Ranking of popular sports songs

Until the World Ends…WANDS51rank/position

Until the World Ends... – WANDS (Full)

WANDS, a band that brightened Japan’s music scene in the 1990s.

Their hit song “As the World Ends…” was released in 1992 and is also known as the ending theme for the anime Slam Dunk.

The lyrics, which evoke a sense of lost love and the loneliness that follows, have resonated with many and made it a timeless classic.

It’s a recommended track for everyone who loves basketball and for those striving to move forward in their daily lives.

HeroAmuro Namie52rank/position

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)

The song by Namie Amuro, created as a cheer anthem for athletes challenging the Olympics, carries a hopeful message that everyone has their own hero and can one day become someone else’s hero.

Released in July 2016, the track was selected as NHK’s theme song for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts, and it adorned a moving performance at the 68th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2017, achieving a peak viewer rating of 48.4%.

Choosing this piece as your walking companion will energize you for a brand-new day.

THE BALLERSSixTONES53rank/position

SixTONES – THE BALLERS [YouTube ver.]

This is the official B.League theme song, delivering an exhilarating rhythm and a powerful message.

Sung with cool confidence by the members of SixTONES, the track vividly captures the momentum of a basketball game and the dynamic energy of players sprinting across the court.

It conveys the importance of always moving forward and the determination to never give up, even in tough situations, all carried by a sporty sound.

Released as a track on the album “GOLD” in January 2025, with the music video dropping at the same time, this song is perfect as BGM to boost morale during games and to elevate motivation for daily practice and club activities.

Outlineimase54rank/position

[imase] Outline (MV)

An inspiring support song for the 103rd All Japan High School Soccer Championship, vividly portraying the passion of high school students taking on the challenge of competition.

Imase—who devoted his own high school years to soccer—wove this piece from his personal experiences.

Within its majestic soundscape and powerful beat, it paints a striking picture of a boy facing trials, the resolve to rise again after tears, and a future brimming with hope.

Released in October 2024, the song was also performed at the final held at the National Stadium.

It is a warm-hearted anthem that stands with everyone who dedicates their youth to sports and all those who keep challenging themselves in pursuit of their dreams.

KoshienFukuyama Masaharu55rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Koshien Special Trailer <Original Music Video (Short ver.) + Making>

An uplifting cheer song has arrived to support the scorching summer Koshien! Created by Masaharu Fukuyama, the track was released in August 2018.

Centered on themes of challenge, hope, and vitality, it passionately sings of the players’ spirit.

Produced as the theme song for NHK’s high school baseball broadcasts, it moved the hearts of many.

Over 300 high school students took part in the music video, which was filmed at Hanshin Koshien Stadium.

The song also reflects Fukuyama’s own experiences from his school days, making it a heartfelt piece.

It’s a cheer song that gives courage to everyone striving toward their dreams—be sure to give it a listen.

summer squallarashi56rank/position

summer squall

This is a song that celebrates the passion and hard work of youth.

Released by Arashi in July 2018, it was written by Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu.

Chosen as the theme song for TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien,” it has been loved by many as an anthem supporting high school baseball.

The lyrics, which liken people striving toward their dreams to the powerful winds of summer, resonate deeply.

In its first week of release, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and also reached No.

1 on Billboard Japan’s weekly single sales.

This track gives courage not only to high school baseball players, but to everyone working hard every day.

Seize the victory!Yomiuri Jaiantsu57rank/position

Yomiuri Giants Win it! Chance Theme Giants

This is a rally song that instantly cranks up the entire stadium’s energy with overwhelming vocal power and the sound of trumpets.

With concise yet forceful phrases, it conveys an attacking will to seize victory ourselves, and it really fires you up.

First unveiled in a preseason game in March 2013, it has long been loved as part of the Yomiuri Giants’ stand culture.

It’s the perfect stadium anthem for late-inning big chances and tense, all-out pressing moments!

Forever Young feat. UVERworldAK-6958rank/position

Finally, the music video is out!! AK-69 “Forever Young feat. UVERworld” (from the album ‘DAWN’ releasing on November 23)

This is a powerful track created by AK-69, a charismatic figure in the hip-hop scene, teaming up with the hugely popular rock band UVERworld.

The passionate message—“This moment right now is the youngest you’ll ever be for the rest of your life”—ignites the fighting spirit of its listeners.

The song was included on the album DAWN, released in November 2016, and was also chosen as the theme song for the drama ‘Work Isn’t School’ (Kaisha wa Gakkō ja Nee n da yo).

Its power is evident from the fact that many top athletes, including mixed martial artist Kai Asakura and SoftBank Hawks pitcher Shota Takeda, have selected it as their pump-up song for competition.

Thunderous applauseLiSA59rank/position

LiSA “Simultaneous Applause” -MUSIC CLIP- (Official Theme Song for ABEMA and TV Asahi’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Programs)

A rock song that fires you up to fight! “Issei no Kassai” is a track LiSA wrote for the 2022 FIFA World Cup theme.

Set to an up-tempo sound, it captures the mindset of athletes charging toward victory.

It also portrays the negative feelings players face before a match, making it a song that stays close to your anxieties.

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For DecadesLittle Glee Monster60rank/position

『For Decades』 – Little Glee Monster

An uplifting anthem that sings of the strength to face forward through setbacks and tears, and the will to keep walking together toward our dreams.

Little Glee Monster harnesses their signature harmonies to deliver a grand, powerful melody that stirs the listener’s heart.

Included on the album “Ambitious,” this track has been selected as the official J.League support song for 2025 and will be featured in stadiums and game broadcasts.

This warm fusion of sports and music will gently encourage everyone striving toward their goals.