[Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer anthems and recommended parody-song picks [2026]
Cheer songs and background music are essential for sports days and athletic festivals! Classic staples that make you want to start running the moment you hear them are a given, but it’s also long been common to rewrite the lyrics of popular J-pop songs and sing them as parodies.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of Japanese songs that are perfect for cheering at school sports events! Of course, we’ve also picked out songs that will hype up the crowd even if you sing them as-is.
Be sure to read through to the end!
Playlist
| [Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer anthems and recommended parody-song picks [2026] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | Sounds goodM!LK |  play_arrow | M!LK’s song chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament |
| 2 | STARSSnow Man |  play_arrow | Snowman's Cheer Song Theme |
| 3 | NonfictionsDa-iCE |  play_arrow | Da-iCE creates a Koshien fight song |
| 4 | Double Double FIGHT!CANDY TUNE |  play_arrow | CANDY TUNE's “Baibai FIGHT” is suitable for a sports day |
| 5 | Give it all you’ve got!FRUITS ZIPPER |  play_arrow | FRUITS ZIPPER's cheer song |
| 6 | one secondSixTONES |  play_arrow | SixTONES’s Olympic cheering song |
| 7 | Outlineimase |  play_arrow | imase's cheer song becomes a hot topic at the High School Championship |
| 8 | TouchInaba Hiroshi |  play_arrow | Koshi Inaba covers Yoshimi Iwasaki’s classic song |
| 9 | Absolute ProtagonistChou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu |  play_arrow | Cheer song for an idol group |
| 10 | ichibanKing&Prince |  play_arrow | A powerful sports day cheering song by King & Prince |
| 11 | StardomKing Gnu |  play_arrow | An ardent cheer song by King Gnu |
| 12 | OrangeSPYAIR |  play_arrow | SPYAIR’s Haikyu!! movie theme song |
| 13 | Hands Up!iLiFE! |  play_arrow | A fiery anthem of support that portrays the will to win and the bonds of comrades |
| 14 | summer squallarashi |  play_arrow | Arashi’s Summer High School Baseball Cheer Song |
| 15 | Retry, Youth!chou tokimeki sendenbu |  play_arrow | A cheer song for retrying, for a sports day |
| 16 | lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE |  play_arrow | Winner of the Mrs. Midori Youth Support Song Award |
| 17 | Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | SEKAI NO OWARI's songs for a sports day |
| 18 | Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento |  play_arrow | Kochi Kento’s cheer song, “Giri Giri Dance” |
| 19 | idolYOASOBI |  play_arrow | YOASOBI's “Idol” is perfect for a sports day |
| 20 | Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts |  play_arrow | A rhapsody depicting a magical world with a muscle-bound protagonist |
| 21 | -ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)Ofisharu Higedan Dism | ![-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)Ofisharu Higedan Dism](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/keOnleW2eak/default.jpg) play_arrow | An anthem for those who face themselves and move forward |
| 22 | Happinessarashi |  play_arrow | Arashi’s smash hits are perfect for sports days. |
| 23 | RPGSEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | A cheer song by SEKAI NO OWARI |
| 24 | together; along with; bothWANIMA |  play_arrow | WANIMA’s upbeat cheer song |
| 25 | MiracleGReeeeN |  play_arrow | GReeeeN’s “Kiseki” is a baseball cheer song. |
| 26 | GUTSarashi |  play_arrow | Arashi’s “GUTS!” is perfect for cheering at sports festivals. |
| 27 | One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu |  play_arrow | A powerful song that cheers on youth is born. |
| 28 | A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki |  play_arrow | Masaki Suda’s fiery emotion rock |
| 29 | 100% CourageNYC |  play_arrow | A parody of 'Courage 100%' as a sports day cheer song |
| 30 | Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE |  play_arrow | Theme song of a youth film Mrs. GREEN APPLE |
| 31 | FateOfisharu Higedan Dism |  play_arrow | Introduction to the Sports Day Cheering Song 'Shukumei' |
| 32 | AgainWANIMA |  play_arrow | WANIMA's melodic punk fires me up and fills me with energy |
| 33 | Love will winKAN |  play_arrow | Introduction and Appeal of KAN’s “Ai wa Katsu” |
| 34 | I am the strongest.Ado |  play_arrow | Signature songs of Mrs. GREEN APPLE and Ado |
| 35 | NIPPONShiina Ringo |  play_arrow | Shiina Ringo’s sports day cheer song |
| 36 | peace signYonezu Kenshi |  play_arrow | Kenshi Yonezu’s hero cheering song |
| 37 | IdeaHoshino Gen |  play_arrow | Cheer song by Gen Hoshino |
| 38 | Summer Colorsyuzu |  play_arrow | Yuzu’s debut song, perfect for summer |
