Lovely anime song

Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Just hearing them can make your heart surge with passion, or lift you up when you’re feeling down—anime songs have a mysterious power, don’t they?

In this article, we’ve gathered anime songs that are perfect for sports days and athletic festivals.

These are all classic tracks that will fire you up—whether you’re thinking, “We’re going to win for sure!” or “I want to make the best memories with my friends!”

We’ve carefully selected songs recommended for a wide range of ages, from preschool and kindergarten sports days to high school athletic festivals, so feel free to use them as references for BGM or dance routines.

Get Fired Up! Anime Song Collection to Hype Up Sports Days and Athletic Festivals (131–140)

Odoru Pompoko RinE-girls

E-girls / Odoru Ponpokorin

Odoru Pompokolin E-girls

The opening theme of the popular anime Chibi Maruko-chan, loved by people of all generations.

Originally a song by B.

B.

Queens, it was covered by E-girls.

In the opening animation, E-girls members also appeared as animated characters.

It’s a classic anime song that gets everyone pumped up at school sports festivals.

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Anpanman's MarchDreaming

Anpanman's March

Anpanman's March Dreaming

This “Anpanman’s March” is the opening theme song of the TV anime Soreike! Anpanman.

Since many people, from children to adults, know it, using it as a dance track, entrance song, or BGM at a sports day is sure to get everyone excited! Even kids who aren’t good at sports might be able to give it their best if Anpanman is with them, don’t you think?

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My Neighbor TotoroAzumi Inoue

Eng sub “My Neighbor Totoro” with lyrics covered by Miho Kuroda

My Neighbor Totoro Azumi Inoue

My Neighbor Totoro is beloved by people of all ages.

I’m sure everyone has heard it at least once.

Its bouncy melody puts you in a cheerful mood! I think it’s a perfect fit for sports days at nursery schools and kindergartens—parent-child dances, dance competitions, entrance scenes, and more.

The song itself has a very fun, heartwarming vibe, so it’s sure to lift the children’s spirits when they listen! Here’s hoping teachers and families can all enjoy a wonderful sports day together!

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Reckless fireYasuaki Ide

Reckless Fire opening

Reckless fire Yasuhisa Ide

“Reckless fire” is the opening theme of the anime s-CRY-ed.

From the intro, it’s a song that just makes you think, “So cool!” Yasuharu Ide’s masculine vocals and lyrics that urge you to “go for the win” make it a perfect track for sports days and athletic festivals.

How about using it as BGM for class relays or cavalry battles?

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Rude loose danceMinami

Minami “Rude Loose Dance” MV

Rude Loose Dance Minami

Rude Loose Dance, released in 2023 by singer-songwriter Minami, was also selected as the opening theme for the anime Record of Ragnarok II.

It depicts the fiery emotions of confronting a reality filled with challenges.

The lyrics, which align with students who keep pushing without giving up until the very end, are sure to inspire courage and hope.

With Minami’s vocals brilliantly conveying raw emotion and a passionate yet cool band performance, this track truly resonates.

Be sure to check out this number that will hype up any event—perfect for blazing relays, tug-of-war, and more.

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Ponyo on the CliffFujioaka Fujimaki & Nozomi Ohashi

Ponyo: Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea — Fujimaki Fujioka & Nozomi Ohashi

Watch 'Gake no Ue no Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea) by Fujioka Fujimaki & Nozomi Ohashi' on YouTube

Nozomi Ohashi’s singing voice is just so cute! The choreography for this song is really simple, making it perfect for a school sports day.

The lyrics aren’t very difficult either, so children can learn them quickly.

Since sports days are about cheering on the participants, relatively fast tempos are preferred.

In that sense, the tempo of this song is just right, making it an ideal choice for a sports day.

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Youth LineIkimonogakari

Big Windup! Op. 2

Seishun Line - Ikimono-gakari

A refreshing song that freely sings about being in the height of youth, used in the high school baseball-themed anime “Big Windup!” Its lyrics evoke “trusting your teammates and passing on your feelings,” making it perfect for relay events.

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