RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs

When it comes to cheering on athletes chasing their dreams, music is indispensable.

Cheer songs aren’t just for professional athletes—they’re dedicated to everyone working hard in sports.

In this article, we’ll introduce recommended tracks that will fill you with energy just by listening: tie-in songs for sports tournaments and related programs, theme songs from sports-themed anime, entrance songs for athletes, and more.

Find the perfect songs to accompany your daily training sessions or the time you spend enjoying sports with friends.

[To All Athletes] Sports Cheering Songs & Empowering Theme Tracks (71–80)

Fly Highmilet

milet “Fly High” MUSIC VIDEO (NHK Winter Sports Theme Song)
Fly Highmilet

Fly High is a standout mid-tempo ballad that powerfully evokes a future where you grasp glory—perfect for moments when you’re feeling discouraged or need an energy boost.

Released by singer milet in 2021, it’s known as a theme song for NHK winter sports and the Olympics.

Her expansive vocals evoke a sense of limitless possibility, like sharpening your focus as you listen closely in nature.

Built on a grand musical scale, the drum’s steady, uplifting rhythm feels like a gentle push forward, step by step, for every athlete.

Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK

This ambitious work by ONE OK ROCK is marked by powerful vocals and a fast-paced, exhilarating sound.

Interweaving English and Japanese lyrics, it expresses a determination to move forward—believing in one’s own potential and drawing strength from past experiences.

The members’ passionate performance blends perfectly with a message that pushes listeners onward.

Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011, it’s cherished as a staple in live shows that fosters a strong sense of unity with fans.

More than just a boost during sports day practices, this song serves as a source of support when standing at life’s crossroads or taking a new step forward.

SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata “SMILE ~Like a Clear Blue Sky~” Commercial Broadcasters Official Special Movie (Joint Commercial Broadcasters Project ‘Let’s Do It Together’ Support Song)
SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke

This is the theme song for “Let’s Do This Together 2020,” a project jointly planned by commercial TV stations for the Tokyo Olympics.

It’s sung by none other than Keisuke Kuwata, the vocalist of Southern All Stars.

The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of smiles and carry a message to the next generation, have that unmistakable Kuwata touch and a very bright finish.

By the time you’ve finished listening, you’ll feel refreshed.

Rather than listening intently, it’s the kind of uplifting song that makes you want to sing along.

[To All Athletes] Sports Cheer Songs & Empowering Theme Tracks (81–90)

Change the WorldMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Change the World」
Change the WorldMAN WITH A MISSION

It’s a cheer song by MAN WITH A MISSION released in 2020.

English lyrics coexist with the resonance of taiko drums, creating a stylish, cool track that feels like it distills the best of Japan and overseas influences.

It sings and plays out those heart-stirring moments when all the hard work and groundwork finally pay off, accompanied by the thundering tones of taiko that hit you in the gut.

It really shines as BGM for things like sports highlight videos—highly recommended!

Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise OrchestraMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION – Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise OrchestraMAN WITH A MISSION

There’s an energetic hype song that fires up the sports world: “Freak It! ft.

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.” It was chosen as the 2018 theme song for the rugby team Sunwolves.

The intro, which starts with hand claps, grabs listeners’ hearts and creates a sense of unity that gets everyone grooving.

The bright, dynamic brass arrangement by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, combined with MAN WITH A MISSION’s high-energy sound, amplifies the excitement at any sporting event.

Give it a listen to boost your motivation during training or right before a match.

VictoryEXILE

This song is known for bringing courage and hope to the world of sports.

It features a powerful melody and lyrics filled with a positive message.

Released in June 2010, it was officially recognized as a support song for Japan’s national team during the FIFA World Cup, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s recommended not only for soccer fans but for anyone chasing their dreams.

Perfect for easing pre-game nerves or boosting motivation.

Paired with EXILE’s passionate performance, listening to this track is sure to fill your heart with courage!

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video
R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

This is “R.Y.U.S.E.I.”, a 2015 track by Sandaime J Soul Brothers that also popularized the “Running Man” dance.

It’s danceable and recommended as background music for sports.

A catchy, uplifting, and popular sports anthem.