[Hype Songs] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! A curated selection of tracks that boost motivation
It’s no exaggeration to say that music is an essential element in enjoying sports.
For athletes, especially those facing an important match, music plays a crucial role in daily mental care as well.
This time, we’ve selected a variety of tracks—both Japanese and international—for people who enjoy sports regularly and for athletes alike.
Rather than focusing on sports-related themes, we picked songs based on lyrics and sounds that boost motivation, so if you like high-energy tracks, you’re sure to find some favorites.
Now then, please sit back and enjoy!
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- Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
[Pump-Up Songs] A Must-Listen for Athletes and Sports Fans! Carefully Selected Motivation-Boosting Tracks (71–80)
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
A song released by Kenshi Yonezu in January 2025 as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist,” set in the world of figure skating.
Its driving rhythm and powerful melody vividly capture the heat and dynamism of sport.
Yonezu, a fan of the original work, personally approached the production to create the theme, reflecting his deep affection for the series.
The themes of “challenge” and “growth” depicted here resonate strongly with listeners, alongside the skaters who shine on the ice.
When it was first unveiled in the anime’s non-credit opening sequence, it drew a huge response, amplified by the characters’ passionate performance scenes.
It’s a perfect track for anyone striving through sports or aiming for a goal together with their teammates.
Unstoppable ha~haYazawa Eikichi
Eikichi Yazawa is one of Japan’s most iconic rock singers.
While he’s hugely popular among people in their 40s and 50s, he still has many younger fans as well—a truly legendary rocker.
Among his songs, one I especially recommend for moments like before a match is “Tomaranai ha~ha.” It’s one of his signature works, memorable for lyrics and a melody that, beneath their cool swagger, convey a uniquely masculine sense of danger and honesty.
Many of you may know it as the entrance song used by Tenshin Nasukawa.
NO.1UVERworld
A rock track that shakes the soul, infused with unwavering will and resolve.
Packed with an obsession for victory and an unshakable passion for making dreams come true, this work was released in November 2010 as UVERworld’s 17th single.
It is also included on the albums “LIFE 6 SENSE” and “ALL TIME BEST – MEMBER BEST -,” and reached No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart.
A song that empowers everyone determined to uphold their convictions and charge toward their goals.
Perfect for those moments when you need to fire yourself up before an important challenge.
[Hype-Inducing Tracks] A Must-Listen for Athletes and Sports Fans! Carefully Selected Motivation-Boosting Songs (81–90)
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
It’s a song themed around youth and graduation, and I think its message of chasing your dreams without giving up is perfect for athletes.
It’s truly a great song.
Takako Okamura’s voice is soothing, with all unnecessary tension melting away.
I believe it can encourage you to relax your shoulders and do your best.
Critical HitRADWIMPS
A rousing anthem that fills you with positivity and the courage to take on new challenges.
Featured on RADWIMPS’ December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to,” this song questions how we face our true feelings and the choices we make in life.
It gives soulful voice—over a powerful, hard-hitting rock sound—to the inner conflict between social success and what you truly want to do, using the metaphor of a baseball game.
The exhilarating guitar riffs, rhythmic drums, and piercing, forceful melody will inspire you to push your limits.
The music video, shot in a ballpark with 1,500 extras, is also a must-see.
It’s the perfect track when you want to give your all with your teammates at a sports day, or when you’re ready to step up and face a crucial challenge.
I Wish For YouEXILE
It’s a hit song by EXILE, a popular dance and vocal group.
It became a hot topic when it was chosen as the theme song for TBS’s World Volleyball.
Its upbeat lyrics and melody naturally lift listeners’ spirits.
It’s a cheer song for athletes.
To the place of dreamsw-inds.
Released in 2005 as w-inds.’ 14th single.
The song was used as the image song for NTV’s 83rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s an uplifting track that encourages players as they train, dreaming of reaching the National Stadium, the sacred stage of high school soccer.