[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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- [Baseball Songs] A collection of cheer songs and theme music for high school baseball, professional baseball, and Samurai Japan
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- Songs that make you feel positive when you listen. Top recommended cheer and positive tracks.
- [Fighting Spirit] Fired up! Spotlight on entrance themes of fighters and martial artists
- Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
[Hype-Inducing Tracks] A Must-Listen for Athletes and Sports Fans! Carefully Selected Motivation-Boosting Songs (81–90)
Flying BAK-69
AK-69, a rapper representing Nagoya.
With his melodic flow and nationwide popularity despite being independent, he’s one of the most popular rappers in Japan.
Among his works, the track I particularly recommend to athletes is “Flying B.” It portrays someone clawing their way up from rock bottom to success, and it continues to be supported by many listeners, especially men.
Be sure to check it out.
Get fired upDaikoku Maki
Maki Ohguro’s songs can really fire you up.
Just like the title suggests, this track seriously raises your energy and voltage.
It was even used as an Olympic theme song.
It’s an incredibly cool song, and I hope you’ll listen to it when you want to get pumped up—before a match or during practice.
FireworkKaty Perry
This is a song that gives courage to those who can’t take the first step, telling them, “A wonderful future is waiting for you!” When you’ve practiced so hard before a match but still can’t find your confidence, or when your opponent suddenly seems intimidating and you waver, listen to this track and fire yourself up! A shining result will surely follow!
life-formHoshino Gen
A powerful song that awakens your fighting spirit.
Written, composed, and arranged by Gen Hoshino, this track delivers a life-affirming message that resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in August 2023 and selected as the theme song for both the World Athletics Championships and the Asian Games, it teaches the importance of discovering yourself amid competition and choices, and of affirming your own way of life and existence.
It’s perfect to play before an important match or any high-pressure moment—and equally recommended for those times in everyday life when you want to fire yourself up.
Why not give it a listen?
Story of Our LifeHirai Dai
This is a track from the album “ON THE ROAD.” Hirai’s soothing voice and the sound of an acoustic guitar are a perfect fit for a commercial promoting eye drops for tired or aging eyes that have become less clear with age.
Early in the lyrics, there are words that convey a sense of tiredness.
Dai Hirai’s “Story of Our Life” was chosen as the CM song for Lion’s eye drops “Smile 40 Premium.” The song starts playing in the latter half of the commercial, softening the overall mood.
The ukulele’s tone is wonderfully comforting, resonating through the body and mind.
This one is also recommended when you want to relax.
lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyGReeeeN
A GReeeeN song characterized by a melody that lifts the heart.
It portrays someone facing themselves while taking on their goals.
Released as a digital single in November 2023, it was chosen as the official theme song for the 55th All Japan University Ekiden.
Fitting for an ekiden theme, its encouraging message and brisk melody make it a perfect match for all kinds of sports scenes.
Imbued with a strong will to move forward despite anxiety and fear, this track is recommended for anyone looking to boost their motivation.
[Songs That Get You Fired Up] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! Carefully selected tracks to boost your motivation (91–100)
a winning battleToukyou Jihen
This piece was also chosen as the image song for WOWOW Tennis 2020.
It’s performed by Tokyo Jihen, a band whose members each boast exceptional musicianship.
The track’s pop yet edgy sound vividly evokes athletes fighting with everything they’ve got.
The English lyrics embody an unrelenting obsession with victory, and simply listening to it stirs your competitive spirit.
The song is included on the classic album “Sports,” released in February 2010.
It’s the perfect track to play when you want to sharpen your focus before a match or when you’re heading into a contest you absolutely cannot lose.
Be sure to check it out!