[Sumo Songs] Theme Songs that Excite the Dohyō and Title Tracks that Color the Story
Sumo, a traditional Japanese culture.
There are surprisingly many songs related to sumo—familiar TV broadcast theme tunes, as well as theme songs from anime, dramas, and films that feature sumo.
In this article, we’re spotlighting songs connected to sumo! From majestic pieces that make you sit up straight to melodies with a friendly, familiar feel, we’ve gathered a wide variety.
They’re sure to make watching sumo even more enjoyable and spark even greater interest in the sport, so be sure to check them out.
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[Sumo Songs] Theme Songs That Fire Up the Dohyo and Opening Themes That Color the Story (1–10)
Speedin’ feat. MC TYSON, SWAY, R-ShiteiAK-69
AK-69, widely supported by many athletes, uses real words grounded in his own experiences that inspire those living in the world of competition.
“Speedin’ feat.
MC TYSON, SWAY, R-Shitei” is a track included on the album “LIVE : live,” released in August 2020, and it was chosen as the theme song for AbemaTV’s sumo program.
With a “car” motif, it features a thrilling relay of verses from a star-studded lineup—MC TYSON, SWAY, and R-Shitei from Creepy Nuts.
The lyrics depict a resolve like stepping on the accelerator with one’s life on the line, radiating an intensity that mirrors the fighting spirit of sumo wrestlers heading into the ring, their battlefield.
Listen to it before a do-or-die moment, and you’ll feel the power surge through you.
Hakkiyoi! Grand Sumo: Hiyono-yama Counting SongNihon Sumō Kyōkai
This song was created with the wish to share the fun of professional sumo with children.
It’s a counting song that lets you enjoyably learn sumo movements and terminology in rhythm.
The melody is friendly for kids, yet it’s a warm tune that also makes adults feel nostalgic.
Released by the Japan Sumo Association in January 2012, it’s performed by the Oyakata All Stars, a group of former star wrestlers who became stablemasters.
Produced as a PR song for the official character “Hakkeyoi! Sekitori-kun,” it features a must-hear, star-studded arrangement in which ten stablemasters take turns singing in relay fashion!
The place where the sun risesOmede-tai atama de nani yori
Its hot sound that makes your fighting spirit surge just by listening is truly captivating.
The lyrics, which sing of an obsession with victory and a positive mindset, give you a powerful push forward.
Released in October 2018 as the band’s second major single, this track was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Hinomaru Sumo, which centers on sumo wrestling.
The band’s loud, characteristic performance meshes perfectly with the world of the series.
It’s also included on the January 2019 album Omedetai Atama de Naniyori 1.
Why not give it a listen when you’re facing a crucial moment or want to fire yourself up?
[Sumo Songs] Theme Music That Fires Up the Dohyo and Theme Songs That Color the Story (11–20)
Sumo ExerciseKeroponzu
A gymnastics song loved as a warm-up before sports days and recitals at nursery schools and kindergartens.
It’s a fun track featuring the spirited shouts unique to sumo and strong, bracing movements.
Created by Keropons, known for producing many unique play songs.
Since being included on the book-linked CD “CD Keropons no Asobi Neta 3,” released in February 2006, it has continued to be popular in childcare settings, and was also included on the best-of album “Everyday Asobo! Keropons BEST,” released in July 2019.
With easy-to-follow choreography that gets kids moving their bodies in big ways, it’s perfect for loosening up both hearts and bodies.
Even without complicated instructions from teachers, once the music starts, everyone can get into character as sumo wrestlers and have a great time together.
Divine Wind -KAMIKAZE-AK-69
AK-69, who commands overwhelming support not only within hip-hop but also from many athletes.
His song “Divine Wind -KAMIKAZE-” blends lyrics infused with a fierce resolve to live as if ready to die with an aggressive beat that ignites the listener’s fighting spirit.
It’s included on the 2019 album THE ANTHEM and was chosen as the theme song for AbemaTV’s “Grand Sumo LIVE.” With a weighty presence that mirrors the intensity of sumo, it was also selected as a rugby support song—truly an anthem for warriors.
When you’re facing a do-or-die moment or need courage, it’s sure to give you a powerful push forward.
THE RED MAGICAK-69
AK-69 fires up countless hearts with lyrics that stay true to his convictions.
That relentless, disciplined stance resonates with sumo wrestlers who train hard every day.
This track is known as the title song from his album “THE RED MAGIC,” released in January 2011.
Hoisting his signature color, red, it’s an anthem overflowing with the fighting spirit to seize the summit.
Its aggressive beat and soul-charged flow instantly crank up the listener’s voltage.
It was also used as the theme song for AbemaTV’s Grand Sumo broadcasts, so it’s likely familiar to sumo fans as well.
It’s a high-energy track you’ll want to play when you’re about to face a do-or-die moment and need to fire yourself up!
So sad I can’t bear itootaka shizuru
This is a famous cover by Shizuru Ohtaka, whose heartrending poignancy and crystal-clear vocals truly resonate.
Released as a single in January 1992, it was used as the theme song for the film “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t,” which centers on college sumo.
While the movie portrays young people dedicating themselves to the sport, the song’s presence adds a deep afterglow and emotional nuance to the story.
Reimagining a classic folk song originally sung by The Folk Crusaders, this version is rebuilt with her uniquely borderless vocal timbre.
The futility of everyday life and the shifting moods of the sky seem to quietly seep into the heart through her voice.
It’s the perfect track when you want to feel both the passion of fierce bouts in the ring and the bittersweet undertones of youth that lie behind them.