[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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- 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
[Pump-Up Songs] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! A curated selection of motivation-boosting tracks (1–10)
The Zero Sense10-FEET
The song by 10-FEET, a three-piece rock band from Kyoto, features a powerful guitar sound that leaves a strong impression.
Chosen as the ending theme for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, it generated buzz across many media outlets.
The lyrics carry an ambitious and passionate message, symbolizing the journey of taking on dreams and achieving self-realization.
Clever use of basketball-related terms conveys the heat and excitement of the sport.
It might be perfect if you’re looking for a popular artist’s track to use at a school sports day or athletic event.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
This fast-paced rock number gives listeners a powerful push forward.
Released as a single in June 2015, it has been featured in numerous commercials and TV programs and is beloved as a staple song for school sports days and athletic festivals.
The lyrics carry the message that “even if it’s tough, if you keep moving forward, a shining future is waiting,” which will resonate not only with athletes heading into competition but also with students anxious about their future.
If you ever find yourself wondering, “What’s the point of trying so hard?” give it a listen.
It will surely help you face forward again.
Live in the present.Saucy Dog
A fiery coming-of-age song that stands beside the hearts of those devoted to sports! Created by Saucy Dog as the cheering anthem for the National High School Soccer Championship, this track brims with the message of “living fully in the present.” Its lyrics are striking, encouraging the courage to forge your own path—without being bound by past failures, and without relying on miracles or fate.
The cover illustration was done by contemporary artist Keita Morimoto, drawing attention to the artwork as well.
It’s a recommended song not only for students working hard at clubs or studies, but also for anyone who wants to give their best in daily life.
[Hype-Up Songs] A Must-Listen for Athletes and Sports Fans! A Curated Selection of Motivation-Boosting Tracks (11–20)
OrangeSPYAIR
With its powerful rock sound and moving lyrics, this song strikes a chord.
Released by SPYAIR in February 2024, it was created as the theme song for “Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.” Its up-tempo rhythm and piercing lyrics give listeners a push forward.
Singing of bonds with teammates and hope for one’s dreams, this track is sure to fire up athletes before an important match.
It’s also a song that will surely give you strength when you need a boost in everyday life.
A piece well worth hearing, it showcases SPYAIR’s musicality to the fullest.
Kokoroeroodo obu mejyaa
A powerful rock track that emphasizes the importance of facing yourself and continuing to paint your unfinished dreams and hopes! It was also chosen as the opening theme for NHK Educational’s anime Major: 1st Season, capturing the hearts of many.
Released in November 2004 as the band’s major-label debut single, the song is popular among professional baseball players and has been used as a walk-up song by numerous athletes, including Toshiro Miyazaki of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
With lyrics that give you the courage to push forward through doubt and setbacks, it’s sure to give athletes the boost they need before an important game!
HeroAmuro Namie
It was released in 2016 as Namie Amuro’s 45th single.
The song was used as the theme for NHK’s broadcasts of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, and it was played during many moving moments.
In NHK’s music video, Amuro looks incredibly cool as she walks straight and unhesitatingly toward the goal on the road to glory.
Fight MusicSEKAI NO OWARI
This is the song that Kenichi Hayakawa, a men’s badminton player, says energizes him when he listens to it before a match.
It’s a track by the four-member band SEKAI NO OWARI, included on their major-label debut album “ENTERTAINMENT,” released in 2012.
Its energetic, pop sound will lift your spirits.
How about listening to this track before a match to fire yourself up?
