[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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[Pump-Up Tracks] A Must-Listen for Athletes and Sports Fans! Carefully Selected Motivation-Boosting Songs (101–110)
Your SongAbe Mao
Abe Mao’s “Kimi no Uta,” the theme song for the film Cheer Boys!! about men’s cheerleading, is an upbeat tune and a lively pep song that ties in perfectly with the movie.
If you’d rather be cheered on in a straightforward, positive way than hear about setbacks, this song is a perfect fit.
It’s a sports anthem packed tightly with a sense of freshness and exhilarating speed.
Shape of YouEd Sheeran
Although this song’s lyrics are not about sports at all, its sound is known among athletes for boosting motivation and lifting spirits.
You could often hear it during matches.
Influenced in part by the imagery in the official music video, it gives you the courage to face challenges.
It’s like being under the spell of the genius Ed Sheeran.
Take on your match with this globally explosive hit!
Born To Be…Hamasaki Ayumi
Released in 2006 as Ayumi Hamasaki’s 39th single.
The song was used as the theme for Nippon TV’s “Torino 2006” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Its powerful, uplifting lyrics that cheer on athletes and its dynamic sound make it a track that raises your spirits.
ARIGATOB’z
Released in 2004 as B’z’s 37th single.
It was used as the theme song for TV Asahi’s “TV ASAHI NETWORK SPORTS 2004” and for TV Asahi’s coverage of the 2004 Athens Olympics.
The song is powerful, designed to give athletes courage and strength.
Thugz CryBizzy Bone
Bizzy Bone, a member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony who also gained popularity as a solo artist, is a truly “thug” rapper with a harrowing past—he grew up believing the criminal who kidnapped him was his parent.
His track Thugz Cry portrays the sorrow and anger born from that environment.
As a rap performance it’s exceptionally skillful—everything is top-tier, from rapid-fire delivery and tight rhymes to a smooth, pleasing flow.
It’s a work with outstanding listenability and vibes, making it a perfect choice to play before a match.
[Hype-Up Tracks] A Must-Listen for Athletes and Sports Fans! A Curated Selection of Motivation-Boosting Songs (111–120)
AHHH HALil Durk
Lil Durk is one of the most popular rappers right now.
He’s the type of real rapper whose life itself is hip-hop, beyond just the music.
Among his catalog, the track I especially recommend is “AHHH HA.” It was released as a response track in his beef with Never Broke Again YoungBoy, a.k.a.
NBA YoungBoy.
Because of that, you’ll find aggressive expressions throughout the lyrics—but that sharp edge can actually be motivating for athletes, don’t you think? I especially recommend it for those competing in individual sports.
Raise your flagMAN WITH A MISSION
This is a song by MAN WITH A MISSION, a rock band formed by five ultimate life forms with the heads of wolves wearing wolf masks and human bodies.
Released in 2015 as their fifth single, it was chosen as the opening theme for the first season of the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, and drew attention for powerfully portraying the boys in the series who raise a banner of rebellion in the face of dire circumstances.
Athletes, too, inevitably throw themselves into battles of winning and losing, and I believe they can project their own feelings toward hardships onto this song.