RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Eight types of cheering songs. Cheering songs for different scenes.

When you’re at a crossroads in life, feeling down, or cheering at a school sports day or athletic event, there are many moments when you might look for a motivational song.

Conversely, there may be times when you want to be cheered on and you search for an encouragement song yourself.

But when you actually start looking, you might find it surprisingly hard to discover a song that fits perfectly, right?

So in this article, we’ll introduce the best motivational songs organized by different cheering scenarios!

I’m sure you’ll find the encouragement anthem you’ve been looking for.

Cheer songs for sports (1–10)

STARSNEW!Snow Man

Snow Man ‘STARS’ Music Video
STARSNEW!Snow Man

Snow Man, a male idol group active in many fields, released their digital single “STARS” in February 2026.

Chosen as the theme song for TBS Sports 2026, it added color to broadcasts such as the Winter Olympics.

With its energetic beat and liberating melody, the track carries a powerful message for those pursuing their dreams.

Its uplifting feel, which supports those who push forward beyond frustration and anxiety, makes it perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.

Play it right before competitions where teammates give their all, or during entrance scenes, and it will serve as an anthem that inspires students.

TouchNEW!Inaba Hiroshi

An anime song everyone knows has been revived, wrapped in the excitement of global sports.

Covered by Hiroshi Inaba—who is also active as a solo artist and released the acclaimed album “Tada Mono” in June 2024—this track is a classic originally released in March 1985 as the theme song for the anime Touch.

Inaba’s cover version was selected in March 2026 as the tournament support song for the World Baseball Classic.

The fusion of his edgy vocals with an accessible melody overflows with powerful energy aimed at victory, making it a perfect BGM for a heated relay.

Let’s dash across the field with this timeless cheer song loved across generations!

Outlineimase

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.

no heart rate[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Heart Rate of Zero (MMV)
no heart rate[Alexandros]

An uplifting song with a driving rock sound and lyrics that convey straight-ahead passion.

Created by [Alexandros] as the opening theme for the TV anime Ao Ashi, it’s a perfect fit for this coming-of-age drama centered on soccer.

Since its digital release in June 2022, it has captured the hearts of many listeners, reaching No.

13 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles chart and No.

97 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

It’s a track you’ll want to add to any playlist for sports—whether you need a boost in motivation or are pushing toward your goals.

A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY

[MUSIC VIDEO] A Cheer Song Dedicated to You / HIPPY
A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY

This song, which powerfully sings of hope for the future, was released by HIPPY in March 2017.

Included on the album “HomeBase ~Arigatou~,” it wasn’t a lead track at first, but gained popularity as a walk-up song for professional baseball players.

In 2020, it ranked No.

1 for the year and sparked a huge response on social media.

Featuring HIPPY’s husky vocals and a strong message, it gives courage to those chasing their dreams.

Created for students and young people dedicated to their club activities, it went viral on TikTok as the “arm-around video.” The total number of plays has surpassed 100 million.

In 2023, it was rearranged and continues to be loved by many in a new form.

Critical HitRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Masterstroke [Official Music Video]
Critical HitRADWIMPS

Overflowing with fiery passion and strength, this is the track RADWIMPS released to the world in December 2013 on the album “X to O to Tsumi to.” The protagonist, who can’t surpass their own expectations no matter how many regrets they pile up, is striking as they wrestle between ideals and reality yet still take a bold step forward by following their true feelings.

The music video—shot at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture with 1,500 extras—was directed by Takuro Okubo.

This work harmonizes Yojiro Noda’s poetic lyrics with the band’s powerful sound to stunning effect, capturing the hearts of many listeners and dominating the on-air charts at FM stations to take the No.

1 spot.

It’s a song that gives you a strong push on the back in those moments when you want to look ahead and dash forward with everything you’ve got—like the exit scene at a school sports day.

Farewell Party / Goodbye Cheer Songs (1–10)

A farewell song to celebrate a new beginning

Farewell parties for graduations, retiring from clubs or circles, transfers, or resignations. If you want to give a song that expresses gratitude for the past and celebrates a new beginning but aren’t sure which one to choose, this is for you!

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] Bouquet for Me Official Audio
A bouquet for meAdo

This is a pep song overflowing with positive energy by Ado, who enjoys immense popularity as a vocalist.

Released in March 2025, many people likely recognize it as the song from Japan Coca-Cola’s Georgia commercial.

With the pop sound characteristic of HoneyWorks, who produced the track, and a message that affirms who you are and gives you the courage to move forward, it really resonates.

Also included on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” this song is perfect for cheering on those taking a step toward the future.

Whether you want to gently nudge someone who’s feeling a bit anxious, or sing it with a smile at a farewell gathering, it’s sure to convey warmth.