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.
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [For those doing their best] A collection of motivational cheer songs
- [Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer songs and recommended tracks for parody versions
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs.
- Job-change anthems: inspiring and popular songs that give you courage
- Sports Day/Athletics Festival: Crowd-Pleasing Cheer Battle Ideas and Performances
- [Cheering Songs] Japanese tracks to listen to when you’re troubled, lost, or feeling anxious
- Before a match or when you feel like giving up! Cheer songs to keep you going in club activities
- Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- A cheer song that gives you the strength to keep going
- A song that encourages you just by listening
Cheer songs for sports (1–10)
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.
AgainWANIMA
A rock tune by WANIMA that sings of a strong will to move forward again while overcoming setbacks and failures.
It captures the realization that past experiences shape who we are now, and the determination to take a new step with the courage to stand up again and again.
Released in March 2019 on their 4th single “Good Job!!,” the song also drew attention as the theme for the TBS drama “Maison de Police.” It’s a motivational anthem that gently supports not only athletes but everyone striving toward their dreams and goals.
no heart rate[Alexandros]
![no heart rate[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OwLkGMBYL7I/sddefault.jpg)
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.
ApollodorusMrs. GREEN APPLE
How about a rock track that’s perfect for setting your heart ablaze? It’s a song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE released in July 2024, a moving piece that’s also making waves as a sports anthem for the Paris Olympics.
From the intro, the soaring sound and Omori’s vocals are irresistible.
It’s bursting with appeal that can’t be captured by the word “cool” alone.
Singing of overcoming hardship and the beauty of a future in full bloom, it’s an anthem that mirrors the stage of sports where even the impossible is conquered.
It’s sure to elevate your spirits as background music for the main event, too.
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
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!
CorrectRADWIMPS
An inspiring number by RADWIMPS created for NHK’s event “18 Fes.” It’s included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, released in December 2018.
In a life without fixed answers like a school test, its earnest message about finding your own path is deeply moving.
While it lingers on the sorrow of parting with friends, this song lets you vow to live your best in your respective places, making it a great choice to sing together at farewell gatherings.
The perspective of treating the long life ahead as an answer sheet to fill in will gently yet powerfully push those setting off on a new journey forward.