Ranking of popular sports songs

MugenPorunogurafiti50rank/position

Porno Graffitti “Mugen” Music Video

This is a song that gained popularity as NHK’s broadcast theme for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Released as a single by Porno Graffitti in the same year, it’s included on the album “WORLDILLIA” and the best-of album “PORNO GRAFFITTI BEST RED’S,” among others.

The lyrics, which strikingly depict human emotions wavering between existence, reality, and illusion from a philosophical perspective, are particularly memorable.

Its powerful melody is also captivating—listening to it really sets your heart ablaze! Even now, it continues to resonate with many people as a song that accompanies moving sports moments and turning points in life.

OtonokeCreepy Nuts51rank/position

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

This Creepy Nuts track, which captivates listeners across generations from children to adults, was written as the opening theme for the anime Dandadan.

Its driving, fast-paced beat and emotional hook leave a strong impression, while lyrics themed around the occult and the supernatural enhance the song’s atmosphere.

Released as a digital single in October 2024, it was later issued on CD as well.

The song is also included on Creepy Nuts’ fourth studio album, Legion.

It’s a track that stokes your fighting spirit when you listen to it before an important game or competition.

Highly recommended for anyone who believes in the power of music.

THE BALLERSSixTONES52rank/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.

Outlineimase53rank/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 Masaharu54rank/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 squallarashi55rank/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.

Forever Young feat. UVERworldAK-6956rank/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.