Support songs for the Japan national soccer team: a roundup of classic chants and past World Cup theme songs
Every time international matches are held, starting with the World Cup that comes once every four years, excitement sweeps across Japan.
One thing you can’t do without at Japan national team matches is the support songs!
From chants sung by supporters during matches to theme songs for broadcast programs, countless support songs have been loved over the years.
In this article, we’ll introduce chants sung during matches as well as past theme songs!
We’ll also share the original songs behind the classic chants, so be sure to give those a listen too.
- Soccer supporter songs and theme songs: A roundup of classic chants and anthems
- [2026] FIFA World Cup | Historic Theme Songs That Colored the Tournament
- Soccer BGM: A collection of theme songs and cheering chants
- [High School Soccer Songs] A Collection of Support Songs for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament
- [2026] Entrance Music for Sports: Cool Western Songs and Entrance BGMs
- [Hype Songs] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! A curated selection of tracks that boost motivation
- Just listening will lift your spirits! Energetic and cheer-up songs that defined the Heisei era.
- Entrance Songs for Athletes | A Comprehensive Introduction to Athletes’ Game-Day Anthems!
- [New Songs & All-Time] Olympic Cheer Songs and Olympic Theme Songs
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- [Fuel Your Fighting Spirit] An Adrenaline-Pumping Fight Song
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
Chants and Fight Songs (1–10)
Go West
A classic chant that’s sung loudly so it resonates throughout the entire venue, conveying a positive, cheering message.
The original song is Village People’s “Go West,” and its familiar melody and bright vibe are memorable.
When used as a chant, it typically follows the chorus melody with lyrics like “Ole” and “Nippon,” but in the J.League and elsewhere, it’s sometimes performed with more complex, original lyrics.
Because the structure involves repeating the same phrase while changing the pitch, it’s easy to keep singing for a long time, which is a major appeal.
THE JAPANESE SOCCER ANTHEM ~ The Song of Japanese SoccerSakamoto Ryuichi
Ryuichi Sakamoto, the artist known as “the Professor,” blends a foundation in classical music with elements of folk and popular music.
Born from a commission by the Japan Football Association as part of the bid activities for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, “THE JAPANESE SOCCER ANTHEM” is now heard in a wide variety of football-related settings.
From its fanfare-like opening to the grand string ensemble, its melodies stir the heart and lift the players’ spirits.
Though an instrumental piece, it carries a palpable message of encouragement—an enduring masterpiece.
Jericho
With its leisurely, gradually shifting pitches, this chant conveys power by clearly articulating each note.
Based on the original song “Battle of Jericho,” famous as an African American spiritual and a jazz standard, its theme of battle likely matches the atmosphere of soccer.
The opening develops like a rallying cry, and the fact that the notes are taken more slowly than in the original also helps communicate its strength.
It carries a wish for the team to press on toward the victory before them, just like the conquest of Jericho.
2. Support songs for the Japan national soccer team (1–10)
Samurai BlueZZ
This song by the rock band ZZ is filled with courage and hope, dedicated to athletes taking on the world’s biggest stage.
Released as a single in May 2006, it was created as the Japan national team’s support song for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Its energetic sound arrangement, incorporating Japanese elements, leaves a strong impression.
A highly message-driven piece infused with encouragement for the players and the passionate feelings of supporters.
When you’re lacking courage, this song might just help you.
StardomKing Gnu
King Gnu is a four-piece rock band that dominates the J-POP scene with high-quality songs that blend each member’s diverse musicality.
Their sixth single, “Stardom,” used as NHK’s soccer theme song in 2022, draws you in with a characteristically whirlwind arrangement.
The driving melody—powered by Mr.
Iguchi’s delicate high tones and Mr.
Tsuneta’s edgy low voice—seems tailor-made to ignite the fighting spirit of competing players.
It’s a rock tune whose pop-filtered complexity leaves a strong impression, linking seamlessly with the ever-shifting developments of a soccer match.
VICTORYEXILE
It’s a cheer song packed with dreams and passion.
Blending a powerful melody with a dance beat, the track was released in 2010 as an officially endorsed support song for the Japan national team by the Japan Football Association.
The lyrics were written by vocalist ATSUSHI, giving the piece a sense of hope for the future.
Its grand sound, evocative of the South African landscape, is also striking.
Creating a sense of unity in stadiums and live venues, this work strongly encourages those striving toward their goals and those facing challenges.
Wind of VictoryBaba Toshihide
It’s included on the single “Machiawase,” released in June 2010 by Toshihide Baba.
Its powerful melody and warm vocals are truly appealing.
The lyrics are packed to the brim with support for soccer players.
As you listen, your chest gradually swells with emotion.
It’s recommended for those who want to push their limits through sports and for those who want to work hard toward their goals together with teammates.