[Basketball Cheer Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing anthems!
Basketball’s popularity is on the rise in Japan, thanks to the national team’s strong performances at the Olympics and the excitement surrounding the professional B.League.
Japanese players shining in the NBA are also drawing a lot of attention.
Beyond cheering through the TV, many people are passionately involved in school clubs or heading to arenas to enjoy games in person.
In this article, we’ve gathered basketball-related songs: tracks you can use to cheer during games, theme songs from the domestic league and international tournaments, and opening themes from anime that feature basketball.
They’re all perfect as pump-up BGM for practice, so whether you’re a player or a fan, be sure to check them out!
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[Basketball Cheering Songs] Carefully Selected Tournament Theme Songs and Power-Packed Fight Songs! (91–100)
Get fired upDaikoku Maki
Released in 1996 as Maki Ohguro’s 14th single.
Chosen as the theme song for NHK’s broadcast of the Atlanta Olympics, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It is considered one of the standout hits born from Olympic theme songs, and—true to its title—is a track that fires you up in sports scenes.
HeroAmuro Namie
This is the song that was used as NHK’s broadcast theme for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics held on August 5, 2016.
Hearing the chorus brings back memories of many moving Olympic moments, doesn’t it? Its powerful tone—like someone always by your side, cheering you on and giving you a push—is memorable.
The lyrics, which encourage those striving toward their dreams, together with Namie Amuro’s strong vocals, are sure to inspire the athletes.
Listen to this song and stoke your determination to win!
[Basketball Cheer Songs] Carefully Selected Tournament Theme Songs and Power-Packed Anthems! (101–110)
Absolutely no oneZYYG
Released in 1995 as ZYYG’s fifth single.
The song was used as the second opening theme for the TV Asahi anime “Slam Dunk,” reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and became ZYYG’s second biggest hit.
The composition was by Tetsuro Oda.
Heart Of A ChampionNelly
It’s a fiery hip-hop track infused with a strong will to overcome any obstacle.
“Heart Of A Champion” by the popular hip-hop MC Nelly—who broke out with hits from his debut album Country Grammar—appears on his third album, Sweat, released in 2004.
The song is marked by its grand chorus and resolute message, making it perfect for getting pumped up before an important game.
It was produced using a sample of the well-known NBA theme song “Roundball Rock.”
Battle ScarsLupe Fiasco
A track by Lupe Fiasco, an American next-generation rapper who debuted in 2006 and has won a Grammy.
It’s a collaboration with Australian singer Guy Sebastian.
Every time he looks at the scars left by battle, he remembers that unforgettable day of the fight…
The lyrics are perfect for players who love the game—and basketball—beyond measure.
Despite its gentle melody, the powerful lyrics leave a strong impression.
Space JamQuad City DJ’s
Space Jam is a basketball film that blends live action and animation, starring legendary NBA player Michael Jordan.
The theme song, also titled “Space Jam,” was performed by Quad City DJ’s, a Miami bass unit from Florida.
Miami bass is a style of hip-hop that became popular on the West Coast of the United States from the late 1980s to the 1990s.
Be sure to enjoy “Space Jam” along with the movie!
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
It was released in 1995 as Mayo Okamoto’s debut single.
Chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Second Chance,” it achieved the remarkable feat of selling over two million copies.
It also marked her first appearance at the 46th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it remains a highly popular song that encourages and cheers on many people.