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Paralympic and Parasports Theme Songs and Cheering Anthems Compilation

The Paralympics, often called “the other Olympics” for people with disabilities, is the pinnacle of sports for athletes with disabilities, and thanks in part to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in recent years, it has become well known in Japan.

It is said to have begun as a sporting event held at a British hospital as part of rehabilitation, and the official name “Paralympics” was first used at the 1988 Seoul Games.

In this article, we introduce theme songs and fight songs related to the Paralympics, as well as music connected to parasports.

You might finally uncover the truth behind that song you’ve been searching for.

Please take a look!

Paralympic and Parasports Theme Songs and Support Anthems (1–10)

ikiru | liveSakamoto Miu

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Opening Ceremony Behind the Scenes
ikiru | liveSakamoto Miu

At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Opening Ceremony, the song “Ikiru | LIVE,” performed as the parade music for the Paralympic flag, was written, composed, and arranged entirely by Shuta Hasunuma, with vocals by Miu Sakamoto.

If you’ve seen the documentary “Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Opening Ceremony Behind the Scenes,” which follows the making of the ceremony, you’ll know that “Ikiru | LIVE” plays throughout.

The melody, carried by Sakamoto’s expansive, crystalline voice, has a timeless beauty that delivers a stirring sensation, as if it gently reaches into the depths of a hardened heart.

Unfortunately, as of March 2023 when this article was written, the song is not available on streaming platforms, so please watch the aforementioned documentary and enjoy the music along with it.

Real VictoryKuriyama Ryuta

Para-athlete Support Song: Ryuta Kuriyama “Real Victory”
Real VictoryKuriyama Ryuta

Ryuta Kuriyama is a blind singer-songwriter who is active not only in music but also in various fields, including supporting victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and charity work for guide dogs.

In April 2019, he released “Real Victory,” a song to cheer on para-athletes.

Its simple lyrics and melody speak to everyone, and in his own words, the message that “there is always a moment when you can shine, even with a disability” encourages many people regardless of race or nationality.

When you feel like you’re about to be overwhelmed by harsh reality, please give this song a listen.

place of belongingKREVA

KREVA “Place to Belong” (Full Ver.)
place of belongingKREVA

KREVA, who rose to popularity as a member of KICK THE CAN CREW and has achieved even greater success as a solo artist, continues to lead the scene as one of Japan’s flagship artists.

Even people who aren’t particularly into hip-hop may still know KREVA’s songs.

“Ibasho” (Place), included on his seventh album “Uso to Bonnō” (Lies and Desires) released in 2017, was chosen as a support song for Japan’s national boccia team, a Paralympic sport.

The vocals—sitting somewhere between rap and melody—paired with a mellow sound make it easy to listen to even for those not familiar with hip-hop, and the lyrics are empowering, giving you a strong push forward—perfect for a cheer song.

There’s also a special video featuring messages from boccia athletes and KREVA himself, so be sure to check that out too!

Compilation of Paralympic and Parasports Theme Songs and Cheer Anthems (11–20)

Time to Depart ~Asian Dream Song~Miyazawa Kazufumi with Hisaishi Joe

The Nagano Paralympics, held in Japan in 1998, were the first Winter Paralympics to take place in Asia, and they generated a great deal of excitement and interest among the media and the public.

If you watched it on TV or attended in person at the time, you might remember the theme song, “Tabidachi no Toki — Asian Dream Song.” With lyrics by Dorian Sukegawa and composition/arrangement by Joe Hisaishi, sung by Kazufumi Miyazawa of THE BOOM, the song—celebrated for its timeless beauty—was later arranged as a choral piece and became a standard often performed at school ceremonies.

Some people may know it as a choral song but not realize it was originally the theme for the Nagano Paralympics.

By all means, give the original version—sung with heartfelt passion by Miyazawa—a listen!

Let you releaseHigashida Tomohiro

Tomohiro Higashida – Let You Release (Official Video)
Let you releaseHigashida Tomohiro

Let You Release by singer-songwriter Tomohiro Higashida.

This refreshing ballad was created as the theme song for the Shizunami Para Surfing Festa, organized by the General Incorporated Association Univa.

The acoustic guitar pairs beautifully with his clear, translucent vocals, and as you listen, you’ll feel your shoulders relax and be able to just be yourself.

Give it a listen when you want to unwind and ease your tension!

Soul No LimitMicro

Micro, a musician from Tokyo, wrote “Tamashii No Limit” as the official song for the Japan Para Swimming Federation.

It’s an uplifting anthem that fills you with positive energy.

In the short film “MY UNIQUENESS,” athletes with disabilities talk about how they face their sports, and this song is used as the background music.

The song’s upbeat vibe syncs perfectly with the athletes’ drive to reach greater heights, making it incredibly inspiring!

To meet myselfchihiro

“To Meet Myself” – Support Song for Athlete Junko Hirose; Lyrics, Composition, and Vocals by Chihiro
To meet myselfchihiro

The support song for Japan’s women’s judo national team member Junko Hirose, “To Meet Myself.” Singer-songwriter Chihiro’s piece isn’t merely upbeat; it’s a moving ballad that portrays the struggle against pain and inner conflict.

Chihiro’s soulful vocals carry each word of the lyrics deep into your heart, and as you listen, you can’t help but feel tears welling up.

She also wrote both the lyrics and the music herself—her talent is truly astonishing!