[New Songs & All-Time] Olympic Cheer Songs and Olympic Theme Songs
Every time the Olympics are held, a variety of songs are chosen as theme songs, right? In addition to NHK’s broadcast theme songs, the theme songs and cheer songs from commercial networks also draw attention.
And many of these songs go on to become staples not only for supporting sports but also as anthems that cheer people on in life, even after the Olympics are over.
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive lineup of Olympic theme songs and cheer songs from over the years! It’s a parade of moving masterpieces that colored some of the most inspiring, unforgettable moments.
- [TOKYO 2020] Summary of Theme Songs and Cheer/Support Songs for the Tokyo Olympics
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- [New Songs & All-Time] Olympic Cheer Songs and Olympic Theme Songs
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- [2026] FIFA World Cup | Historic Theme Songs That Colored the Tournament
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- [Western Music] Official Olympic Theme and Cheer Song [2026]
- Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks That Overflow with Power
- Entrance Songs for Athletes | A Comprehensive Introduction to Athletes’ Game-Day Anthems!
- Koshien Songs & Theme Songs: Iconic Tracks and Fight Songs That Support High School Baseball Players
- [Exams, Club Activities, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best
- Popular Cheer Songs [Japanese Music Ranking]
- [Summer Cheer Song] A motivational anthem dedicated to those giving their all in sports or studying for exams
[New Songs & All-Time] Olympic Cheering Songs and Olympic Theme Songs (21–30)
Fly awayEXILE
EXILE’s third single, released in February 2002, is packed with power and energy.
A cover of a song by their predecessor J Soul Brothers, this track fully showcases EXILE’s signature style.
Its catchy melody and rhythmic beat are pleasing to the ear, and with club mixes and remixes included, it shines with diverse appeal.
It was also selected as the theme song for a TV Tokyo program related to the Beijing Olympics, making it a perfect fit for the sports scene.
The lyrics, which sing of hope for the future and the courage to spread your wings, encourage you to overcome any hardship.
It’s a recommended song for those striving toward their dreams or ready to take a new step forward.
Kitearashi
This song was the final release before the hiatus of the idol group Arashi, who sadly suspended their activities at the end of 2020.
Chosen as the “NHK 2020 Song,” part of NHK’s tradition of Olympic and Paralympic theme songs that began with the 1988 Seoul Olympics, it also drew attention for being written by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.
With a majestic, composed arrangement centered on strings and powerful vocals layered on top, it stirs a quiet, inner fighting spirit—making it a perfect fit as the Olympic and Paralympic theme song, especially for Japan.
O flowers now in full bloom,Kobukuro
This song, which was chosen as NHK’s theme for the Sochi Olympics and Paralympics, was included on the 2013 album “One Song From Two Hearts” and released as a single the following year.
Its melody, evoking a sense of traditional Japanese “wa,” mirrors the ups and downs of daily life and showcases Kobukuro’s distinctive worldview.
Along with the duo’s signature harmonies, the Irish-tinged mood and powerful lyrics give it a strong push forward.
Not only for the athletes competing in the Olympics and the teams that support them, but for everyone who lives dreaming of the moment they blossom.
It’s a rousing anthem that makes you feel you can win your moment on a radiant stage.
MomentSMAP
Released as SMAP’s 48th single, it was also used as the theme song for TBS’s London Olympics coverage, for which Masahiro Nakai was appointed the main anchor.
This marked the second time a SMAP song was chosen as an Olympics theme, following “Kono Shunkan, Kitto Yume Janai.”
BlessL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
A four-piece rock band known by the nickname L’Arc, L’Arc〜en〜Ciel takes its name from the French word for “rainbow.” This is their 36th single.
The song was selected as the NHK broadcast theme for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Its lyrics trace the process of growing toward a single goal, resonating with the stories of each athlete and the people who support them.
With softly spreading strings and the resonance of acoustic guitar shaping the song’s atmosphere, and a surging bassline and tight drums adding tension, it’s a powerful ballad.
Fleur de la PassionMISIA
Created as a cheer song for the Paris Olympics, this track was released in July 2024.
MISIA’s commanding vocals and the grand arrangement beautifully capture the solemn spirit of the Games.
As the title—meaning “flowers of passion” in French—suggests, it carries a warm message celebrating the athletes’ passion and hard work.
It is also slated for use on a Nippon TV network program supporting athletes, and is poised to resonate with many listeners.
The song offers encouragement not only to the competitors, but also to those who support them and everyone involved in hosting the event—an excellent piece that carries forward the Olympic spirit.
HeroAmuro Namie
A signature song by the true diva Namie Amuro, who, though much missed, retired recently.
As you all surely know, we heard it almost every day as NHK’s theme song for the Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts from Rio de Janeiro.
The dynamism of the athletes matched the mood of this track perfectly.
The sweat, the tears—the emotion still comes rushing back with this song.
The gentle, almost a cappella opening and the way the chorus soars feel like a realm of expression only an artist like Namie Amuro could reach.