[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.
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[To All Athletes] Sports Cheering Songs & Empowering Theme Tracks (41–50)
FLY AGAIN 2019MAN WITH A MISSION
“FLY AGAIN” is one of MAN WITH’s signature songs.
It’s a staple at both concerts and festivals, where everyone raises their hands and dances during the chorus.
The song was also chosen as the official cheer anthem for Japan’s rugby team, the Sunwolves, in 2019.
Just like the title “FLY AGAIN” suggests, the lyrics encourage you to take off and rise again, even if you’ve fallen or felt discouraged.
It couldn’t be a more perfect fit for a cheer song.
[To All Athletes] Sports Cheer Songs & Empowering Theme Tracks (51–60)
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
Released as Road of Major’s first indie single, this track achieved a rare feat for an indie release by staying in the Oricon Top 10 for nine consecutive weeks.
While it wasn’t specifically used at sports events, following the lyrics gives you the sense that it’s a song that can push you forward—whether practice is tough or you’ve lost a match.
When sports feel truly overwhelming, playing a song like this in your heart might help you get through it.
Soul RevolutionSuperfly
The energetic sound and vocals give you power! This is a track by the music unit Superfly, released digitally in 2010.
It became a hot topic when it was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s soccer programs centered around the FIFA World Cup held that same year.
You can feel the passion in the melody, the tone—everything.
With lyrics that declare, “I’ll carve out my own path!”, its strong message makes it a masterpiece that fills you with tremendous courage.
Perfect for when you want to pump yourself up!
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
A staple of baseball cheer songs! This is a signature track by the music group FUNKY MONKEY BABYS.
It was released in 2010 as their 14th single.
Beloved in many settings—such as being chosen as the theme song for a high school baseball program and used as entrance music by professional players—it’s a classic.
Its uplifting lyrics, which make you feel like you’ll never give up and will charge toward your goals, fit any sport.
Many people probably sing it often at karaoke, too.
Runnerbakufū suranpu
This is a classic song that overlays the unspoken feelings of young people with the image of running forward.
Released in October 1988, it became a huge hit as an insert song for Nippon TV’s “Tensai! Takeshi no Genki ga Deru TV.” It was also used in a commercial for Hitachi Video’s “MASTACS,” earning love from a wide audience.
It’s perfect not only for athletes but also for anyone striving toward a goal or looking to boost their motivation.
Its exhilarating melody and powerful lyrics will give you a strong push from behind.
Don’t give upZARD
Here is ZARD’s sixth single, released in 1993.
It was originally written as a love song cheering on someone going far away, but since it was used as the ending theme for the quiz show “The 13th All-Japan High School Quiz Championship,” as the entrance march for the 66th Spring National High School Baseball Tournament, and sung just before the finish line of the 24-Hour Television charity marathon, it’s become strongly associated with being a sports cheer song.
ECHOLittle Glee Monster
This song, which served as the theme for NHK’s Rugby World Cup held in Japan in 2019, is performed by Little Glee Monster, a group formed through the “Saikyō Uta Shōjo Audition.” Their powerful harmonies and vocals are truly impressive.
The song also won an Excellence Award at the 61st Japan Record Awards and was performed on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, stirring the hearts of people across the nation.
With sports theme songs, just hearing the music can replay the tournament’s iconic moments in your mind.