| 39 | crimsonX JAPAN |  play_arrow | X Japan's 'Kurenai' is perfect as a cheer song for the Red Team. |
| 40 | Mystical, Mysterious Adventure!Takahashi Hiroki |  play_arrow | Dragon Ball theme song, suitable for a sports day |
| 41 | Joyfulikimonogakari |  play_arrow | Joyful is perfect as a cheer song. |
| 42 | Rocky Themebirukonti |  play_arrow | A classic of sports music that supports the striving heart |
| 43 | Let’s give it a tryWANIMA |  play_arrow | Sang WANIMA’s victory theme at the sports festival |
| 44 | OH!SHISHAMO |  play_arrow | A youth rock cheer song by SHISHAMO |
| 45 | paprikaYonezu Kenshi |  play_arrow | A cheer song you can sing while dancing |
| 46 | Full-Power BoySukima Suichi |  play_arrow | Sukima Switch’s refreshing cheer song |
| 47 | one thing or anotherFujii Takashi |  play_arrow | Fujii Takashi’s debut song, suitable for a sports day. |
| 48 | We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā |  play_arrow | Encourage them with Sambomaster’s fight songs |
| 49 | Limit-Break x SurvivorHikawa Kiyoshi |  play_arrow | Dragon Ball Super theme song |
| 50 | School HeavenFingā 5 |  play_arrow | Get hyped with Finger 5's cheer song |
| 51 | Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO |  play_arrow | Making headlines as SHISHAMO’s signature song is featured in a commercial |
| 52 | CharacterRyokushokushakai |  play_arrow | Singing of individuality and diversity |
| 53 | Wake up!AAA |  play_arrow | ONE PIECE theme song by AAA |
| 54 | Maru Maru Mori MoriKaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku. |  play_arrow | A heartwarming song with bright, uplifting lyrics |
| 55 | Runnerbakufū suranpu |  play_arrow | Bakufu Slump’s “Runner” is perfect for a sports day |
| 56 | Full of dreamsSeki Yumiko |  play_arrow | Chibi Maruko-chan opening song suitable for a sports day |
| 57 | strong wind slicked-back hairyukopi |  play_arrow | Strong Wind All Back is perfect for a sports day cheer song. |
| 58 | Don’t give upZARD |  play_arrow | “Makenaide” is perfect as a sports day cheer song. |
| 59 | Soldier, run.B’z |  play_arrow | B’z “Soldiers, Run” Rugby Support Song |
| 60 | Current destructionSPYAIR |  play_arrow | A heart-stirring theme song from an anime feature film |
| 61 | Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN |  play_arrow | Kekkai Sensen ending: distinctive lyrics and guitar |
| 62 | One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS |  play_arrow | Cheering song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS |
| 63 | Dragon NightSEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | SEKAI NO OWARI’s signature song and their first appearance on the Kōhaku (year-end music festival) |
| 64 | cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai |  play_arrow | Ai Otsuka’s timeless hit song is perfect as a cheer song |
| 65 | Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism |  play_arrow | Higedan Dism’s cheer song is suitable for sports day. |
| 66 | The Zero Sense10-FEET |  play_arrow | 10-FEET's defiant song |
| 67 | room for growthCreepy Nuts |  play_arrow | Cheering at a school sports day with a song by Creepy Nuts. |
| 68 | Zankyo SankaAimer |  play_arrow | Aimer’s “Zankyo Sanka” is perfect for a sports day |
| 69 | rainbowAqua Timez |  play_arrow | A motivational song about overcoming hardships released by Aqua Timez in 2008 |
| 70 | Kitearashi |  play_arrow | A hopeful message song by Arashi, composed by Kenshi Yonezu |
| 71 | to youMONGOL800 |  play_arrow | MONGOL800’s “Anata ni” is a song suited for school sports days. |
| 72 | StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE |  play_arrow | A high-velocity, exhilarating rock song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE |
| 73 | Sora-buneTOKIO |  play_arrow | TOKIO’s signature song that powerfully moves forward by believing in one’s own strength |
| 74 | migratory bird[Alexandros] | ![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/default.jpg) play_arrow | Introduction to Alexandros's signature songs |
| 75 | Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya |  play_arrow | Blue Habitat is a sports day song by Tatsuya Kitani. |
| 76 | Ojamajo Carnival!!MAHO dō |  play_arrow | Ojamajo Carnival is perfect for sports day |
| 77 | Again and againHinatazaka46 |  play_arrow | Hinatazaka46 provides a cheer song for a sports day |
| 78 | YELL ~Yell~Kobukuro |  play_arrow | Encourage students with a cheer song by Kobukuro |
| 79 | R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu |  play_arrow | The 13th single by Sandaime J Soul Brothers |
| 80 | loveHoshino Gen |  play_arrow | Gen Hoshino's catchy songs are popular at school sports festivals |
