[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 (51–60)
ARIGATOB’z
This song was released as B’z’s 37th single and served as a tie-in track for TV Asahi’s coverage of the Athens 2004 Olympics.
The music video was filmed at the Kisarazu Fuji Theater, a movie theater that used to be in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, and features actor Mirai Moriyama.
Thank youSMAP
Even people who don’t usually watch much sports broadcasting make an exception for the Olympics—there are probably a lot of folks like that.
Of course, I’m thrilled when Japanese athletes win gold medals, but I think what really moves me is the sheer excellence of the performances and the passionate matches.
“Thank you for the amazing game!” No matter the outcome, all I feel is gratitude—and SMAP’s ‘Arigatou’ is the perfect song for moments like that.
Its heartwarming lyrics, which express thanks to someone important, are a perfect fit for the inspiration of the Olympics and Paralympics!
Heart and SoulHamada Mari
“Heart and Soul,” sung by singer-songwriter Mari Hamada, was the image song for the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Listening to its passionate vocals and melody really fills you with energy! In the moment of victory, I think a flood of emotions pours into the long-dreamed-of scene.
Many people will recall the grueling days of practice.
It’s a song that leaves the impression of making every scene leading up to this day shine in vivid color.
My Love Your LoveWatanabe Misato
The song chosen as the theme for Nippon TV’s “Atlanta Olympics” coverage in 1996 was Misato Watanabe’s “My Love Your Love.” It was included on Watanabe’s 10th album, “Spirits,” released in 1996, and reached No.
5 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The lyrics, which convey the message of continuing to move forward with self-belief, are a perfect fit for athletes who devote themselves to rigorous training!
[New Songs & All-Time] Olympic Cheer Songs and Olympic Theme Songs (61–70)
White dancesarashi
This piece was chosen as the theme song for the Pyeongchang Olympics, broadcast on the Nippon TV network in 2018.
It’s a track by the nationally beloved idol group Arashi, included on their 54th single, “Find The Answer,” released the same year.
Its sparkling tones evoke images of snow dancing during winter sports competitions.
The message—“Let’s seize the future we’ve been pursuing”—is truly stirring.
It’s a rousing anthem that gives you the strength to live for tomorrow.
An endlessly continuing storyMISIA
The song chosen as NHK’s theme for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics was MISIA’s “Hatenaku Tsuzuku Story” (Endless Story).
It was her first release in about a year and a month since the previous single, and it reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
According to her official site, MISIA, who witnessed the 1998 Nagano Olympics, infused the lyrics with the profound history she felt in the athletes.
It’s a superb ballad that showcases MISIA’s vocal prowess, so be sure to give it a listen!
That’s right! We’re ALIVEMōningu Musume.
It was Morning Musume’s 14th single and was used as the theme song for TBS’s coverage of the Salt Lake City Olympics.
Natsumi Abe, who was in the center position at the time, served as a host for the network’s Olympic programs alongside Motoya Izumi.