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 (201–210)

paprikaYonezu Kenshi

This is “Paprika” sung by Kenshi Yonezu.

Most people know the version sung by the kids from the group Foorin, right? This one is Kenshi Yonezu’s version.

The arrangement is quite different, too.

This version makes you feel like you’re at a countryside summer festival.

And it’s super stylish! Please enjoy this grown-up version as well!

GAMEFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – GAME (Full ver.)
GAMEFukuyama Masaharu

This song portrays life as a game played on an Olympic stage.

Released by Masaharu Fukuyama in October 2012, it was also used as the broadcast theme song for the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

The lyrics, which powerfully sing of the harshness of reality and the struggle against oneself, resonate deeply.

Filled with keen insight, it emphasizes the importance of moving forward with pride and viewing life through both victory and defeat.

glareWANIMA

WANIMA “Glare” WANIMA presents 1CHANCE FESTIVAL 2022
glareWANIMA

An anthem that gives courage to everyone standing at a crossroads in life.

WANIMA’s powerful rock sound and vocals carrying a fiery message push you to take a step toward your dreams and ideals.

Conveying the resolve to move toward the future, the courage to reach for the light, and the determination to face the trials you must overcome, this passionate song was released as a WANIMA single in April 2022 and was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Nanba MG5.” The ultimate hype-up song to boost your spirits before an important match or decisive moment.

When you’re unsure of the path forward or find yourself halted before a towering wall, listening to this song will surely give you the strength to take a new step.

StrongestYuuri

“The Strongest” band session ver.
StrongestYuuri

An uplifting cheer song that inspires the drive to move forward with strength! This piece was chosen as the opening theme for cour 2 of Season 7 of the TV anime My Hero Academia.

Yuuri’s energetic vocals fuse with the band’s sound to give listeners a powerful push.

It carries messages of courage to keep standing up without giving up, and the strength to believe in yourself and move forward—resonating deeply with those facing setbacks or hardship.

It’s the perfect track before an important game or showdown, when taking a new step, or whenever you want to fire yourself up.

BraveNaoto Intiraymi

Naoto Inti Raymi – Brave [with lyrics]
BraveNaoto Intiraymi

Released in April 2011, this is a motivational song by Naoto Inti Raymi, brimming with courage and positivity.

With its catchy melody and powerful beat, it calls on listeners to believe in their own potential.

Carrying a strong, encouraging message that gently supports those taking on challenges, the song was performed at the 63rd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen and has become widely known as one of Naoto Inti Raymi’s signature tracks.

It’s a perfect song to listen to during daily training or in those tense moments before an important match.

Extraordinary day&TEAM

This song was written as the theme for TBS’s 2025 Beppu Oita Mainichi Marathon.

With its rhythmic tempo and light, breezy melody, it gives listeners the urge to start running.

The lyrics emphasize the importance of bonds with friends and believing in yourself, encouraging not only marathon runners but anyone facing daily challenges.

In 2024, &TEAM released four works as part of their Spring-Summer-Autumn-Winter series, and their second album, Yukiakari, topped various charts.

This track is also recommended for those working hard toward exams, careers, or their dreams.

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] Bouquet for Me Official Audio
A bouquet for meAdo

A gently sung piece about self-affirmation and a forward-looking attitude was released by Ado in March 2025.

While empathizing with the feelings we experience in everyday life, it carries a message that encourages recognizing oneself and finding the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.

With a fresh melody crafted by HoneyWorks layered with Ado’s powerful yet delicate vocals, the result is a heartwarming track.

The song has been chosen as the new commercial theme for Coca-Cola’s canned coffee brand Georgia and is scheduled to be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album.” It’s a perfect tune to start your morning, to encourage someone, or to give yourself a boost of courage—and it will continue to brighten the hearts of many.