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Perfect for: Sports fans, Japan travelers, Japanese learners, and anyone attending live games in Japan
What you’ll learn:
Reading time: 6 minutes
Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly (all phrases include pronunciation guides)
Have you ever wondered what Japanese fans are chanting at baseball games or soccer matches? Watching sports in Japan isn’t just about the game—it’s an unforgettable cultural experience! 🎉
Whether you’re planning to visit Japan, attending a game in Vancouver’s Japanese community, or simply want to connect with Japanese sports culture online, knowing the right phrases transforms you from a spectator into an active participant.
In Japan, sports cheering is:
Let’s dive into the phrases that’ll make you sound like a local fan! 👇
These are your go-to expressions at any Japanese sporting event:
Meaning: “Do your best!” / “Go for it!” / “You got this!”
This is THE most iconic cheering phrase in Japanese sports culture. You’ll hear it constantly at every level—from elementary school sports days to professional leagues. It’s wholesome, encouraging, and universally understood. 💚
Pro tip: Drag out the “e” sound for extra enthusiasm: “Ganbareeee!” 📣
Meaning: “Go!” / “Let’s go!” / “Do it now!”
Short, punchy, and powerful! Use this when action is happening RIGHT NOW—a player about to shoot, a runner about to score, or during fast-paced moments. The extended “ē” sound adds urgency and excitement. ⚡
Meaning: “Fight!” (meaning “Give it your all!”, not literal fighting)
A beloved Japanese-English hybrid word used everywhere in Japan—not just sports! It’s encouraging and uplifting, similar to “Let’s go!” or “You can do it!” in English. Sometimes you’ll hear fans chant “Faito! Faito!” repeatedly. 💪✨
Want to cheer for someone specific? Here’s how:
Example: 日本、がんばれ！(Nihon, ganbare!) – “Go Japan!”
Simply insert the team name or player name before “ganbare!” This works for:
Meaning: “We’re counting on you!” / “It’s all up to you!”
This carries more weight than ganbare—use it during crucial moments when everything depends on one player. Perfect for penalty kicks, final innings, or championship points. 🎯
Meaning: “Number ◯, go!”
Don’t know player names? No problem! Japanese jerseys always show numbers clearly. Just say “roku-ban, ike!” (Number 6, go!) or “jū-ban, ike!” (Number 10, go!). 👕
Japanese baseball fans are legendary for their organized cheering sections, coordinated chants, and musical instruments. Here’s what you’ll hear: 🥁
Meaning: “Give us a home run!” / “We need a homer!”
Shouted when a strong batter steps up to the plate. The crowd often stands, clapping rhythmically in anticipation. Baseball is HUGE in Japan—understanding these phrases connects you to over 100 years of baseball tradition! ⚾🇯🇵
Meaning: “Nice batting!” / “Great hit!”
Another Japanese-English hybrid! Used immediately after a good hit—single, double, triple, or home run. You can also say “ナイスピッチング!” (Naisu picchingu!) for excellent pitching. 👏
Meaning: “Hold the defense!” / “Protect the lead!”
Chanted when your team is ahead and needs to prevent the opposition from scoring. Often repeated: “Mamore! Mamore! Mamore!” with increasing intensity. 🛡️
Fun fact: Japanese high school baseball (Koshien) is a national obsession, and these phrases echo through packed stadiums every summer! 🌸
When the action never stops, these phrases keep the energy flowing:
Meaning: “Push! Push!” / “Keep the pressure on!”
Perfect for soccer when your team is attacking or volleyball when you’re dominating. The repetition adds rhythm: “Ose! Ose! Ose!” 🔥
Meaning: “It’s a chance!” / “Opportunity!”
From English “chance”—Japanese fans shout this when the team is close to scoring. In volleyball, it’s used when the setter has a perfect opportunity. The entire crowd might yell this together! 🎯
Meaning: “Don’t worry!” / “Shake it off!” / “No problem!”
From English “don’t mind”—this is incredibly important in Japanese sports culture. When a player makes a mistake, fans immediately shout “Donmai!” to encourage them. It shows the supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere of Japanese sports. 💙
This might be the most culturally significant phrase on this list—it reflects Japan’s emphasis on encouragement over criticism. 🌟
The crowd erupts! Here’s what to shout:
Meaning: “We did it!” / “Yes!!” / “Woohoo!”
Pure joy in two syllables! Often shouted with arms raised. You’ll hear this at the exact moment of a goal or victory. 🙌
Meaning: “Amazing!” / “Incredible!” / “Awesome!”
Used for impressive plays—stunning goals, amazing saves, or unexpected comebacks. This word works in daily life too, making it super useful for learners! ✨
Meaning: “The best!” / “Incredible!” / “Perfect!”
Reserved for truly exceptional moments. When someone scores a game-winning goal or makes an impossible save, the crowd roars “Saikō!” It means “highest” or “maximum” in Japanese. 🏆
These conversational phrases add authenticity:
Meaning: “Did you see that!?” / “Did you catch that!?”
Fans say this to each other after unbelievable plays. It’s a bonding moment—turning to nearby fans with excitement. Perfect for making friends at games! 👀
Meaning: “So close!” / “Almost!” / “That was close!”
Said with a collective groan when shots hit the goalpost, catches are almost made, or plays nearly succeed. The crowd often sighs “Aaaah, oshii!” together. 😩
Meaning: “We can still do this!” / “It’s not over!” / “There’s still time!”
Shouted when your team is behind but still has a chance. It keeps spirits high and shows the never-give-up attitude of Japanese sports fans. 💪🔥
Unlike Western sports where fans cheer spontaneously, Japanese stadiums often have designated “ōendan” (organized cheering sections) with:
Even during intense rivalries, Japanese fans:
The beautiful thing? Most cheering phrases are short, repetitive, and easy to learn! Even with basic Japanese, you can participate fully. Fans welcome foreigners joining chants—it’s seen as respectful cultural engagement. 🤝
Many stadiums also sell English programs and have helpful staff who can teach you team chants. Don’t be shy! 😊
Knowing these phrases helps you:
Vancouver has a vibrant Japanese community with:
Using these phrases connects you deeper with this community! 🍁🇯🇵
Want to practice these phrases? Check out:
⚾ Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
⚽ J.League (Soccer)
🏐 V.League (Volleyball)
🏀 B.League (Basketball)
🏉 Rugby
Many games are streamable internationally, and watch parties happen in major cities worldwide! 📱
Learning Japanese cheering phrases isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary—it’s about understanding a culture that values:
When you shout “Ganbare!” at a game, you’re participating in something bigger than sports—you’re experiencing Japanese cultural values in action.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands at a Tokyo Dome baseball game, watching J.League at home in Vancouver, or attending a community volleyball match, these phrases connect you authentically with millions of passionate Japanese sports fans. ⚾⚽🏐
So next time you watch Japanese sports—don’t just watch. Participate. Feel the energy. Shout with the crowd. You’ll discover that sports truly are a universal language, and with these phrases, you’re fluent! 🗣️🇯🇵
Ready to cheer? がんばれ！ 📣✨
Ready to become a true Japanese sports fan? Start with one phrase today and build from there. Before you know it, you’ll be cheering like a local! がんばれ！🎌
Have more questions? Feel free to explore more Japanese language and culture content on NihongoKnow.com!
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