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

With the New Year comes one of the season’s hallmarks: ekiden relay broadcasts that keep many viewers glued to their TVs.

Watching the runners pour their hearts into passing the sash can’t help but move you.

Adding to the excitement are the theme songs that color these programs.

Just hearing them can bring memorable scenes rushing back, or overlap with the images of the runners and bring you to tears.

There are more songs etched into our memories alongside ekiden than you might expect.

In this article, we introduce theme songs used in ekiden broadcasts and tracks featured in commercials.

As you revisit those moments, we hope you’ll find a new favorite tune.

Playlist

[Ekiden Theme Song] Masterpieces that mirror the act of running—cheering anthems that give you courage
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku		Hitsujibungaku’s TV anime theme song: the power of hope and moving forward
2	Lost ManBUMP OF CHICKEN		A song of courage to move forward despite uncertainty
3	a special/celebratory occasionLittle Glee Monster		Delivering courage and inspiration through the Ekiden cheer song
4	filamentOfisharu Higedan Dism		Official HIGE DANDism’s cheer song, the theme song of the Izumo Ekiden
5	Runner of the SpiritHisaishi Joe		The moving piece for the Hakone Ekiden created by Joe Hisaishi
6	RainbowPorunogurafiti		An exhilarating, fast-paced cheering song for the ekiden relay!
7	What kind of road is this road?Fujimaki Ryota		Ryota Fujimaki’s ekiden cheer song is full of a sense of speed.
8	Beyond the MomentChichibu Eri		The women’s ekiden theme song expresses the athletes’ presence.
9	Sunrise of the New YearNatsumi Tabuchi		The emotion and passion of the New Year Ekiden theme song
10	DiamondBUMP OF CHICKEN		A song where even weakness shines, and courage moves you forward
11	Million MilesLittle Glee Monster		Little Glee Monster’s fiery challenge song
12	Your SongSHE’S		A song of courage and hope that overcomes adversity
13	Stage of the groundBUMP OF CHICKEN		A classic song that sings of the courage to walk forward
14	to run; to dash; to gallopsukaato		Encouraging songs by Wataru Sawabe that stay close to the heart
15	lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyGReeeeN		An anthem of support for those who chase their dreams, a melody of courage.