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

SEPARATE WAYSJourney

Journey – Separate Ways [with Japanese Subtitles]

When it comes to TBS’s WBC broadcasts, it has to be that classic by Journey! The moment that memorable intro starts playing, the vivid memories of those fierce battles for the world title come flooding back.

Although this song, released in January 1983, is actually about a sorrowful breakup with a lover, its emotional tone perfectly overlaps with the fighting spirit of players carrying their nations on their backs, creating peak excitement.

Don’t you feel that the same awe and thrill rise up in your chest again when you hear the song that has colored countless iconic moments as the theme since the 2009 tournament?

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.

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.

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!