[Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer anthems and recommended parody-song picks [2026]

TouchNEW!Inaba Hiroshi

Koshi Inaba / Touch

This song by Hiroshi Inaba, released in March 2026, is a cover of the smash-hit anime theme sung by Yoshimi Iwasaki in 1985.

Chosen as the Japan domestic Netflix cheer song for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, it links perfectly with the WBC’s excitement.

While retaining the original’s familiar melody, Inaba’s edgy rock vocals transform it from the bittersweetness of youth into a powerful anthem aiming for victory.

Since it’s a well-known classic, it’s perfect for cheer battles at school sports days, too.

It’s a sure-fire track that will get everyone fired up across generations!

Absolute ProtagonistNEW!Chou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

Absolute Protagonist

The rousing competitions at the sports festival are powerfully boosted by the cheer song performed by the female idol group Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu.

The track is included on the classic album Tokimeki Egao, released in March 2026, and has been selected as the official MBS theme song for the 98th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Built on quintessential pop, it features a driving, exhilarating melody and a warm message that affirms single-minded effort and a spirit of challenge.

The impactful unison unique to a large group creates the same kind of exhilaration you feel in a stadium.

It’s perfect for high-energy scenes like everyone shouting together in cheer battles or rolling a giant ball.

With this work, which makes every competitor shine as the star, why not unite the hearts of everyone at the venue?

ichibanNEW!King&Prince

King & Prince「ichiban」Special Dance Clip YouTube Edit

Let us introduce a powerful number from King & Prince that fuses hip-hop with traditional Japanese sounds, guaranteed to crank up the excitement at any sports day.

Known as the title track of their album “Made in,” released in June 2022, this song was written, composed, and arranged by KREVA.

Its compelling themes of self-affirmation and the resolve to charge ahead make it especially appealing.

The dance also became a major topic in short-form video circles.

For sports day cheer battles, it’s perfect for boosting team morale to the crisp rhythm of the rap.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to project a bold attitude, or when you want to get moving and hype things up with teammates who are good at dancing.

If you want to make a parody version, try changing the call-and-response parts to your class’s goals and shout them out with strength!

StardomNEW!King Gnu

King Gnu – Stardom

King Gnu is a four-piece band leading Japan’s music scene with overwhelming technical skill and diverse musicality.

Their single “Stardom,” released in November 2022, was selected as NHK’s soccer theme song for that year.

Its imposing, stadium-sized chorus and a melody that gradually builds in intensity elevate the listener’s fighting spirit and excitement to the limit.

The rousing message—portraying the resolve to keep challenging toward future glory even after being knocked down—is a perfect fit for school sports day cheering battles.

When the whole team raises their voices together, their fighting spirit will ignite, uniting their hearts and fueling the drive to push on to victory.

OrangeNEW!SPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

A song by SPYAIR released for streaming and as an EP in February 2024, it was newly written as the theme song for the anime film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.

With vocalist YOSUKE joining the new lineup, it’s a pop-rock number that beautifully overlaps the band’s journey with the world of the work.

The lyrics, which carry the loneliness of parting yet sing of a forward-looking certainty that we’ll meet again, and the imagery that evokes a sunset, strike a chord.

Its driving sound and easy-to-chant melody are perfect for creating a fiery sense of unity at a school sports day.

Turn it into a cheer song that deepens team bonds, or a parody with memorable phrases woven in, and let the venue be wrapped in emotion!

Hands Up!NEW!iLiFE!

[LIVE MV] Hands Up! / iLiFE! [100th Anniversary Theme Song of the Handball Association]

Its powerful message—portraying an unshakable will to win and the warm bonds among teammates—is truly compelling.

The uplifting energy typical of a sports anthem and its rock sound ignite the fighting spirit of anyone who listens.

It’s a track by iLiFE! included on the album “iLiFE Starter Pack,” released in January 2023, and it garnered attention for being selected as the theme song commemorating 100 years since handball was introduced to Japan by the Japan Handball Association.

Brimming with a pulse that makes you want to throw your fist in the air, it’s perfect for pep rallies at school sports days or any scene where everyone wants to unite as one.

Set your team’s goals or your class slogan to the song’s catchy melody for a lively sing-along that’s sure to build excitement.

summer squallNEW!arashi

ARASHI – Natsu Hayate (High School Students Collaboration ver.) [Official Music Video]

It’s a rousing cheer song with an energetic melody that feels like a refreshing breeze.

Released in July 2018 by the national idol group Arashi, it was chosen as ABC’s summer high school baseball cheer song and as the theme for TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien.” The lyrics and music were written by Yujin Kitagawa of the folk duo Yuzu.

Packed with encouragement for those who give their all, this track is perfect for a heated sports day! Its fresh sound is ideal as BGM for events that race across the field, like sprints and relays.

If you want to make a parody version, try matching the chorus melody with your class name or team goals and have everyone sing it out with energy.