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 (21–30)
Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.
PLAYERSYOASOBI

YOASOBI released a memorable track in March 2025, marked by energetic chants and a catchy sound.
Born from a project celebrating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, this ambitious attempt to portray gamers’ memories through music delivers a positive message centered on challenge and growth.
The story warmly depicts how protagonists encountered in game worlds encourage us in real life and expand our hopes for the future, and the song was also featured in a special PlayStation 30th anniversary commercial.
With a star-studded lineup including Nanase Nishino, Usada Pekora, and Kiyo, the work showcases the appeal of gaming.
It’s a perfect song to boost motivation during sports day practice or athletic festival training.
Songs to Cheer You On in Life (31–40)
Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala

In this new work by yosugala, a single ray of light and a warm, empathetic singing voice strike straight to the heart.
It’s a song that conveys, with unwavering sincerity, the desire to believe in someone’s inner radiance and to support them.
Crafted as an anthem that stands beside those feeling setbacks or loneliness and gently nudges them forward, it was first performed at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in February 2025 and released the following March, with lyrics and composition by members of the band AliA.
It will surely resonate deeply with people giving their all on their own and with students running toward their dreams.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with your friends when you’re worn out from sports day practice, feeling nervous before the main event, or in need of a lift.
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā

A powerful anthem that gives you a push in those youthful moments.
Released by Sambomaster in February 2010, this song carries a warm message that boosts self-affirmation and the spirit to take on challenges.
Centered on themes of “not giving up,” “moving forward,” and “possibility,” it offers a gentle embrace for everyone’s anxieties and doubts while giving the courage to take a new step.
It has been featured in a Nissan commercial and as the image song for the film Cheer☆Dance, resonating with many hearts.
It’s a classic that students training for sports festivals, as well as anyone standing at a crossroads in life, should hear.
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā

This is a renowned song that powerfully portrays a protagonist, burning with passion, dashing toward the future while pursuing their true self.
It resonates with the message that there’s no need to imitate anyone else, and that it’s important to let your own unique flower bloom.
The track is filled with courage and determination, urging listeners to take a step toward hope by overcoming the sorrow and pain they carry.
Released as Sambomaster’s single in August 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan.” As a song that supports the story of high school students striving toward their dreams, it deeply moved many viewers.
It’s a piece that strongly pushes the backs of those devoted to lessons and practice, and those facing hardships, giving them the courage to take a step forward.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Celebrated as one of Sukima Switch’s signature songs, this track sings of the strength of a pure heart that evokes the freshness of youth.
Carrying a message about the importance of holding on to youthful passion, it inspires the courage and energy to face difficulties.
It rekindles the playful spirit and willingness to take on challenges that are often lost in adulthood, reminding us of the beauty of living life to the fullest.
Released in April 2004, the song was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial for the Kansai region and became a key work that showcased Sukima Switch’s musical evolution.
It gives a boost to students practicing for sports days and athletic festivals, and serves as a reliable ally when you want to give your all toward a goal.
DREAMERIkuta Rira

A gem of a mid-tempo ballad whose burning passion and single-minded pursuit of a dream strikes straight to the heart.
Lila Ikuta returns to her roots as an artist, expressing her love for music and her determination in unembellished, down-to-earth words.
Written as an insert song for the drama “Paripi Kōmei” and later self-covered for release in March 2025 as part of the album Hyakka Ryoran, the track weaves the struggles and growth of those who love music into a gently enveloping melody, letting their powerful longing for their dreams resonate deeply.
It’s a song of support that gives a push to students immersed in practice and warmly stands by their efforts—one we hope you’ll play during training scenes for sports days and athletic festivals.


