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

HAVE A NICE DAYBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Have A Nice Day

A song by BON JOVI, the American hard rock band that has achieved massive global success and enjoys overwhelming popularity in Japan.

It’s the title track from their 9th album, Have a Nice Day, which debuted at No.

1 on Japan’s Oricon chart.

Despite its upbeat phrase, the song channels a defiant spirit that refuses easy compromise, and its ironic message, carried by powerful guitar work, resonates deeply.

The track was used for the finale of J-Sports’ highlight program covering the inaugural World Baseball Classic (WBC), syncing with memories of the players’ fierce battles and leaving a lasting impression on many baseball fans.

It’s a powerful rock tune worthy of being called an anthem for the soul.

The Greatest ShowThe Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman Cast – The Greatest Show (Official Audio)

The 2017 film The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman.

This is the number that opens the film in grand fashion.

Its powerful message, as if ushering the audience into the greatest show about to begin, unites the fighting spirit of athletes aiming to be the best in the world with the excitement of those who cheer them on.

Baseball fans may also remember that it was used as Shohei Ohtani’s walk-up song in the 2023 WBC.

If you listen to it at the climax of a game or at a crucial moment when you want to fire yourself up, it will give you the courage to deliver your best performance.

to the point of achieving that goalEiki

Up to the point of achieving that goal

A solo number by Eiki, the frontman of SIAM SHADE who helped lead the ’90s rock scene.

With a piercing high-tone voice and a sense of exhilarating speed, this rock tune stirs the listener’s heart.

The lyrics affirm the pain behind victory and depict a strong will to aim for the goal nonetheless, delivering a message that ignites a fighting spirit.

The song colored all 47 thrilling games as the J SPORTS theme during the 2013 WBC.

It’s a track that will push you forward with power—not only before a match, but whenever you’re facing challenges.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

There are times at life’s turning points when you’re unsure which path to take.

GReeeeN’s major-label debut single, released in January 2007, is a rousing anthem that gives you a powerful push forward in those moments.

In addition to being used as the theme for TBS’s “CDTV,” the song also has strong ties to baseball; it’s known for being Yu Darvish’s walk-up song when he led the team during the 2023 WBC.

If you’re striving toward a goal but find yourself frozen by anxiety, this is the one song you should listen to.

HOMAREryo

Ryo｢HOMARE｣MV

An intro that starts quietly and weightily heightens the tension, and the structure that lets emotions burst forth all at once in the chorus makes this a striking number.

Because it’s sung by Ryo, who has a background as a former high school baseball player, each lyric that treats teammates, dreams, and hope as his own honor carries strong conviction.

This work was produced by Ryo’s uncle, Shuichi Ikemori of DEEN, and was released in September 2016.

As the theme song for TBS’s broadcast of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, it colored numerous iconic moments and is etched in the memories of many baseball fans.

gentianWANIMA

WANIMA "Rindou" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This is a rock ballad by the Kumamoto-born trio WANIMA—quiet yet powerfully prayerful.

KENTA’s straightforward vocals really grab your heart, don’t they? The song is included on the album COMINATCHA!!, released in October 2019.

Many people may have heard it as an insert song in the drama Namba MG5.

During the 2023 WBC, it was also used as the walk-up song for Munetaka Murakami, who is likewise from Kumamoto.

A song that stands beside those who carry loneliness or anxiety, it became a powerful push forward.

When you’re going through something tough, this will surely be a track that gives you the courage to keep moving.

Tracks of HopeSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Tracks of Hope [Live at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL, 2018]

A pop-rock number by Southern All Stars that bursts with a sense of speed from its piano solo intro.

It was also used as the walk-up song for Kazuma Okamoto, who starred as a key slugger for Samurai Japan in the 2023 WBC.

The lyrics, which sing of hope for tomorrow seen from a train window heading toward the future while carrying past memories and bittersweet feelings, seem to mirror the resolve of an athlete bearing their hometown as they take on the world.

The track appears as an insert song in the film Inamura Jane, directed by Keisuke Kuwata and released in September 1990, and is included on the classic album Inamura Jane.

It’s also a great pick for anyone who wants to fire themselves up in crucial moments!