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 (231–240)

YoursMiura Daichi

Daichi Miura / Yours -Choreo Video-
YoursMiura Daichi

Daichi Miura is an artist whose not only dancing but also singing ability is exceptional, always drawing people in with an incredible presence.

His song “Yours” is a particularly captivating and compelling number.

It was included as the B-side to his 27th single, “Antelope,” released in 2020.

I think many athletes have experienced setbacks—times when things don’t go as hoped and they feel like quitting their sport.

I hope that in those moments, listening to this song will help them face forward again.

Dreaming Now!Kōda Kumi

This is “Dreaming Now!” by Kumi Koda, the theme song for the 2013 NTV Volleyball World Grand Champions Cup.

With Kumi Koda’s powerful vocals and a danceable melody, it’s an uplifting song that cheers on sports.

[To All Athletes] Sports Cheer Songs & Empowering Theme Tracks (241–250)

pupilŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Hitomi (A cappella ver.)
pupilŌhara Sakurako

Hitomi, released in 2015 as Sakurako Ohara’s second single.

The song was also the support anthem for the 93rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, so it likely resonates deeply with people involved in sports.

The lyrics are filled with words that evoke youth, making it a perfect cheer song for junior high and high school students working hard in their clubs and sports.

Sung as if speaking directly to your heart, this track gives courage when you feel like you’re about to lose hope.

Serenade to YouHirose Kōmi

Kohmi Hirose “Serenade to You” — Release on January 15 [TV Tokyo Network Winter Sports 2022]
Serenade to YouHirose Kōmi

This is a song released in 2022—the 30th anniversary of Kohmi Hirose, also known as the “Queen of Winter.” It was selected as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s “Winter Sports 2022.” At a slow tempo, each note is sung with great care.

It’s a cheer song that acknowledges the failures and setbacks behind effort and success, and supports those who keep moving forward step by step without being defeated by them.

With minimal accompaniment—mainly piano—Hirose’s vocals are sure to move you.

Sad Pro BowlerKuwata Keisuke & The Pin Boys

Keisuke Kuwata & The Pin Boys – Sad Pro Bowler (Full ver.)
Sad Pro BowlerKuwata Keisuke & The Pin Boys

This is a song I want people aiming to go pro, and those chasing their dreams, to listen to.

Whether it’s sports or anything else, there are times when you feel like giving up even after all your hard work.

In those moments, this track lets you loosen up, drop your shoulders, and crack a smile.

With a retro, comical vibe, it gently lifts your spirits before you even realize it.

WORLD FOOTBALL ANTHEMGota

FiFa World Cup Official Anthem (2002)
WORLD FOOTBALL ANTHEMGota

The player entrance anthem for international soccer matches.

When this plays as the players come out, it’s so exciting—you can feel their fighting spirit from the stands! It’s a masterpiece loved around the world that even people who aren’t soccer fans have probably heard.

StardomKing Gnu

King Gnu is a four-piece mixture rock band that’s taking the J-POP scene by storm with songs that highlight each member’s exceptional musicianship and vast musical background.

Their sixth single, “Stardom,” chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song in 2022, is a track that steadily builds in intensity and lifts your spirits.

Its message—urging you to reach out if there’s a dream you can’t throw away—gives you that push and amps you up before a battle.

It’s a modern rock tune with brilliant, rapidly shifting arrangements.