[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)
My friendZARD
I’m sure many of you feel a wave of nostalgia from the very first notes of this song.
It’s a classic by ZARD, the music unit that helped lead the Japanese music scene of the ’90s.
Released in 1996 as their 17th single, its lyrics squeeze your heart as they evoke memories of a dear friend you can no longer see.
It was used as the ending theme for the anime Slam Dunk, which is about high school basketball.
Incidentally, this was ZARD’s first anime tie-in song.
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)
To Hikarimiwa
Released in 2012 as miwa’s ninth single.
It was selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Rich Man, Poor Woman,” and was written after reading the script.
It reached a personal best of No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and led to her first appearance at the 64th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen—a positive, uplifting song.
Winner (feat. Jamie Foxx, Justin Timberlake)T.I.
A song by Jamie Foxx, an American singer and actor.
It’s also included on his studio album “Best Night of My Life.” The track is a collaboration with singer Justin Timberlake, known as JT, and rapper T.I.
The title “Winner,” meaning a champion, makes it perfect as a fight song! The lyrics even include words that evoke basketball.
Funny Bunnythe pillows
This is a song included on the pillows’ 1999 album “HAPPY BIVOUAC.” Its chorus makes listeners feel encouraged, so it’s popular as a fight song.
It was also used as an insert song in the anime FLCL.
Brighter FutureHAN-KUN
The song used for the Sun Chlorella A commercial featuring Yuta Watanabe is “Brighter Future” by HAN-KUN, a reggae artist who’s also a member of Shonan no Kaze.
It’s included on his 2020 album UNCHAINED.
The rhythmic, repetitive chorus is infectious and gets you pumped—your body just starts moving.
The track surely matches the flow of basketball, amps up the go-for-it mood, and brings the hype! The lyrics, which feel like they’re fighting alongside you to seize the future, are also empowering.
Words of FarewellGReeeeN
A heartwarming song that expresses gratitude and farewell to basketball team friends.
Released as a single by GReeeeN in October 2018, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Run! T High School Basketball Club.” While looking back on the days spent with teammates, it welcomes a new departure—an uplifting message song that will especially resonate with those graduating.
Highly recommended for listening when retiring from club activities or during graduation season!