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Lovely sport

Songs that go well with sports

Do you find that many people listen to music while playing sports or right before they start, to boost their focus and motivation?

Some of you might also want to dedicate a song as a cheer anthem for athletes.

But it can be hard to decide which songs actually help improve concentration and motivation—or give you the courage to throw yourself into your sport, right?

In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are perfect for sports!

We’ve picked recommended tracks mainly from those that have been used as theme songs for the Olympics and world championships, so please use this as a reference.

Songs that suit sports (51–60)

flash[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Flash (MV) Theme Song of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash
flash[Alexandros]

[Alexandros]’s song captivates listeners with a rock sound brimming with momentum that soars from the very first line and a grand, expansive scale.

The lyrics, interweaving opposing emotions—anxieties and hopes about growing up, loneliness and bonds, past and future—resonate deeply in the heart.

Released in May 2021 as their 19th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway.

It’s a perfect track not only for dances and events like school sports festivals, but also for moments when you want to elevate each other with your teammates or need the courage to face a new challenge.

Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo

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

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.

Helloyama × bocchiboromaru

yama × Bocchi Boromaru “Hello” MV (TV anime “Pokémon” opening theme)
Helloyama × bocchiboromaru

A heartwarming collaborative piece by yama and Bocchi Boromaru, brimming with positive energy as a rousing anthem.

It carries a message that awakens hope for the future and a spirit of adventure, with a simple yet powerful melody that resonates deeply.

The song is approachable for a wide audience and was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon starting in October 2023.

In December 2023, it was released on CD in two formats: a standard edition and a limited-time production edition.

As a positive track that makes you want to sing along with someone, it’s perfect for cheering at sports days and athletic festivals.

Raise your voices together with friends under the blue sky, and it will surely become a wonderful memory.

The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari

Parachute cloth (paraballoon) / “The Wind is Blowing” by Ikimono-gakari
The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari

This song is characterized by a grand, hope-filled melody and a message that embraces the changing times with positivity.

Even in difficult situations, its powerful determination to keep moving forward, together with the orchestral arrangement, gives courage to listeners.

Released in July 2012 as Ikimono-gakari’s 24th single, it was selected as NHK’s theme song for the London Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts.

The track is also included on the album “I,” captivating audiences with its majestic scale and rich, resonant sound.

It’s a perfect match for parachute-ball (paraballoon) performances as well—its dynamic melody and strong message will highlight children’s energetic movements.

Songs that go well with sports (61–70)

A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

Ukasukazy “A Victorious Smile With You” Music Video
A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

A fusion sound of J-pop and hip-hop overflowing with youthful passion and sportsmanship.

Created by Ukasuka-G, the duo of Kazutoshi Sakurai from Mr.Children and GAKU-MC, this piece sings of the bonds between friends and the courage to take on challenges.

Its powerful message—conveying the resolve to face towering obstacles and the trust in your teammates—resonates deeply.

Released in May 2014 as a lead single from the album AMIGO, it was adopted as an official support song by the Japan Football Association and featured in various tie-ins, including Kirin’s “Japan Linking Arms” commercial song.

It’s a reliable track not only for school sports days and athletic festivals, but also for any moment when you want to strengthen teamwork or strive toward a goal together with your friends.

Heaven and HellOfufenbakku

Its exhilarating melody and lively rhythm make it perfect for a sports day finale.

Born in 19th-century France, this work originated from a story that satirically portrays the absurdities of human society through the gods of Olympus.

With its catchy phrases—familiar to almost everyone—and a performance full of vitality, it puts listeners in a joyful mood.

Premiered in Paris in October 1858, it went on to achieve 228 performances by the following year.

Since then, it has continued to be performed worldwide and used in a variety of settings.

The melodic line, in harmony with the rhythm of running footsteps, will create impeccable timing as an exit march for school sports festivals and athletic meets.

superstarKetsumeishi

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.