Support songs for the Japan national soccer team: a roundup of classic chants and past World Cup theme songs

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

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.

World Cup Broadcast Theme Songs (11–20)

reboot ~A Poem That Won’t Give Up~flumpool

flumpool "reboot ~A Poem of Not Giving Up~"

reboot ~A Poem That Won’t Give Up~flumpool

It’s a sweeping rock number themed around hope and renewal.

Released as a single in June 2010, it was used as the support song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa on the Nippon TV network.

It’s also included on the album Fantasia of Life Stripe.

Beginning with a memorable guitar arpeggio, the song celebrates the courage to take a new step while facing reality.

The soundscape woven by majestic strings and drums resonates powerfully with listeners.

When you’re up against setbacks or hardships, give this track a listen.

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Don’t get involved!GAKU-MC / Sakurai Kazutoshi (Mr.Children)

Tewodasuna!

Don't get involved!GAKU-MC / Sakurai Kazutoshi (Mr.Children)

A single released in May 2006, a collaboration between GAKU-MC and Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.Children.

Timed with the FIFA World Cup in Germany, it was used as the image song for Nippon TV’s information program “Soccer Earth.” It reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart and stayed on the charts for nine weeks.

The lyrics vividly depict players honing their minds and hearts while adhering to the rules—an impression that lingers.

It’s a song that will surely give you courage when you’re about to face an important match or need to rally yourself to achieve something.

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VOLT-AGESuchmos

Suchmos 「VOLT-AGE」2018.11.25 Live at YOKOHAMA ARENA

VOLT-AGESuchmos

This is a song that was selected as NHK’s theme for the FIFA World Cup Russia.

Its distinctive, groove-driven sound and lyrics that express hopes for peace and freedom through soccer leave a strong impression.

It’s included on the 2018 album “THE ASHTRAY.” This work captures the bonds between teams and supporters, as well as the excitement and emotion born from matches, all within a calm sonic palette.

It’s recommended for those who want to experience the allure of sports in a new way through music.

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Thunderous applauseLiSA

LiSA “Simultaneous Applause” -MUSIC CLIP- (Official Theme Song for ABEMA and TV Asahi’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Programs)

Thunderous applauseLiSA

Now recognized by a wide range of listeners beyond the boundaries of anison singers, LiSA’s pre-release single Issai no Kassai from her sixth album LANDER was selected as the official program theme song for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, co-produced by ABEMA and TV Asahi.

Her edgy, powerful vocals weave a rousing cheer that surely reached the players fighting on distant foreign soil.

It’s an exhilarating, high-energy track with a hefty rock sound that raises your spirits and gives you the courage to take the first step.

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Hoshino Takashi

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At the End of the Burning BeatB’z

B’z / At the End of the Fiery Beat

At the End of the Burning BeatB'z

A powerful rock tune themed around passion and challenge.

Released as a single by B’z in 2002, the song is filled with courage and hope to face adversity.

It was included on the album “GREEN” and topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, marking their 29th consecutive No.

1.

It was also chosen as TV Asahi’s theme song for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan.

This is a track that gives strong support to those who keep moving forward even when confronted with hardship.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced chants and support songs for the Japan national team.

You might find that many of the tunes used for chants are ones you’ve heard somewhere before.

There are also cases where old songs are revived, or club team chants are adapted into Japan national team versions and become popular.

I hope you found the song you were looking for—or a new favorite.