In a major announcement for Japanese football fans and music lovers alike, Nippon Television has revealed that iconic rock duo B'z will serve as the official theme song artist for its FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage. The network confirmed it will provide live national broadcasts for 15 matches throughout the tournament, with a key fixture being Japan's crucial Group Stage second match against Tunisia, scheduled for June 21st at 1:00 PM Japan time.
B'z, comprised of guitarist Tak Matsumoto and vocalist Koshi Inaba, will be crafting a brand-new, original song specifically for the network's soccer broadcasts. This move places the legendary duo at the sonic heart of the World Cup viewing experience for millions of Japanese fans tuning into Nippon TV. The band's involvement signals the network's commitment to delivering a high-energy, emotionally resonant broadcast package for the global sporting event.
In a joint statement, Matsumoto and Inaba shared the profound inspiration behind their contribution. "While this is a massive tournament where winning is the primary mission," they commented, "we could not help but wish for a world where, beyond the dividing line of victory and defeat, people can connect with one another as we live through this reality. We send a huge round of applause to the players who show us courage and hope." Their words frame the song not just as a celebration of competition, but as a tribute to the unifying spirit of the sport.
The announcement is part of a broader trend of major Japanese broadcasters and organizations securing top-tier musical talent for the World Cup. Public broadcaster NHK has previously announced it will use a song titled "Karasu" (Crow) by Kenshi Yonezu. Streaming giant DAZN has also locked in ORANGE RANGE to provide its theme song, the title of which has yet to be revealed.
The musical landscape surrounding Japan's national team campaign is equally star-studded. A special collaborative unit named JI BLUE, formed by members of popular groups JO1 and INI, has been tapped to perform the official theme song for the Samurai Blue's "Best Scenery 2026" campaign. Their song, titled "Keshiki" (Scenery), will accompany the team's journey. Furthermore, global sensation Ado will provide the soundtrack for the team's official kit, with her song "Kirahira" serving as the anthem for the 2026 Japan national team uniforms produced by Adidas.
For Nippon TV, securing an act of B'z's stature is a significant coup. With a career spanning over three decades and a record-breaking number of number-one singles in Japan, the duo brings immense cultural weight and recognition to the broadcast. Their new song will undoubtedly become synonymous with the network's World Cup coverage, setting the tone for pre-match build-ups, highlight reels, and post-game analysis.
The specific match schedule Nippon TV will carry includes 15 live games. While the full list is not detailed, the confirmed broadcast of the Japan vs. Tunisia match is a highlight. This fixture is part of Japan's Group Stage campaign, and its broadcast on a major free-to-air network ensures maximum accessibility for fans across the country to support their national team.
This wave of musical announcements underscores the immense commercial and cultural importance of the FIFA World Cup in Japan. Broadcasters and brands are investing heavily in creating a comprehensive and immersive experience for viewers, using original music from the nation's biggest artists to build excitement, foster national pride, and capture the emotional rollercoaster of the tournament. The competition for viewers' attention is as fierce off the pitch as the matches themselves.
Based on reporting from サッカーキング.
