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

ultramarineYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Gunjou” Official Music Video

This is a song by YOASOBI brimming with the vibrancy of youth.

While carrying universal themes like self-expression and the pursuit of dreams, it powerfully conveys the feelings of those who strive to move forward even amid uncertainty.

Released in September 2020, it remains memorable for its striking performance at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December 2021.

In the spring of 2022, it was selected as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament and was also used as the departure melody at Koshien Station during the event.

Its lyrics and melody, resonating with the image of high school baseball players giving their all in pursuit of their dreams, make it a gem of a motivational anthem that deeply touches audiences.

Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo

Dokimeki Diary – asmi feat. Chinozo (Official Music Video)

Like weaving together precious memories, this song is filled with uplifting messages brimming with hope and anticipation.

asmi’s clear, transparent vocals and Chinozo’s refined compositional sense blend beautifully, creating a pleasant sense of elation.

Portraying the courage and determination to take a new step forward while overcoming the anxieties and confusion of a journey of self-discovery, the track has been beloved as the opening theme for the Pokémon TV anime since April 2023.

It also received its first full-size performance during the special program “Anime Pokémon Music Festival,” broadcast on the TV Tokyo network on March 31.

It’s a powerful cheer song that gives you a supportive push at moments of new challenges—such as before events at sports days or athletic festivals.

paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call

suis from Yorushika × Evan Call “Paper Airplane” [Theme song for the anime ‘Dragonite and the Mailman’]

A heartwarming story of friendship woven from a grand orchestral sound and a crystal-clear singing voice.

This collaborative work by Yorushika’s suis and Evan Call paints a youthful page perfect for sports festival season.

Released in February 2025, it explores human connection through letters and words, skillfully interweaving depictions of nature to deliver a warm, resonant message.

Chosen as the theme song for the animated short “Dragonite and the Mail Carrier,” produced in celebration of Pokémon Day 2025, it gently speaks to the importance of delivering one’s feelings.

It’s a recommended track for those looking to deepen bonds with teammates at school sports days or to express their true feelings with sincerity.

Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala

Yosugala – Kono Yubi Tomare

In this new work by yosugala, a single ray of light and a warm, empathetic singing voice strike straight to the heart.

It’s a song that conveys, with unwavering sincerity, the desire to believe in someone’s inner radiance and to support them.

Crafted as an anthem that stands beside those feeling setbacks or loneliness and gently nudges them forward, it was first performed at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in February 2025 and released the following March, with lyrics and composition by members of the band AliA.

It will surely resonate deeply with people giving their all on their own and with students running toward their dreams.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with your friends when you’re worn out from sports day practice, feeling nervous before the main event, or in need of a lift.

superstarKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Superstar”

This song celebrates recognizing the potential and talent hidden within yourself and letting them shine.

Its empowering message—that everyone has a unique brilliance—blends beautifully with the pop sound.

Ketsumeishi’s positive lyrics and catchy melody carry a warm, gentle push for listeners.

Released in November 2020, it was chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi anime Crayon Shin-chan.

The music video, filmed in India, also captures the song’s bright and uplifting worldview.

It’s a perfect fit as a cheer song for school events like sports festivals, and for anyone seeking encouragement to discover their true self.

CrossKamenashi Kazuya

Kazuya Kamenashi – Cross [Official Music Video (YouTube Ver.)]

This is a song created as the theme for the sports program “Going! Sports & News,” featuring Kazuya Kamenashi.

It conveys a strong will to push steadily toward one’s goals.

The lyrics were written by Kamenashi himself, and he has said they reflect the feelings of athletes he has encountered through sports coverage.

Another highlight is that Tomoyasu Hotei composed the music, with a powerful, guitar-driven sound that evokes the strength to carve out the future.

It’s a song that portrays the importance of believing in yourself as you chase your dreams, and the determination to press on, trusting in the efforts you’ve built up over time.

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DREAMERIkuta Rira

DREAMER

A gem of a mid-tempo ballad whose burning passion and single-minded pursuit of a dream strikes straight to the heart.

Lila Ikuta returns to her roots as an artist, expressing her love for music and her determination in unembellished, down-to-earth words.

Written as an insert song for the drama “Paripi Kōmei” and later self-covered for release in March 2025 as part of the album Hyakka Ryoran, the track weaves the struggles and growth of those who love music into a gently enveloping melody, letting their powerful longing for their dreams resonate deeply.

It’s a song of support that gives a push to students immersed in practice and warmly stands by their efforts—one we hope you’ll play during training scenes for sports days and athletic festivals.