![[TOKYO 2020] Summary of Theme Songs and Cheer/Support Songs for the Tokyo Olympics](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/mTMs1S5td74/maxresdefault.webp)
[TOKYO 2020] Summary of Theme Songs and Cheer/Support Songs for the Tokyo Olympics
Postponed for a year due to the coronavirus, the Tokyo Olympics were held in 2021.
Broadcasters boosted the Olympic spirit through music—by setting their own theme songs and featuring Olympic-themed cheer songs in commercials for partner companies.
In this article, we’ll introduce the theme songs used by each broadcaster, the tracks featured in partner company commercials, and other music connected to the Tokyo Olympics.
As you listen to the songs we’re about to introduce, it’s a great chance to look back on the Tokyo Olympics’ most memorable moments!
[TOKYO 2020] Compilation of Tokyo Olympic theme songs and cheer songs (1–10)
Kitearashi
This song was created as the NHK 2020 song and the theme song for the Tokyo Olympics.
The lyrics and composition were done by Kenshi Yonezu, a hugely popular singer-songwriter, and it’s performed by the beloved national idol group Arashi.
The narrative-style lyrics, so characteristic of Yonezu, evoke vivid images as you listen.
Centered on themes of nostalgia and hope for the future, the words are well worth a careful read.
The slightly quirky melody line also carries Yonezu’s signature touch and is really charming.
SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke
Created as a support song for the Tokyo Olympics commercial broadcasters’ joint project “Let’s Do This Together,” this track was crafted by Keisuke Kuwata, who is also active as the lead vocalist of Southern All Stars.
The lyrics express hope for the future while offering encouragement to athletes, the public, and the recovery efforts following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Kuwata’s warm, husky voice is captivating, and the leisurely, dignified melody leaves a strong impression—it’s a song that makes you feel braver as you listen.
ColorfulColorful
In the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, artists from Japan and abroad are collaborating! Coca-Cola has formed a group called “Team Coca-Cola” and launched an official song project.
The song is titled “Colorful,” produced by music producer Ryosuke Imai.
It features 14 artists, including AI, Motohiro Hata, Perfume, and TAEMIN from SHINee.
The song embodies the shared hearts and spirits connected through sports.
Its dazzling melody is reminiscent of an Olympic opening or closing ceremony and leaves a strong impression.
You can feel the determination to take steady steps forward toward a brilliant future.
Tokyo ~ NTT Docomo Style ’20SILENT POETS feat. 5lack
This is a song featured as the Olympic commercial track for docomo.
It’s a passionate piece with a track by SILENT POETS over which 5lack lays his rap.
The chorus that repeatedly calls out “Tokyo,” along with the arrangement that seems to awaken the great metropolis, naturally stirs the heart.
Notably, this commercial won the ADC Award, which honors outstanding advertising in Japan.
paprikaFoorin
Starting from NHK’s Minna no Uta and skyrocketing in popularity, this song produced by Kenshi Yonezu features positive lyrics and a familiar melody that fit perfectly with the Olympics.
The Tokyo Olympics, symbolizing the stage of dreams, and this song, which supports those who have dreams, seem to be a true dream collaboration!
Welcome OneMISIA
The song playing in JRA’s commercial “TOGETHER! Show Jumping from Around the World” is MISIA’s “Welcome One.” Released digitally in 2021, the track is memorable for MISIA’s soaring, radiant vocals that seem to break through the ceiling.
It carries a brilliance that feels like it’s energizing the equestrian competitions to the fullest.
The lyrics overflow with the determination to fill your heart with dreams and strive toward a future full of hope.
Dream of becoming your No.1 self to come, and let this song give you strength!
Japanese spiritWANIMA
This is the song contributed to the online event “Wassai,” hosted by the Tokyo 2020 Nippon Festival.
Unlike WANIMA’s usual tracks, the melodic hardcore elements are toned down, and as the title suggests, it carries a distinctly Japanese vibe.
It even evokes the feel of a festival bon odori.
Still, with its irresistible urge to make you dance and its positive lyrics, the song delivers the energetic and fun atmosphere that’s quintessentially WANIMA.
Gentle skyTsujii Nobuyuki
This piece was created as the VISION theme song for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sponsored by Olympic partner ANA, it was composed by internationally acclaimed pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, with the theme “A sky that is kind to everyone.” Although it’s a piano instrumental, its catchy melody line is striking—so memorable you’ll find yourself humming it after just one listen! Tsujii’s gentle, beautiful piano tone shines in this remarkable track.
Tokyo Olympic Ondo -2020-Ishikawa Sayuri, Kayama Yuzo, Takehara Pisutoru
The Olympic theme song “Tokyo Gorin Ondo,” which was released in 1964 when the Olympics were last held in Japan, was remade and re-released in 2017 as “Tokyo Gorin Ondo -2020-.” In this version, it is sung by Sayuri Ishikawa, Yuzo Kayama, and Pistol Takehara.
The parts each of them sings have melodies arranged to match their usual musical styles.
The lyrics have also been adapted for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In the music video released on YouTube, the traditional ondō dance choreography is introduced as well, so let’s dance along and help build excitement for Tokyo 2020!
RinKanjani∞
A powerful cheering song by Kanjani Eight that portrays people who keep striving toward their goals out of the spotlight.
It was chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and has continued to be used frequently on sports programs across the Fuji TV network.
The song depicts both offering words of encouragement that empathize with the feelings of athletes and rallying together with spectators through shared excitement, making it a track that stirs the heart no matter which perspective you listen from.
