[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 (31–40)
Heroarashi
A song by Arashi that was the theme for Nippon TV’s Athens Olympics coverage.
It has lyrics like “The athletes are heroes,” and it’s free of any pretentiousness, making it easy to listen to.
It’s the quintessential, straight-down-the-middle fight song.
STARTEvery Little Thing
It was included on Every Little Thing’s 11th original album, “FUN-FARE,” and was used as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s coverage of the Sochi Olympics.
Although it is from an album, it is also included—along with “RUN FOR”—on the single best-of collection “Every Best Single 2 ~MORE COMPLETE~.”
Get fired upDaikoku Maki
Maki Ohguro’s hit songs like “Natsu ga Kuru” and “Chotto” are always packed with passionate energy.
That same unwavering passion is overflowing in this track, “Atsuku Nare,” which became NHK’s broadcast theme song for the Atlanta Olympics.
Its upbeat tempo matches the athletes’ dynamism perfectly! Nowadays it’s standard for artists to release songs specifically for the Olympics, but back then, the idea of “the Olympics = an artist’s hit song” wasn’t really a thing.
By the way, the B-side track “Soshite” was also frequently played on TV as an Olympic song.
1461 daysFukuyama Masaharu
“1461 Days,” chosen as the theme song for TV Asahi’s coverage of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the PyeongChang Olympics, was released in 2016 by singer-songwriter Masaharu Fukuyama.
It’s a song characterized by its distinctive acoustic sound, featuring technical guitar playing and a warm melodic line.
His gentle, questioning vocal delivery is especially appealing.
The lyrics, themed around the number of days from the London Olympics to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, convey his respect for athletes.
It’s a song that pays tribute to Olympic competitors who have devoted themselves to tireless, often unseen effort.
Ballad of the Rainbow and SnowTo wa e mo wa
This is the theme song of the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, notable for its brilliant melody and poetic lyrics.
Using snow and rainbows as motifs, it celebrates the spirit of the Games and the beauty of the northern land.
The clear, transparent vocals of Toi et Moi vividly evoke winter scenes.
Released in August 1971, it reached No.
7 on the Oricon chart and became a massive hit, selling 600,000 copies.
Cherished as a school song as well, it has also been used since 2019 as the arrival chime on the Sapporo Municipal Subway.
As a classic that colors the winter sports scene, it continues to be loved across generations.
[New Songs & All-Time] Olympic Cheering Songs and Olympic Theme Songs (41–50)
wingsNOKKO
This song was selected as the theme for TV Tokyo’s coverage of the Pyeongchang Olympics.
It’s performed by NOKKO, a singer also known as the vocalist of the rock band Rebecca, with composition by Yoshiki Mizuno of Ikimonogakari.
NOKKO’s voice, which seems to soar effortlessly into the distance, perfectly matches the soundscape’s remarkable depth and clarity.
The lyrics carry a sweeping message—“Let’s go as far as we can”—that truly resonates.
It’s a masterpiece that can serve not only as an anthem for sports, but also as a guiding light in life.
Reverse TriggerSukima Suichi
An emblematic Japanese duo, Sukima Switch, created the official support song for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Featured on TV Tokyo’s Olympic broadcasts, the track brims with passion for the athletes.
Included on the album “A museMentally,” it’s marked by a driving sound and uplifting lyrics.
Phrases like “a last-second comeback goal” and “let’s take on the challenge with bold courage” give powerful encouragement to competitors.
It’s a track packed with new challenges from Sukima Switch as they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
Highly recommended not only for those eagerly awaiting the Olympics, but also for anyone who could use a dose of courage in everyday life.