| 81 | Shanghai HoneyORANGE RANGE |  play_arrow | A pep song for a sports day that amps up the festive spirit |
| 82 | RISING SUNEXILE |  play_arrow | Liven up the sports day with EXILE’s cheer song |
| 83 | TOMORROWMayo Okamoto |  play_arrow | Mayo Okamoto's 'TOMORROW' Cheer Song |
| 84 | oneselfTani Yuuki |  play_arrow | The sports day cheer song is Myself |
| 85 | ultra soulB’z |  play_arrow | B’z’s “ultra soul” livens up the sports day. |
| 86 | Heaven and HellOfufenbakku |  play_arrow | Offenbach’s classic athletic meet song |
| 87 | Mickey Mouse MarchBEAT CRUSADERS |  play_arrow | Punk version of the Mickey Mouse March |
| 88 | Give it some guts!!Urufuruzu |  play_arrow | Guts Da Ze!!, the signature song of Ulfuls |
| 89 | A Tiny Bit of CourageFUNKY MONKEY BABYS |  play_arrow | FUNKY MONKEY BABYS' 2007 single |
| 90 | YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki |  play_arrow | Hideki Saijo’s biggest hit song |
| 91 | New EraAdo |  play_arrow | The new era is a lively, up-tempo song suited for sports days |
| 92 | Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | A cheer song by The Blue Hearts |
| 93 | BelieveFolder5 |  play_arrow | The One Piece opening song, with its lively rhythm and positivity, is perfect for a sports day. |
| 94 | The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari |  play_arrow | Olympic theme song and a sports day cheer song |
| 95 | Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream5 |  play_arrow | A hit song from Yo-kai Watch with a recommended dance |
| 96 | PERFECT HUMANRADIO FISH |  play_arrow | The hit song released by RADIO FISH in 2015 |
| 97 | Space Battleship Yamato |  play_arrow | Space Battleship Yamato is a staple classic for cheering songs. |
| 98 | Aim to be a Pokémon MasterMatsumoto Rika |  play_arrow | Singing the spirit of adventure with Rica Matsumoto’s powerful vocals |
| 99 | My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS |  play_arrow | RADWIMPS' “Zenzenzense” is suitable for a sports day. |
| 100 | DuelPENGUIN RESEARCH |  play_arrow | An intense rock song about penguin research |
| 101 | sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | A song that evokes the emotion of the Olympics |
| 102 | ultra soulB’z |  play_arrow | Portraying the courage to pursue dreams in a rock anthem |
| 103 | RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION |  play_arrow | Popular rock songs used as anime theme songs |
| 104 | Full driveKANA-BOON |  play_arrow | KANA-BOON’s sports day cheer song |
| 105 | ROOFTOPS feat. Satoshi Fujiwara (Official HIGE DANDism)KERENMI |  play_arrow | A project song by Koichi Tsutaya featuring Fujihara from Hige Dandism |
| 106 | Trace OrionUNISON SQUARE GARDEN |  play_arrow | Anime theme songs by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN |
| 107 | Mela!Ryokushokushakai |  play_arrow | Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s “Mela!” is a cheer song suitable for sports festivals. |
| 108 | Further awayRemioromen |  play_arrow | Recommended Remioromen sports day cheer songs |
| 109 | Share The LoveSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu |  play_arrow | An upbeat EDM-style song by Sandaime J Soul Brothers |
| 110 | Everyone is free.Half time Old |  play_arrow | The catchy song from the au Santaro commercial |
| 111 | BON VOYAGEBON BON BLANCO |  play_arrow | ONE PIECE getting hyped at a sports festival |
| 112 | The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP |  play_arrow | A cheer song by SMAP. |
| 113 | Soul RevolutionSuperfly |  play_arrow | A powerful song by Superfly |
| 114 | Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira |  play_arrow | A duo song by Kazuya Kamenashi and Tomohisa Yamashita |
| 115 | HappinessAI |  play_arrow | AI's Cheer Song 'Happiness' |
| 116 | Begin Againsanari |  play_arrow | Rapper Sanari’s song “Begin Again” is perfect for a sports day |
| 117 | Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā |  play_arrow | A hit song that breezily portrays heartbreak |
| 118 | Bridge of Gloryyuzu |  play_arrow | 'Eikou no Kakehashi' is a moving classic that cheers on school sports days. |
| 119 | ImaginationSPYAIR |  play_arrow | Theme song of Haikyuu |
| 120 | A Distant LoveRADWIMPS |  play_arrow | RADWIMPS's blockbuster movie theme song |
| 121 | BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi |  play_arrow | Kenshi Yonezu’s anime theme song depicts a fiery challenge and bonds |
| 122 | Blue Springback number |  play_arrow | Back Number's youth song |
| 123 | MagicMusicKimura Kaera |  play_arrow | Kaela Kimura’s upbeat summer festival song |
| 124 | GO!!!FLOW |  play_arrow | Popular songs by FLOW, suitable for sports day |
| 125 | TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | An encouragement song released in 1998 |
