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 Anthems (261–270)

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video
Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone

This is a song sung by Mone Kamishiraishi, who is also active as an actress, and it really showcases her exceptional vocal ability.

Singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama wrote and composed the piece.

It was chosen as the support song for the 100th All Japan High School Soccer Championship.

A powerful anthem for those who press on with their dreams while struggling with loneliness and uncertainty, its lyrics feature beautiful Japanese that feels purifying to listen to.

Mone’s voice, both translucent and resonant, even conveys a sense of grandeur.

bullseyeYamamoto Rinda

Linda Yamamoto – Shot at the Target (Official Audio)
bullseyeYamamoto Rinda

The definitive hype song where fiery fighting spirit and sultry allure explode! Linda Yamamoto’s signature track, with its confident vocals and passionate lyrics, inspires everyone devoted to sports.

Released in 1973, the song reached No.

14 on the Oricon chart.

Beloved as a baseball cheer song, it was adopted by the Meiji University cheering squad as well as the Chunichi Dragons and Hanshin Tigers.

In 1991, it brought her back to the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen for the first time in 17 years, a testament to its enduring popularity.

Perfect for getting pumped before a game or strengthening team unity.

Listen to this track, and you’ll be sure to “hit your target” every time!

ANGELUS -Angelus-Shimatani Hitomi

Hitomi Shimatani / ANGELUS [OFFICIAL MV FULL SIZE]
ANGELUS -Angelus-Shimatani Hitomi

This is a song by Hitomi Shimatani that was chosen as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s coverage of the Athens Olympics.

Its up-tempo, rhythmic melody makes it a cheer song that lifts the spirits of athletes and anyone playing sports.

It’s recommended listening before you play or work out.

life-formHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Living Being (Official Video)
life-formHoshino Gen

A single packed with a powerful message that resonates beyond the world of sports and into everyday life.

Released as a digital-only single in August 2023, it was chosen as the theme song for both the World Athletics Championships and the Asian Games.

Gen Hoshino’s warm vocals and life-affirming sound strike a chord.

The lyrics are compelling as they prompt deep reflection on freedom and destiny while encouraging you to reassess yourself amid competition and choices.

This work gently supports everyone striving to overcome adversity.

Give it a listen when you need courage—during training or before an important match.

[To All Athletes] Sports Cheering Songs & Empowering Anthems (271–280)

OmoidamaKanjani∞

This is Kanjani Eight’s 28th single.

It was chosen as the theme song for the 2014 summer high school baseball tournament.

The part sung by all the members matches the footage of hardworking high school ballplayers, making it perfect for sports.

It’s a song that powerfully cheers on everyone who’s giving their all!

Theme of the Unruly ShogunKikuchi Shunsuke

Abarenbo Shogun Opening Theme / Shunsuke Kikuchi: Electone (Solo) / Beginner
Theme of the Unruly ShogunKikuchi Shunsuke

The theme song from the period drama Abarenbō Shōgun, starring Ken Matsudaira as Tokugawa Yoshimune.

It’s also used during sword-fighting scenes.

Since swords are often likened to baseball bats, I think it works perfectly as a baseball cheer song!

You are the star.Sazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – You Are the Star [Official Music Video]
You are the star.Sazan Ōrusutāzu

This work is characterized by a rock sound brimming with exhilaration and a melody whose powerful message strikes straight to the heart.

Released by Southern All Stars in July 2004, the song drew attention as a cheer anthem for the Athens Olympics and as a campaign song for Toyota Motor Corporation.

Created as an encouragement song for Olympic athletes and listeners alike, it instills hope for a radiant future and the courage to take on new challenges.

In 2005, it was selected as the entrance march for the 77th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, powerfully supporting high school ballplayers as they fought with courage and passion.

It’s a quintessential cheer song that resonates not only with baseball lovers, but with everyone striving toward their dreams.