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 Cheer Songs & Empowering Theme Tracks (141–150)

Battle Without Honor or HumanityHotei Tomoyasu

“Battle Without Honor or Humanity” is one of Tomoyasu Hotei’s signature works and a track often heard in films and television.

Its powerful, driving guitar riff evokes both nostalgia and freshness at the same time.

It’s also hugely popular as background music at school sports days and athletic events, stirring the fighting spirit not only of the players but also of the audience.

Transcending age and gender, it’s a song that empowers people in many different situations.

It will energize everyone who takes on a challenge.

a miraculous comebackWagakki Band

Wagakki Band / 'Kishikaisei' Music Video (Short Ver.)
a miraculous comebackWagakki Band

This is “Kishi Kaisei” by Wagakki Band, which was chosen as the TV Tokyo network’s broadcast theme song for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

With traditional Japanese instruments and an up-tempo, rock-infused melody, it’s a hype-raising anthem perfect for cheering on sports.

TBS 1997 theme song

FLY HIGHOda Yūji

Yuji Oda — Over and Over Again / World Athletics Championships Athens Theme Song
FLY HIGHOda Yūji

This song, which sings of the determination to soar high toward one’s dreams, is a stirring number by Yuji Oda that warms the heart.

It’s well known as the theme song for the 1997 IAAF World Championships broadcast on TBS.

Oda’s own straightforward lyrics are truly encouraging.

Composed by GARDEN and arranged by Akihiko Matsumoto, the track delivers an irresistible sound—pop yet dramatic and full of dynamism.

Released in July 1997 as one of the double A-side single “Over and Over Again / FLY HIGH,” this piece feels like a powerful push on your back when you’re taking on a challenge or need that extra step of courage.

Fleur de la PassionMISIA

MISIA – Fleur de la Passion (Official Music Video)
Fleur de la PassionMISIA

Brimming with passion and hope, this song was created as a rousing support anthem for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

MISIA’s breathtaking vocals meld with a sweeping melody that celebrates athletes’ passion and hard work, stirring the soul.

Chosen as the support song for Nippon TV’s Paris 2024 Olympics coverage and released in July 2024, it’s a track that will uplift not only the competitors but everyone dedicated to sports.

It’s a must-listen for those striving toward their dreams and for anyone who wants to cheer someone on.

MISIA’s voice is sure to plant the seeds of courage and hope in your heart.

AoiSakanakushon

Sakanaction – Music (Cover)
AoiSakanakushon

It’s a song included on Sakanaction’s sixth album, and it was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme in 2013.

The blue that appears in the lyrics and title refers to the Japan national team’s color.

It’s an energetic, fast-paced cheer song that’s quintessentially Sakanaction.

Scarred ChampionMISIA & Rockon Social Club

MISIA & Rockon Social Club – The Wounded Champion (Official Music Video)
Scarred ChampionMISIA & Rockon Social Club

This song has been attracting attention as a fiery anthem.

Released in September 2023 as a collaboration between MISIA and Rockon Social Club, it was also chosen as NHK’s rugby theme song, drawing even more attention.

It’s a powerful track that fuses MISIA’s overwhelming vocal prowess with a rock sound.

Sung about the courage to face hardship and the strength to rise again and again, the song was reportedly inspired by rugby players.

It’s also in the spotlight as a new release marking the 25th anniversary of MISIA’s debut.

It’s a track that will push forward not only athletes but all challengers in life.

Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai

Harukamirai – Summer Mahoro (Official Music Video)
Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai

This song by the rapidly rising rock band Harukamirai is filled with their fiery passion, and as you can tell from the lyrics, it’s a song about baseball! They say it was written while watching high school baseball after becoming adults, and it captures the feelings and stories of high school ballplayers that you can truly understand only now.

Beyond that backstory, the song also has a perfect vibe for baseball cheering: a sing-along intro reminiscent of a pep squad, an uptempo, catchy melody—everything fits right in for a baseball cheer song!