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] Support songs and empowering theme tracks for sports (101–110)

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Here’s a song originally released by Sukima Switch in 2005.

This is the first rearranged version of one of their songs produced by Tamio Okuda, and it was used as the ending theme for the UHF anime ALL OUT!!.

The single’s other track, Hanatsu, served as the theme song for the 96th National High School Rugby Football Tournament, making this a single that’s all about wholehearted support.

It’s also fun to compare the different arrangements—one of the enjoyable aspects of these cheer songs.

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.

ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「ANTENNA」Official Music Video
ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE

It’s a cheer song filled with passion.

It’s a track by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, released in July 2023 as part of their fifth studio album, ANTENNA.

The warm, empathetic lyrics leave a strong impression.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to keep moving forward without losing hope, even when facing difficulties.

Perfect to accompany your daily training or time playing sports with friends—this piece will surely give you fresh energy.

HanatsuSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch / “Hanatsu” - Theme Song for the 96th National High School Rugby Tournament (Short Ver.)
HanatsuSukima Suichi

It’s a song included on Sukima Switch’s 23rd single, and it was chosen as the theme song for the 2015 National High School Rugby tournament.

It’s a grand ballad, and the lyrics have that distinctive rugby feel.

The message is that “each person has a chance to shine,” making it a great track to listen to when you want to get fired up!

Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]
Kitearashi

This piece was written as the NHK 2020 support theme song.

It’s sung by the five members of Arashi, a nationally beloved idol group, and was released in 2020 as their 58th single.

The songwriter is Kenshi Yonezu, the singer-songwriter who also created “Paprika,” which was likewise chosen as an NHK 2020 support theme song.

The lyrics carry a message that can be felt as both mysterious and grand, yet also down-to-earth.

The members of Arashi deliver it to our hearts with their warm vocals.

It’s a song you can listen to forever…

[To All Athletes] Sports Cheering Songs & Empowering Theme Tracks (111–120)

Paper DreamDream Shizuka

Dream Shizuka「Paper Dream」(from 1st SG「4 FEELS.」)
Paper DreamDream Shizuka

For supporters, it’s often the case that the only time they see the athletes is during the game, but the players stand on that stage after overcoming grueling training.

If you’re looking for a song that praises such dedication, Dream Shizuka’s “Paper Dream” is highly recommended.

Its lyrics make you feel that hard work truly pays off, and they’re sure to move you—even if you’re not an athlete!

The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari - The Wind Is Blowing (NTV Best Artist 2012) - 2012-11-28
The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari

This is Ikimono-gakari’s “Kaze ga Fuiteiru,” the official NHK theme song for the London 2012 Olympics.

The vocalist’s straight, crystal-clear voice and the encouraging lyrics really resonate—it’s a highly recommended cheer song.

It’s a warm, uplifting track that makes you feel we’re all supporting each other as we reach for our dreams.