Ranking of popular sports songs

SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke11rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata “SMILE ~Like a Clear Blue Sky~” Commercial Broadcasters Official Special Movie (Joint Commercial Broadcasters Project ‘Let’s Do It Together’ Support Song)

This is the very song that made it feel like the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics had truly begun.

I was deeply moved by the broadcast that united television across network boundaries.

The message of “Let’s all do this together!” perfectly matches Keisuke Kuwata’s character, too.

The song’s lyrics were even printed in major newspapers like Asahi, Yomiuri, and Sankei alongside Kuwata’s message, greatly heightening the excitement as the Games approached.

The music video with the new National Stadium as its backdrop also seems destined to go down in history!

paprikaFoorin12rank/position

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

A song Kenshi Yonezu wrote in 2018 as a cheering song for the “NHK 2020 Cheer Song Project,” themed as a “cheer song that kids can sing and dance to.” He says it was created by recalling his own childhood—running around in the mountains and swimming in rivers—and the lyrics about freely romping around and sowing seeds as you paint your dreams feel like a cheer from his childhood self to his grown-up self.

It’s a track that gives you confidence with a powerful message that everyone has limitless potential.

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Lose YourselfEminem13rank/position

Eminem – Lose Yourself

When you hear its ominous yet dramatic piano melody, it’s hard not to feel your heart ignite.

The perfect track to boost your focus is Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” Its lyrics capture a hungry drive to rise up with nothing but a mic, even while being crushed by pressure.

The powerful, self-rousing message makes it ideal for maintaining motivation in studying or training.

Released as a single in October 2002, the song served as the theme for the film 8 Mile, starring Eminem.

It topped the U.S.

charts for 12 consecutive weeks and became the first rap song to win Best Original Song at the 75th Academy Awards.

If you want to deliver your best when it matters most, give it a listen.

CathartistRADWIMPS14rank/position

RADWIMPS – Catharsist [Official Music Video]

A powerful cheer song that sings about ambition and the bonds with teammates who fight alongside you.

Created by RADWIMPS for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and chosen as Fuji TV’s soccer broadcast theme song.

It debuted at No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Its structure is striking, unfolding from tension-filled rap into a bright, uplifting chorus.

It’s a track that strongly pushes not only athletes but anyone striving toward their dreams.

rainbowTakahashi Yuu15rank/position

Yuu Takahashi “Niji (Rainbow)” MV – YouTube Limited Edit Version

A passionate singer-songwriter, Yu Takahashi, released this single in 2017.

The song was also used as the support anthem for ABC’s Summer High School Baseball and as the theme for Netsu-to Koshien (Hot-Blooded Koshien).

Its lyrics celebrate the beauty of taking on challenges again and again, mirroring the dedication of those who repeatedly practice in pursuit of excellence.

It’s the kind of track that would heighten excitement and fill your heart with emotion when played at a climax or decisive moment.

It’s a cheer song that makes you realize everyone who’s giving their all is a hero!

OmoidamaKanjani∞16rank/position

Omoidama - Kanjani Eight

Woven from roughly 6,000 phrases submitted by high school students across the country, and featuring a recording by a wind instrument ensemble of high schoolers chosen through auditions, this is truly a track imbued with the very warmth of the ballplayers.

Released in July 2014, it was selected as the “2014 ABC Summer High School Baseball Support Song” and as the theme song for Asahi Broadcasting/TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien.” It was also included on the album “Kanjanism” and has since become one of the group’s signature songs.

The sound design overlaps with the cheers from the stands and the resonance of the brass band, and every listen sets a quiet heat glowing deep in your chest.

ECHOLittle Glee Monster17rank/position

Little Glee Monster 『ECHO』

An inspiring anthem that resonated with many people, chosen as the theme song for the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

It’s included on the single released by Little Glee Monster in September 2019.

Notable for its powerful chorus and uplifting lyrics, this work encourages those facing challenges and difficulties, and it won the Excellence Award at the 61st Japan Record Awards.

It’s recommended not only for watching rugby matches, but also for times when you want to motivate yourself.

InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE18rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Inferno

A rock number marked by powerful guitar riffs and a driving, fast-paced drum beat! Included on Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s album “Attitude,” released in July 2019, this track captured many hearts as the opening theme for the TV anime Fire Force.

It earned Gold certification for streaming and is highly regarded as one of the band’s signature songs.

The lyrics celebrate the importance of keeping your head up and moving forward, embracing life’s fragility while holding on to hope.

Perfect for daily workouts and high-intensity training, this song will be a reliable companion when you want to boost your motivation or fire yourself up.

NIPPONShiina Ringo19rank/position

Sheena Ringo – NIPPON

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil sent all of Japan into a frenzy.

This powerful anthem, crafted by Ringo Sheena as NHK’s soccer theme song, skillfully fuses traditional Japanese elements with a modern rock sound.

The track symbolically expresses the Japanese spirit—pure ambition and the pursuit of lofty ideals.

Included on the album Hi Izuru Tokoro, it was created as a cheer for players competing on the world’s greatest stage.

Recommended for those seeking a song to give them a push in decisive moments or to elevate their mindset before an important match.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu20rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

Yuzu, who rose from the streets to become a beloved national duo.

This moving ballad, released in July 2004, added color to historic moments as the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics coverage.

It reminds us that we are who we are today because of struggles we never showed and a path that was anything but smooth.

Skateboarder Sakura Yosozumi says she listens to it when she can’t ride well; it calms her and makes her want to push harder.

Turning mounting nerves into strength, its emotional melody will give you a powerful push as you stand on the starting line of glory.

It is truly an anthem for the single moment on which you stake everything you’ve been through.