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 (211–220)

Zankyo SankaAimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO(Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song)
Zankyo SankaAimer

A work whose grand worldview woven by visuals and music is its chief allure.

The powerful message embedded in the lyrics—“overcoming past pain and moving forward into the future”—is beautifully harmonized with the dark, sweeping melody.

Aimer’s distinctive vocals resound with deep emotion and stir the heart.

It was released digitally in advance in December 2021, followed by a CD single in January 2022.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc, it drew major attention, including taking two crowns on Billboard Japan from its digital release.

Perfect for when you need the courage to walk toward your ideals or to fire yourself up.

Listening to this piece while training will surely give you the strength to push past your limits.

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]
OtonokeCreepy Nuts

This Creepy Nuts track, which captivates listeners across generations from children to adults, was written as the opening theme for the anime Dandadan.

Its driving, fast-paced beat and emotional hook leave a strong impression, while lyrics themed around the occult and the supernatural enhance the song’s atmosphere.

Released as a digital single in October 2024, it was later issued on CD as well.

The song is also included on Creepy Nuts’ fourth studio album, Legion.

It’s a track that stokes your fighting spirit when you listen to it before an important game or competition.

Highly recommended for anyone who believes in the power of music.

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”
It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

Brimming with dynamic rhythm and a powerful melody, this track serves as a heartwarming anthem that, while a theme song for an ekiden relay race, also celebrates life’s challenges, hard work, and those taking a bold new step forward.

DREAMS COME TRUE fuse ’80s disco sounds with Latin grooves into a lively arrangement that gently pushes listeners onward.

The song was released digitally ahead of time in January 2025 and was later included as a single in March of the same year as the theme song for the “ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025 Commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo.” It’s a buoyant tune that, when played during practice for school sports days or athletic festivals, naturally sparks a sense of camaraderie with teammates and a renewed determination to reach your goals.

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

This song depicts the courage to face adversity, with a powerful rock sound and a richly projected vocal that represents modern anime.

It captures the indomitable spirit of a protagonist striving to overcome countless hardships and the strong will to protect loved ones, resulting in a striking piece.

LiSA’s vocals brilliantly convey the story’s themes.

Released in April 2019, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, became a massive hit, and earned numerous accolades, including an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its dynamic, high-impact sound is perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, and it also works great as a rousing cheer song everyone can enjoy together.

RunLittle Glee Monster

『Run』 – Little Glee Monster
RunLittle Glee Monster

This song, marked by its bright, uplifting message and powerful vocals, is an ambitious work by Little Glee Monster.

It emphasizes the importance of continuing to run toward your dreams and goals, serving as a cheer for those taking a new step forward.

Included on the album “Ambitious,” released in March 2025, it is a collaborative song created with Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1 to support new first-grade elementary school students.

Combining an energetic rhythm with a message that resonates in the heart, it’s perfect as a theme song for school events and culture festivals.

Humming it with friends or singing it on stage will help create irreplaceable memories.

Raise your flagMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION 『Raise your flag』
Raise your flagMAN WITH A MISSION

A rock number brimming with overwhelming speed and energy! A signature work by MAN WITH A MISSION that sings of the courage to stand by your convictions and face adversity.

Released in October 2015, it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

Featuring powerful strings and a distinctive two-beat sound, the song made a strong impact, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart and earning Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

It’s also included on the album The World’s On Fire and continues to be a live staple.

When you want to forge your own path or overcome a major obstacle, listening to this track is sure to give you a push forward.

Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet

MAN WITH A MISSION × milet “Kizuna no Kiseki” Music Video
Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet

The song that drew attention for the collaboration between MAN WITH A MISSION and milet was produced as the theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc.

It fuses a powerful rock sound with milet’s clear, resonant vocals, singing of the strength of bonds and the courage to face hardship.

Released as a single in May 2023, it received a huge response both in Japan and abroad, surpassing 100 million views on YouTube.

It’s a track that encourages not only anime fans but everyone who keeps taking on challenges.

Highly recommended for boosting your motivation or listening before an important match.