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.

Life’s Cheer Songs (1–10)

A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

Ukasukazy “A Victorious Smile With You” Music Video
A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

A fusion sound of J-pop and hip-hop overflowing with youthful passion and sportsmanship.

Created by Ukasuka-G, the duo of Kazutoshi Sakurai from Mr.Children and GAKU-MC, this piece sings of the bonds between friends and the courage to take on challenges.

Its powerful message—conveying the resolve to face towering obstacles and the trust in your teammates—resonates deeply.

Released in May 2014 as a lead single from the album AMIGO, it was adopted as an official support song by the Japan Football Association and featured in various tie-ins, including Kirin’s “Japan Linking Arms” commercial song.

It’s a reliable track not only for school sports days and athletic festivals, but also for any moment when you want to strengthen teamwork or strive toward a goal together with your friends.

A bouquet for meAdo

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

A gently sung piece about self-affirmation and a forward-looking attitude was released by Ado in March 2025.

While empathizing with the feelings we experience in everyday life, it carries a message that encourages recognizing oneself and finding the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.

With a fresh melody crafted by HoneyWorks layered with Ado’s powerful yet delicate vocals, the result is a heartwarming track.

The song has been chosen as the new commercial theme for Coca-Cola’s canned coffee brand Georgia and is scheduled to be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album.” It’s a perfect tune to start your morning, to encourage someone, or to give yourself a boost of courage—and it will continue to brighten the hearts of many.

ultra soulB’z

[Wind Band Hit] ultra soul / B’z
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.

Life Cheer Songs (11–20)

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”
It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

From the very moment you start running, this theme song for a sports event by DREAMS COME TRUE gives a powerful push to the beginning of your challenge.

Riding on a lively rhythm that fuses disco sounds with Latin grooves, it carries a heartfelt cheer that resonates with every challenger.

It sings of bonds with friends, hard work and growth, and the courage to make a fresh start, becoming a piece that gently nudges listeners forward.

Released in January 2025, the song was written as the theme for a relay race event commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The single, which also includes the theme song for the film “Kaminofude,” marks a milestone work celebrating DREAMS COME TRUE’s 35th anniversary.

It’s a song we hope not only students facing their youth, but everyone about to take a new step in life, will listen to.

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)
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.

RunLittle Glee Monster

『Run』 – Little Glee Monster
RunLittle Glee Monster

An encouraging song for first graders, created in collaboration with Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1, was finally released by Little Glee Monster in March 2025.

Featured on the album “Ambitious,” this upbeat pop track celebrates the importance of continuing to chase your dreams and goals.

Its up-tempo melody and powerful vocals blend in perfect balance, resonating deeply with listeners.

In particular, the super-groovy, dynamic sound and the fiery message of pushing forward into the future with everything you’ve got make it irresistibly energizing.

It’s the perfect song to listen to when taking a first step into a new environment or when you hit a wall.

Highly recommended as a motivational anthem for moments when you want to give it your all—like practice for sports days and athletic festivals, or even club activities.

winding roadNovelbright

Novelbright – Winding Road [Official Music Video]
winding roadNovelbright

Carrying honest feelings and hope in its lyrics, Novelbright’s refreshing cheer song was born in January 2025.

Set to a grand melody and the band’s performance, the courage to overcome life’s hardships resonates deeply in the heart.

The song has been chosen as the theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Dragon of the Court,” and with vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s warm voice, it gently stands by listeners, as if watching over the growth of young people.

I believe it’s a song that gives a powerful push to those who, standing at life’s crossroads, keep moving forward despite their worries.

Brimming with youthful energy, it’s perfect for boosting your spirits before a school sports festival or athletic meet.