[WBC] Relive that excitement! A comprehensive roundup of theme songs, cheer songs, and walk-up music [2026]

Keep smilingBEGIN with Ahonasutāzu

BEGIN with Ahonastars / Just Keep Smiling

Set to a warm sound that evokes the breeze of Okinawa, the sight of pitcher Hiromi Miyagi heading to the mound is truly striking.

The single “Egao no Manma,” created through a collaboration between Sanma Akashiya and BEGIN, was released in 2009.

Packed with the sentiment “Just being alive is profit enough,” its lyrics overflow with the power to laugh things off and keep moving forward no matter what.

The song was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Sanma no Manma” and in commercials, and is also included on the album “3LDK.” Give it a listen when you’re feeling down after a setback or need a boost—you’ll surely find yourself smiling naturally!

Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuZARD

Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku

A popular ZARD number in which they self-covered a song whose lyrics they had provided to FIELD OF VIEW.

Izumi Sakai’s clear, soaring vocals and the exhilarating, fast-paced arrangement make this a refreshing pop tune that feels like a gentle push forward.

Featured on the 1996 album “TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY,” the track is also widely known for its melody as the theme song of the anime Dragon Ball GT, and it continues to be loved by many fans.

In professional baseball, it’s used by Orix Buffaloes player Kenya Wakatsuki as his walk-up song, recognized as a clutch tune that instantly ramps up the stadium’s energy.

Its positive lyrics and bright sound are perfect for moments when you need courage, and it’s also a great pick when you want to liven things up with everyone at karaoke.

Battle Without Honor or HumanityHotei Tomoyasu

Battle Without Honor Or Humanity

This is a work by Tomoyasu Hotei—legendary guitarist known for his role in the rock band BOØWY—who continues to be active both in Japan and abroad.

It’s widely known as the theme song for Quentin Tarantino’s film Kill Bill, but did you know it was originally composed as the main theme for the 2000 Japanese film New Battles Without Honor and Humanity? Brimming with a “low-temperature burn” kind of slow-building tension that steadily fires up the listener, the piece is also familiar from TV Asahi’s WBC broadcasts.

Its thrilling guitar riff, which evokes the imminence of battle, elevates the spirits of players and fans alike—truly a masterpiece Japan can proudly present to the world.

Sugar!!Fujifaburikku

Fujifabric – Sugar!!

This is a Fuji Fabric track featuring a band sound brimming with momentum and shimmering synthesizer tones that feel delightful.

There’s an anecdote that, although it was originally written to cheer someone on, it ultimately became a song to rouse the singer himself—and that really speaks to the song’s power, doesn’t it? The lyrics, which affirm charging forward with all you’ve got, stir up a fighting spirit as you listen.

Released in April 2009 as their 11th single, it was chosen as the theme song for that year’s WBC broadcasts, etching itself into the memories of many baseball fans.

It’s a highly recommended track before an important match or when you need that extra push of courage.

Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise OrchestraMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION – Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

A super-energetic track that makes your body move before you know it.

MAN WITH A MISSION, the “wolf band,” teams up with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra for a fiery, grand rock number.

The song debuted in February 2018 and was later included on the acclaimed album Chasing the Horizon.

In 2023, it was selected as the theme song for Prime Video’s broadcast of the World Baseball Classic, and it also drew attention as the official theme song for the HITO-Communications Sunwolves Super Rugby team in 2018.

It’s a perfect track to get pumped up before a game.

Miracle Revolution No. 9Fujifaburikku

Fujifabric “Miracle Revolution No. 9”

This song is an absolute blast, with a whirlwind of a composition that unfolds like a circus! Its mysterious melody—where humor intersects with a serious rock ballad—feels just like a game developing into an unscripted drama.

Released in February 2023, it colored many iconic moments as the broadcast theme song for J SPORTS during that year’s WBC.

Its enigmatic yet positive worldview seems to give you the power to spark a miraculous revolution.

It’s the perfect track to lift your spirits at a crucial moment, believing in a dramatic comeback and cheering with all your heart!

My PlaceFuji Kaze

My Place

This is a song by Fujii Kaze that was selected for the tracklist of the official soundtrack album “2026 World Baseball Classic.” If you followed the WBC closely, you probably heard it many times, right? Released in March 2026, it’s a track created by an impressively star-studded lineup, featuring a world-renowned producer from the Latin music scene.

The lyrics, where English and Japanese blend naturally, sing of the passionate feelings born at the crossroads of cultures from various countries.

Its energetic sound—uniting audiences’ hearts beyond language barriers—leaves a strong impression.

It’s a positive message song that embraces the many places and roles of all who cheer.