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

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Glory Bridge (Yuzu cover by Sundaysaty’s)

This is Yuzu’s “Eikou no Kakehashi” (“Bridge of Glory”), which was selected as NHK’s official theme song for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

It’s a moving ballad with lyrics that tell the story of athletes’ practice and effort.

It’s a powerful anthem that cheers you on as you overcome various challenges and move toward your dreams.

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Hito Sui

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All my treasuresOda Yūji

Yuji Oda All my treasures

This is a song by Yuji Oda that was chosen as the theme song for the World Athletics Championships.

The same passionate energy he shows as the event’s host is poured into the song.

It’s a track that evokes both a message of support for athletes and the feelings of their fans.

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Hito Sui

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Run, hope!tsubomi daikakumei

After renaming to Tsubomi Daikakumei, their first single “Hashiridase Kibou” MV (short ver.)

Sports games and practices aren’t all fun—there are plenty of moments when you feel like giving up or things get tough.

When you’re feeling down and need a boost, I recommend Tsubomi Dai Kakumei’s “Hashiridase Kibou” (“Run, Hope!”).

It’s an upbeat, four-on-the-floor dance track with a vertical bounce that will get you grooving just by listening, even when you’re feeling low.

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Saitō Ayumu

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migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

This song, Wataridori, one of the signature tracks of the hugely popular rock band [Alexandros] especially beloved by younger generations, has a sense of exhilarating speed that turns sports moments into drama.

It’s also extremely popular at school sports festivals.

Sweat dries in a refreshing breeze—this is a track that carries that very feeling of freshness.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

A new song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” The protagonists, who push forward without fearing failure, are depicted with powerful imagery likening them to a bow and arrow.

The story of companions who overcome setbacks and strive to regain their brilliance on the ice is deeply moving.

Released as a digital-only single in January 2025, the piece was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu himself, who also created the cover illustration.

It’s a song that stays by your side at life’s turning points—when you’ve worked hard yet can’t find confidence and feel like breaking—and gives you a gentle push forward.

Sexy ZoneSexy Zone

Sexy Zone ｢Sexy Zone｣ (short ver.)

Released in 2011 as the debut single of the Johnny’s idol group Sexy Zone.

It was used as the image song for Fuji TV’s program coverage of the FIVB Volleyball World Cup 2011, and the coupling track “With you” served as the image song for the 64th Spring High School Volleyball Tournament.

It’s a song strongly associated with volleyball.

STARSSuperfly&Tootasumatsumoto

Superfly & Tortoise Matsumoto “STARS” Music Video

This is a single created by Superfly and Tortoise Matsumoto from Ulfuls for the 2012 London Olympics.

With a gospel-like style and many easy-to-sing duet parts, it has become a much-talked-about duet track as a cheer song.