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
For sports days and school athletic festivals (1–10)
Song Not to Forgetmakaroni enpitsu

A masterpiece of youthful pop-rock with a universal message.
Released by Macaroni Enpitsu in April 2024, this song powerfully sings about the daily lives of young people who shine as they overcome setbacks and failures.
It portrays the struggles of chasing dreams and the strength to rise above them, delivering an impact that resonates from the very first listen.
Created as the ending theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” it brilliantly captures the show’s worldview through music.
Also included on the EP “Bokura no Namida nara Sora ni Umeyou,” it has garnered support from a wide audience, not just anime fans.
With a strong rhythm and melody that work well even for group gymnastics at school sports festivals, it’s a perfect track for creating a sense of unity among large groups.
To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts

With its profound lyrics and emotionally powerful melody, Creepy Nuts’ “To Us Who Were Once Geniuses” is a perfect song for kids from about the upper grades of elementary school.
The tempo ramps up toward the chorus, so viewers won’t be able to take their eyes off the children’s strong, expressive performance.
By incorporating the same movements while changing formations, it could match the melody and turn into a cool, mature dance.
It’s also recommended for mass performances!
Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

This song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai vividly portrays the rush of sprinting through the fleeting moments of youth.
Released in July 2024, its uptempo sound and distinctive melodic lines resonate powerfully with young listeners.
It carries a message: there’s no need to be embarrassed about giving your all—treasure the experiences you can only have in this very moment.
The track is included on the album “Channel U” and was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s original romance show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.
Summer Vacation 2024.” It’s a perfect fit for scenes of coming together at school sports days or athletic events, making it an ideal choice as background music for group gymnastics as well.
StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE

This song is packed with a catchy melody and an uplifting message.
Its breezy pop-rock sound and crisp, dynamic rhythm feel great, making it a track that encourages you every time you listen.
Even when things don’t go well, it delivers a powerful cheer: return to your roots and make a fresh start.
Included on Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s major-label debut mini-album “Variety,” it was featured in commercials for Kao’s Merit and served as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Super Addictive! Hilarious Character Parade.” This piece is recommended for scenes where new challenges begin, such as opening ceremonies or athlete entrances at school sports days.
It’s a song that unites the entire venue and elevates everyone’s spirits for the competition ahead.
OrangeSPYAIR

This is a song where a fresh, energetic melody coexists with a touch of poignancy.
While depicting stories of sports, youth, and friendship, it carries messages about “cherishing the present” and “continuing to move toward the future.” Despite its powerful sound, the track also conveys a certain fragility.
Released in February 2024, it was created by SPYAIR as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.
It was also released as an EP, which includes re-recorded versions—featuring the new vocalist—of past theme songs from the Haikyu!! series.
This piece is perfect as entrance music for athletes at school sports days or festivals.
It fires up the competitors’ fighting spirit and lifts the crowd’s excitement, ensuring everyone comes together in a unified surge of energy.
For sports days and athletic festivals (11–20)
breakthroughSUPER BEAVER

This song expresses the power of taking on challenges through forceful vocals and a fiery band sound.
Its lyrics, which call for facing things head-on and living life to the fullest, pierce the listener’s heart.
The passionate performances by the band members and the message that inspires the courage to move forward are beautifully harmonized in this track.
Included on a single released by Sony Music Records in October 2020, it was selected as the opening theme for the second cour of the anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP.
With a powerful sound and strong messaging that epitomize SUPER BEAVER, this song is highly recommended to hype up entrance scenes at school sports days and athletic festivals.
It ignites the fighting spirit of competing athletes and stirs the hearts of the audience.
A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki

This is Masaki Suda’s debut track, packed with passion through its driving rock sound and powerful vocals.
Released in June 2017, the song earnestly portrays people who keep moving forward even while covered in mud.
Its message, full of determination and passion toward the future, was featured in au’s “au BLUE CHALLENGE” series and resonated with many listeners.
The track is included on the album “PLAY” and garnered high acclaim, reaching No.
3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
It’s also perfect as entrance music for athletes at school sports days, gently yet powerfully pushing forward everyone who is striving to face ahead.
Sports Cheer Songs (11–20)
A cheering song I want to dedicate to all athletes
What's essential for energizing a sports event are theme songs, campaign songs, and official cheer songs, right? Feel free to use these as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals as well!


