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
Cheering Songs for When You’re Feeling Down (1–10)
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
SHISHAMO is especially popular among girls of the same generation.
They’re a three-piece girls’ band that’s become a regular at festivals lately.
Their song “Ashita mo” was used in an NTT Docomo commercial, so many people may have discovered them through that.
Known for their energetic, bursting-with-life image, this song is also a cheer song for people doing their best every day.
With a positive, uplifting chorus that blows away worries and gloomy feelings, it’s an anthem full of relatable moments throughout.
peace signYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu, who is now active in such a wide range of fields that it’s no exaggeration to call him a national singer.
His song “Peace Sign” was released in 2017 and became the theme song for the popular anime “My Hero Academia,” so many people probably associate it strongly with that image.
With lyrics that perfectly match the protagonist’s relentless drive to push forward, it’s also a recommended track as a cheer song for those who work hard every day toward their goals.
It’s a number that makes you feel that hard work pays off and inspires you to give your best each day.
graceFuji Kaze
It’s a song imbued with a powerful message about facing oneself.
Released in October 2022, it was written by Fujii Kaze as the theme song for NTT Docomo’s “KAZE FILMS docomo future project.” With a beautiful melody infused with soul and R&B elements and distinctive piano playing, it’s a track that resonates deeply.
The music video was filmed in India’s Uttarakhand state, featuring impressive visuals of majestic landscapes and the warmth of its people.
It conveys the importance of believing in the light and potential that everyone carries within, making it a piece that can evoke moments of true connection even during a group gymnastics performance.
The hopeful vocals and melody will make the performance shine even more.
Ten Thousand Cheers, A Thousand ChantsRADWIMPS
This is a song by RADWIMPS created together with a thousand 18-year-olds for a special NHK program.
It carefully depicts, like a single story, the dreams and anxieties of young people and their forward-looking steps into the future, resulting in an energetic, stirring anthem of encouragement.
Included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, it became a much-talked-about gem in 2018.
Born from the passionate feelings of the youth involved, the piece was also performed on RADWIMPS’ nationwide ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019.
As a song that colors energetic scenes where large groups move as one—like at sports festivals or group gymnastics—it naturally envelops the venue in a positive atmosphere.
For examinees to listen to (1–10)
An entrance exam song to cheer on your hard work!
“I can’t concentrate on studying; as the actual exam approaches, I get anxious.” There are so many students who struggle with this, right? But there are plenty of songs that cheer you on for exams. They’re essential for test-takers! Do your best!
FanfareTamaki Kōji
In the days you devote to studying for exams, don’t you ever feel a moment when your heart is about to break? That’s exactly when I want you to listen to a powerful track by Koji Tamaki, the singer-songwriter renowned for his overwhelming vocal prowess.
Released as a single in November 2025, this piece was chosen as the theme song for the TBS Sunday drama “The Royal Family.” Its lyrics, layered with memories of his childhood landscapes in Hokkaido and growing up alongside horses, teach us the importance of moving straight ahead as our true selves—not just chasing wins and losses.
Carried by a driving, exhilarating melody, his voice will warm you and give you a strong push forward through those anxious nights.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
It’s a grand rock ballad that embraces the harsh reality that daily effort doesn’t always pay off, while affirming everything.
Released in January 2019 as Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s eighth single, the song was written as the support anthem for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
The lyrics by Motoki Omori, who wrote and composed the song, honor the journey of everyone—not just the winners but the losers as well—and it’s the kind of song that makes your chest tighten every time you listen.
When fear of the outcome threatens to paralyze you, this track reminds you that the path you’ve taken itself is the miracle, and it’s sure to powerfully support students fighting hard to pass their entrance exams.
festivalsumika
Sumika is a rock band known for their bright, pop-infused, refreshing sound.
This track carries a powerful message that turns even anxiety and impatience into forward-driving energy, giving you the courage to take on challenges with the mindset that “nerves are proof you’re serious.” Included on the album AMUSIC released in March 2021, it was also featured in Morinaga’s “Juken ni in Jelly 2021” commercial.
The vibrant performance gives a strong push to anyone working hard.
It’s a song for exam-takers—one that inspires belief in your efforts and the power to step into a new landscape.