[Ekiden Theme Song] Masterpieces that mirror the act of running—cheering anthems that give you courage

Beyond the MomentChichibu Eri

Beyond the Moment (Nippon TV All-Japan University Women’s Ekiden relay broadcast theme song)

Eri Chichibu is a composer who crosses the boundaries of jazz and screen music and is active on the world stage.

This piece, specially written as the broadcast theme for Nippon TV’s All-Japan University Women’s Ekiden, has vividly colored the coverage since the 38th race in October 2020.

Its uplifting melody, expressing the “now” of pushing beyond limits, overlaps with the single-minded dedication of the baton-passing runners and sets viewers’ hearts ablaze.

Because the race takes place in her hometown of Sendai, she is said to have imagined everything from the course to the athletes’ backgrounds while composing.

When you want to break out of your shell or head toward a goal with your teammates, listening to it will surely give you the courage to take a bold step forward!

Sunrise of the New YearNatsumi Tabuchi

TBS New Year Ekiden theme song 'Sunrise of the New Year'

You can’t resist that uplifting feeling, like a fanfare, that rings through the crisp New Year air.

Etched in memory alongside the sight of runners single-mindedly passing the sash on New Year’s morning is this instrumental piece composed by Natsumi Tabuchi.

Since January 2018, it has been used as the theme for TBS’s New Year Ekiden, and its melody is well-known to ekiden fans.

Though it has no lyrics, its grand sound and march-like rhythm eloquently convey the passion of runners pushing their limits.

Listening to this piece will bring back the excitement of those heated races and naturally give you the courage to face forward.

Put it on on the morning of a big day, or whenever you need to steel yourself for a decisive moment.

DiamondBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Diamond”

This work is the single released in September 2000, marking their first step toward the major scene.

Its warm message—one that embraces even one’s own weaknesses as part of their radiance—resonates deeply with hearts burdened by doubt.

Many will remember it being chosen as the song for Sapporo Beer’s commercial during the 100th Hakone Ekiden in January 2024.

Spanning eras to become an anthem for the next generation, its sound overlaps with the image of runners striving earnestly forward, sure to stir the listener’s emotions.

More than just raw grit, it’s a pep song that gives you a courage rising from within, and it remains a beloved, iconic number by BUMP OF CHICKEN.

Million MilesLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Million Miles

A powerful number that captures the stillness of a winter morning and the heat that rises from it! This song was written as the theme for Fuji TV’s “SUZUKI Sports Special: 2022 Mount Fuji Women’s Ekiden,” during the first winter after Little Glee Monster entered its new lineup.

Their greatest weapon—their rich, layered harmonies—mirrors the earnest spirit of an ekiden, where teammates pass the sash to one another, and it sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Featured as the closing track on the EP “Fanfare,” released in March 2023, this piece is a message song brimming with determination to forge the path ahead.

It’s perfect for those starting challenges in a new environment or teams striving toward a common goal.

Your SongSHE’S

SHE’S – Your Song 【MV】

It’s a cheer song where piano melodies fuse with a powerful band sound, shaking the hearts of listeners.

The melodies played by SHE’S give you the courage to stand up again and again, even when faced with hardship.

The lyrics, which sing of turning even painful experiences into nourishment and moving forward, resonate deeply.

Released in November 2019 and included on the album “Tragicomedy,” this track was later chosen as the original commercial theme song for the 97th Hakone Ekiden in January 2021, adding color to the athletes’ determined efforts.

When you hit a wall on the way to your dreams, listening to this song will ignite the feeling of “I’m going to give it my all once more.”

Stage of the groundBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「Stage of the ground」

The lyrics, which sing of the dignity of pressing forward with your feet firmly on the ground, together with the band’s exhilarating intro, seize listeners’ hearts and never let go.

This song by BUMP OF CHICKEN—an iconic rock band beloved by a wide range of generations for their many masterpieces—appears as the first track on their album “jupiter,” released in February 2002.

It is also known for being featured as the Sapporo Beer commercial song centered around the 98th Hakone Ekiden in January 2022.

Gently supporting those who strive to move forward despite doubt and fear, this work gives courage.

It’s a classic that we hope every athlete fighting on their own stage, as well as anyone wishing to take a new step, will listen to.

to run; to dash; to gallopsukaato

to run; to dash; to gallop

It’s a Skirt number whose refreshing yet slightly wistful melody gently stays close to the listener’s heart.

The words woven by Wataru Sawabe aren’t simply upbeat; they tenderly affirm the down-to-earth feelings of trying to move forward while carrying doubts and anxieties.

収録曲「翔る／標識の影・鉄塔の影」は2020年3月にリリースされ、第96回箱根駅伝のオリジナルCMのテーマとして書き下ろされた楽曲です。

Many people were likely moved as its story overlapped with the CM featuring Sho Kiyohara and Nanase Nishino.

It’s a track that gives you courage when you want to take on something new or rally yourself.