| 126 | Golden SoulShonan no Kaze |  play_arrow | Hype up the sports festival with a cool song |
| 127 | Fly Highmilet |  play_arrow | Ease the athletes' nerves with milet's 'Fly High' |
| 128 | Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY |  play_arrow | PUFFY’s songs are uplifting and perfect for sports days—they make you want to get moving. |
| 129 | I can only face forwardAKB48 |  play_arrow | AKB48’s We Only Look Forward |
| 130 | CampioneORANGE RANGE |  play_arrow | ORANGE RANGE’s World Cup theme song |
| 131 | winding roadNovelbright |  play_arrow | A hope-filled cheer song that pushes you forward |
| 132 | lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyGReeeeN |  play_arrow | GReeeeN Ekiden Cheering Song |
| 133 | The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJohn Philip Sousa |  play_arrow | American classic march, Pomp and Circumstance |
| 134 | William Tell OvertureRosshīni |  play_arrow | Rossini’s masterpiece: depicting natural scenery through music |
| 135 | Critical HitRADWIMPS |  play_arrow | RADWIMPS' Song of Challenge |
| 136 | Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai |  play_arrow | A song that sprints through the moments of youth with all its might |
| 137 | strollInoue Azumi |  play_arrow | “Sanpo” is perfect as background music for a sports day. |
| 138 | Odoru Pompoko RinB.B. Kuīnzu |  play_arrow | The opening theme song of Chibi Maruko-chan is well-known and easy to use. |
| 139 | Helloyama × bocchiboromaru |  play_arrow | Cheering Song by yama and Bocchi Boromaru |
| 140 | NO MORE CRYD-51 |  play_arrow | The Song of Tears of Joy by D-51 |
| 141 | PLAYERSYOASOBI |  play_arrow | YOASOBI releases a song commemorating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary |
| 142 | Boom!Magokoro Burazāzu |  play_arrow | Baseball cheering song by Magokoro Brothers |
| 143 | marching bandASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION |  play_arrow | ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION energizes with refreshing, fast-paced drive |
| 144 | doorGReeeeN |  play_arrow | Making waves with a support song about hiding one’s bare face |
| 145 | Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA |  play_arrow | Opening theme song of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, courage and indomitable spirit |
| 146 | Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK |  play_arrow | Signature songs of ONE OK ROCK |
| 147 | superstarKetsumeishi |  play_arrow | Convey talent and potential through Ketsumeishi’s fight song |
| 148 | Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI |  play_arrow | Hikaru Genji’s biggest hit song, a baseball cheering song |
| 149 | Tomorrow as wellMUSH&Co. |  play_arrow | A live-action film adaptation song by a manga band |
| 150 | Clap your handsNICO Touches the Walls |  play_arrow | NICO Touches the Walls cheering song |
| 151 | WE CAN!Adachi Kana |  play_arrow | Kana Adachi’s Júbilo Iwata Cheer Song |
| 152 | IMPACTUVERworld |  play_arrow | UVERworld is a fiery live band |
| 153 | SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke |  play_arrow | Keisuke Kuwata’s cheer song expresses the importance of cooperation. |
| 154 | Galop of the ClownsD.B.kabarefusukī |  play_arrow | Classic Sports Day BGM and Cheer Songs |
| 155 | Csikos PostHermann Necke |  play_arrow | About classic BGM tracks for sports days |
| 156 | Run, Honest OneSaijō Hideki |  play_arrow | Chibi Maruko-chan ending song |
| 157 | flying getAKB48 |  play_arrow | An AKB48 hype song with a love theme |
| 158 | It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE |  play_arrow | Ekiden cheering songs give people courage. |
| 159 | A victorious smile with youUkasukaji |  play_arrow | The appeal of passionate cheer songs at sports festivals |
| 160 | Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā |  play_arrow | An empowering song that encourages the courage to accept suffering and take a new step forward |
| 161 | Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo |  play_arrow | The opening theme song of the new Pokémon anime |
| 162 | In the Blueikimonogakari |  play_arrow | An uplifting cheer song celebrating youth |
| 163 | earnest desireSUPER BEAVER |  play_arrow | SUPER BEAVER’s classic song that sings about the importance of human relationships |
| 164 | As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE |  play_arrow | A cheer song for a sports day that celebrates the courage to never give up |
| 165 | Mileage of LoveRAG FAIR |  play_arrow | A cappella unit successfully makes major-label debut |
| 166 | Everyday, KachushaAKB48 |  play_arrow | A bright and refreshing summer song by AKB48, a spirited cheer anthem. |