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
Life’s Cheer Songs (1–10)
AcaciaBUMP OF CHICKEN
A song that extols the importance of friendship and bonds, it’s a moving piece that lets you feel a glimmer of hope even amid bittersweet emotions.
With its upbeat rhythm and memorable melody, it inspires listeners to look forward with positivity.
In September 2020, it became the theme song for the special Pokémon music video “GOTCHA!,” and BUMP OF CHICKEN’s warm vocals and performance captured the hearts of people across generations.
The message embedded in the encouraging, relatable lyrics makes it a perfect fit for group performances like coordinated gymnastics.
It’s recommended as a cheer song that will further elevate everyone’s spirit when uniting as one toward a common goal.
One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu
This is a new cheer song by Atarashii Gakko! that stresses the importance of coming together as one, delivered with a powerful message.
It gives a push to those looking ahead and moving forward, while conveying the importance of keeping your smile even amid worries.
The music video, filmed with about 300 fan club members, unfolds in a gymnasium with a breathtaking performance amid a flurry of confetti.
Released in March 2025, the track is also featured in a new Bourbon commercial, showcasing a new side of the group who have built a unique world with their albums “Ma-Ningen” and “Wakage Gaitaru.” It’s perfect not only as a theme song for school and cultural festivals, but also as an uplifting anthem for anyone starting a new chapter in life.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
This song unfolds with a forward-looking, hope-filled narrative.
It powerfully expresses the importance of having the courage to help others, singing of a strong desire to become a hero.
Even as the protagonist confronts their own powerlessness, their impulse to help someone is conveyed through a moving melody that tugs at the heart.
Recorded by Ryokuoushoku Shakai on their April 2020 album “SINGALONG,” the track was later featured in 2023 as a JRA (Japan Racing Association) commercial song, resonating deeply with many.
It’s perfect for moments of resolve to help others or when taking a new step forward—and it makes an excellent entrance song for school sports events as well.
Life Cheer Songs (11–20)
ultramarineYOASOBI
It is a powerful song that gives you the courage to move forward toward your dreams and goals.
Produced by YOASOBI in September 2020, it was featured in a commercial for Bourbon’s Alfort Mini Chocolate.
In 2021, it was chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s high school dance club support project “Dance ONE Project ’21,” and it was also performed at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in December of the same year.
Centered on themes of self-expression and growth, the piece portrays a protagonist who, while struggling, finds their own path, making it a song that speaks for young people searching for their true selves.
Group gymnastics performances, in which many individuals come together to create something as one, are filled with moments of mutual trust and harmony, where each person shines.
The message of this work beautifully complements such scenes.
ultra soulB’z
This single, released in March 2001, is an uplifting anthem delivered with a powerful rock sound and a message that strikes straight to the heart.
It conveys encouragement to those striving toward their dreams, depicting the emotions that waver between hope and disappointment, as well as the courage to challenge one’s own limits.
It’s a track where B’z’s signature sense of speed and Koshi Inaba’s dynamic vocals blend seamlessly.
The song was continuously selected as the official theme for the World Aquatics Championships from 2001 to 2024, becoming a staple that energizes the sports scene.
It’s also highly recommended as a cheer song for school sports days and athletic festivals, boosting participants’ morale and uniting everyone in excitement.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This song depicts the courage to face adversity, with a powerful rock sound and a richly projected vocal that represents modern anime.
It captures the indomitable spirit of a protagonist striving to overcome countless hardships and the strong will to protect loved ones, resulting in a striking piece.
LiSA’s vocals brilliantly convey the story’s themes.
Released in April 2019, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, became a massive hit, and earned numerous accolades, including an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Its dynamic, high-impact sound is perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, and it also works great as a rousing cheer song everyone can enjoy together.
Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo
Like weaving together precious memories, this song is filled with uplifting messages brimming with hope and anticipation.
asmi’s clear, transparent vocals and Chinozo’s refined compositional sense blend beautifully, creating a pleasant sense of elation.
Portraying the courage and determination to take a new step forward while overcoming the anxieties and confusion of a journey of self-discovery, the track has been beloved as the opening theme for the Pokémon TV anime since April 2023.
It also received its first full-size performance during the special program “Anime Pokémon Music Festival,” broadcast on the TV Tokyo network on March 31.
It’s a powerful cheer song that gives you a supportive push at moments of new challenges—such as before events at sports days or athletic festivals.