[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 Cheer Songs] Carefully Selected Tournament Theme Songs and Power-Packed Anthems! (101–110)
RIMFIREGRANRODEO
This song, which served as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Kuroko’s Basketball, is closely tied to the series in its content.
The basketball theme is also reflected in the title: “RIMFIRE” was inspired by the common term “rim” for a basketball hoop, and the six shots in a revolver are linked to the six players including the bench member in basketball.
Its powerful vocals and uplifting lyrics are sure to inspire the players!
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.
I Know I Got SkillzShaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is a former American basketball player who excelled as an NBA star from 1992 until his retirement in 2011.
Known for the feat of breaking the basket twice in official games, he is actually a rapper as well.
His track “I Know I Got Skillz” was released in 1993 as his debut single and is included on the album “Shaq Diesel.”
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.
Startin’Hamasaki Ayumi
Released in 2006 as Ayumi Hamasaki’s 39th single.
It was used as the opening theme for Capcom’s PS2 title “Shin Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams,” and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a song that teaches the importance of keeping your head up and moving forward no matter how tough things get.
[Basketball Cheering Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing cheer anthems! (111–120)
Sound of BounceDA PUMP
Released as a single in 2003 as the theme song for the TV anime based on the manga DEAR BOYS, this track is also included on DA PUMP’s first self-produced album, Night Walk.
The album won the Gold Award at the 45th Japan Record Awards held that same year.
The lyrics feature basketball terms such as “bash” (basketball shoes) and “fadeaway.”
Opening DeclarationNovelbright
An encouraging song that helps you take a step toward your dreams and hopes was born in April 2021 from the major 1st album “Kaimaku Sengen.” With a bright, powerful melody and a passionate spirit like the sun shining in the wide sky, this work is a fervent message song crafted by Novelbright.
In 2022, it was selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s nationwide high school dance club support project, “Dance ONE Project ’22” on the program Sukkiri, powerfully backing the challenging spirit of young people.
It’s a song that gently pushes the backs of everyone uniting their hearts—whether for field day events, sports festivals, or cheer battles.