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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] A Curated Selection of Tournament Theme Songs and Power-Packed Cheer Anthems! (1–10)
The Other selfGRANRODEO
A rousing anthem woven from passionate lyrics and a powerful rock sound.
It sings of the courage to take on challenges and the importance of believing in your inner strength, giving a push to everyone involved in basketball.
Released by GRANRODEO in October 2013, this motivational song was also chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime Kuroko’s Basketball and achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.
2 on the Oricon daily chart.
Also included on the album Karma to Labyrinth, this track is sure to be a reliable ally for players working hard in practice and fans cheering from the courtside.
THE BALLERSSixTONES
This is the official B.League theme song, delivering an exhilarating rhythm and a powerful message.
Sung with cool confidence by the members of SixTONES, the track vividly captures the momentum of a basketball game and the dynamic energy of players sprinting across the court.
It conveys the importance of always moving forward and the determination to never give up, even in tough situations, all carried by a sporty sound.
Released as a track on the album “GOLD” in January 2025, with the music video dropping at the same time, this song is perfect as BGM to boost morale during games and to elevate motivation for daily practice and club activities.
The Zero Sense10-FEET
The song “Dai Zero Kan,” used as the ending theme for the hugely popular film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, is a track by the Kyoto-based three-piece rock band 10-FEET.
Formed in 1997, 10-FEET is a rock band known for their powerful, loud sound.
With its fast-paced, intense style and lyrics depicting the solitary fighting spirit of competitors, the song aligns with the film’s worldview.
Its rousing lyrics and rhythm seem to overlap with the speed and intensity of basketball.
It’s a perfect track for watching and cheering at B.League games—and even for playing yourself.
I want to keep it dramatic.BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE
Released by BALLISTIK BOYZ in 2022 and chosen as the official theme song for the high school championship “SoftBank Winter Cup 2022,” this track is a quintessential basketball anthem.
The music video features on-court scenes and appearances by pro players Yuki Kawamura and Manaka Hirashita.
Its steady, reassuring tempo feels comfortable and helps calm the flash of frustration after a mistake and ease nerves.
The encouraging lyrics give you the power to keep stacking up effort and step up, and they’re sure to add color to a tournament where everyone comes together as one.
Workin’ HardFuji Kaze
Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze is taking the J-pop scene by storm with songs that showcase distinctive lyrics and a wide-ranging musical background.
His 13th digital-only single, “Workin’ Hard,” written as the theme song for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, was created after he expanded his vision of basketball by attending B.League, Japan national team, and NBA games in person.
The lyrics, which speak to the courage we gain from watching people fight on, resonate not only with players but also with spectators.
It’s an emotional track with a stylish arrangement that lifts your spirits.
AnthemSixTONES
A youth-empowerment song by SixTONES, marked by a powerful band sound and exhilarating, fast-paced guitar lines.
With raps that let each member’s individuality shine, the track declares self-assertion and challenge, and boldly conveys the strength of their bonds as a team.
Portraying all-out, no-holds-barred battles and an attitude of facing challenges authentically without worrying about others’ opinions, it’s a song packed with the fiery spirit of sportsmanship.
Released in January 2024 as the lead track from the album THE VIBES, this is a must-hear for anyone dedicated to basketball or any sport.
I’m only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki
This is a heartrending love song that carefully portrays the feelings of a woman who gradually sheds her true self to be closer to her lover.
With a captivating melody and powerful vocals, it vividly expresses the precariousness of a relationship where accommodating the other person too much leads to losing oneself.
Maki Ohguro wove this story based on a friend’s romance.
Released in December 1993, the song became a million seller in about three months and etched itself into many hearts as the first ending theme of the popular anime SLAM DUNK.
Embracing those struggling with love and prompting listeners to reflect on the importance of staying true to themselves, it continues to be cherished over the years.