-arranged song by 10-FEET
55	Theme of the Unruly Shogun		Tug-of-war hype with the Abarenbo Shogun theme
56	nowHikakin & Seikin		A song themed around the time of Hikakin and Seikin
57	Theme from Mission: Impossible		Theme song of Mission: Impossible
58	danceAdo		Ado is popular for dance music with samba elements
59	IllusionMY FIRST STORY × HYDE		A powerful collaboration track by MY FIRST STORY and HYDE
60	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		A dynamic song that depicts a passionate page of youth
61	Rhyme Wave Phrase DisciplesCHEHON		CHEHON's signature reggae song
62	We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā		Sambomaster has many songs that cheer on people who are doing their best.
63	poofKing Gnu		King Gnu's song Doron is captivating.
64	Get WildTM NETWORK		A signature song by TM NETWORK, perfect for a sports day
65	Sora-buneTOKIO		A powerful rock song by TOKIO
66	Rocky Themebirukonti		Rocky's theme song Effort and Growth
67	Kawasaki DriftBAD HOP		BAD HOP's 'Kawasaki Drift' features fiery rap
68	Plan ADISH//		Anime-themed challenge theme rock song
69	APOLLO STYLEAPOLLO		APOLLO, a fusion of reggae and hip-hop
70	Soldier, run.B’z		In “hito hashiru” the hei means “valiant warrior.”
71	SUNRISESPECTRUM		Sunrise is recommended for tug-of-war.
72	peace signYonezu Kenshi		A fast-paced rock song by Kenshi Yonezu
73	PRAYING RUNUVERworld		UVERworld running songs
74	migratory bird[Alexandros]		Alexandros 2015 commercial song
75	OH!SHISHAMO		SHISHAMO’s song “OH!” is a guitar rock track brimming with youthful energy.
76	BREAKOUTSnow Man		A powerful rock song by Snow Man
77	Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+		nobodyknows+’s signature song, an up-tempo and positive rap
78	I can only face forwardAKB48		A passionate rock sound of courage to face forward and the power of unity
79	Delusion:AllONE OK ROCK		A powerful signature song by ONE OK ROCK
80	Colonel BogeyKenneth Joseph Alford		A British composer's march is a staple at sports days.
81	Critical HitRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS' youth-supporting rock song
82	gg resplendent10-FEET		10-FEET's rock song hypes up the tug-of-war
83	single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu		Jujutsu Kaisen theme song, a powerful track by King Gnu
84	GONGWANIMA		A rock song depicting challenges and the bonds of comrades
85	PlazmaYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu, theme song for the movie 'Gundam'
86	Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” Fourth MovementAntonín Leopold Dvořák		Dvořák’s famous piece is popular at sports festivals.
87	Symphony No. 5 “Revolution,” Fourth MovementDmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich		Mood boost with Shostakovich’s symphonies
88	Kaikai KitanEVE		A powerful song that portrays the strength to overcome the darkness
89	L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2: FarandoleGeorges Bizet		A splendid festive dance piece originating from Provence
90	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		Opening theme song of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, courage and indomitable spirit
91	Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet		Demon Slayer theme song, an anthem of courage and bonds
92	Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK		The aggressive rock of ONE OK ROCK that advances with a sense-driven approach
93	Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism		Tokyo Revengers theme song, a famous song of courage and bonds
94	earnest desireSUPER BEAVER		A rock song that sings about the importance of human connection and smiles
95	SignalWANIMA		A song full of courage and hope
96	HeroYOASOBI		Frieren opening theme, a passionate song by YOASOBI
97	ultramarineYOASOBI		Expressing the passion and dreams of youth with blue light
98	Helloyama × bocchiboromaru		Cheering Song by yama and Bocchi Boromaru
99	Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala		An anthem that encourages the courage to face setbacks
100	superstarKetsumeishi		A hip-hop and pop fusion, a cheering anthem that celebrates talent
101	Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā		A song of courage to pursue one’s true self and move toward hope
102	LuluAdo		Ado’s new song: a powerful track rebelling against societal rules
103	I’ll tell you what you don’t know—listen up, SHOW.TOKONA-X		A classic of TOKONA-X’s fiery rap
104	S.P.LThe Birthday		Expressing the power of love through rock × poetry
105	Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas		A refreshing and passionate song by the Black Eyed Peas
106	Sacrificemafumafu		Mafumafu’s powerful song Sacrifice
107	Splattack!Minegishi Tooru		The Splatoon theme song is perfect for a sports day
108	A victorious smile with youUkasukaji		A youthful song that sings of bonds with friends and the courage to take on challenges
109	Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā		A song that expresses the feelings of heartbreak in a lighthearted way
110	Hypnosis Mic -Division Battle Anthem-Division All Stars		In Hypnosis Mic, male voice actors shine in rap battles.
111	Street DreamsZeebra		Zeebra song sings of the strength to chase dreams
112	ENVYcoldrain		Rousing your fighting spirit with a powerful song
113	COME and GOsutoreitenaa		Straightener's fast-paced, driving new rock song
114	Believe in YourselfAbe Mao		I feel encouraged and energized by Abe Mao’s cheering song.
115	I can still go on.Abe Mao		Abe Mao’s new song still goes hard
116	RPGSEKAI NO OWARI		Unite in an RPG and take on a tug-of-war