[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 Fans! A Curated Selection of Motivation-Boosting Tracks (201–210)
READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This work is characterized by its fierce guitar riffs and powerful drum beats.
Songs by L’Arc-en-Ciel are filled with a refreshing exhilaration that makes your heart dance just by listening.
Released in February 2004, this track is included on the album SMILE and was also used as the opening theme for the second season of the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
Listening to this song feels like awakening a passion that had been sleeping inside you.
It’s the perfect track for easing pre-game nerves or stoking your fighting spirit before the real thing.
It’s ideal not only for people who enjoy sports, but also for psyching yourself up before taking on something new.
Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS
A track defined by its powerful beat and vibrant vocals.
Its charm lies in a melody that speaks straight to the listener’s heart and a simple yet deeply encouraging message.
Released as a single in 1987, it was also featured in the 1989 film “Juliet Game.” The lyrics stand out for their encouragement to those facing everyday challenges and hardships, celebrating human kindness and strength.
Many people listen to this song during training or before important matches to receive mental support.
The direct energy of THE BLUE HEARTS will surely ignite your fighting spirit as well.
Aim to be a Pokémon MasterMatsumoto Rika
A heart-pounding song filled with passion for dreams and adventure, highlighted by Rica Matsumoto’s powerful vocals.
It delivers a youthful, positive message, singing of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with friends—perfect for boosting excitement at school sports days and athletic festivals.
Released as a single in June 1997, it was used as the opening theme for a TV anime.
It won the Work Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize and garnered widespread support, reaching as high as No.
7 on the Oricon charts.
Even when practice time is limited for a sports-day cheer song, its simple, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics mean the whole class can start singing it right away.
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā
It’s a cheer song brimming with youthful passion and hope.
It portrays a protagonist who carries deep pain in their heart and feels on the verge of losing themselves, yet by accepting that suffering, the work gives them the courage to take a new step forward.
Released by Sambomaster in August 2018, the track was chosen as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan,” and, alongside the story of high school students striving to conquer the United States, left a lasting impression on many viewers.
This piece is also perfect as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals, gently supporting students who give their all and sweat it out together with their friends.
Fleur de la PassionMISIA
A passionate song performed by MISIA cheers on athletes in their pursuits.
With a powerful voice that ignites the listener’s heart, she sings of the courage and hope needed to venture into the unknown.
The grand musical arrangement, embodying the spirit of the Olympics, and the moving lyrics are compelling.
Released digitally in July 2024 as the Nippon TV network’s 2024 Athlete Support Song, the track carries aspirations for the Paris Olympics, featuring outstanding performances by an orchestra of over 40 members and a gospel choir.
It’s perfect for pumping yourself up before a match or finding encouragement when you feel like giving up—give it a listen.
SunflowerPost Malone, Swae Lee
This song was released as a single from the soundtrack of the film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” The title “Sunflower” evokes a powerful image of reaching upward toward the sun, which feels energizing.
With its slow sound and rhythm, it seems capable of gently lifting motivation from deep within a quietly resting heart.
Everything becomes my strength!kuzu
This is a song by Kuzu, a folk duo that originated from a late-night comedy skit.
It carries the message that even setbacks will one day become your strength.
It’s an encouraging track for listeners, making it a great recommendation as a support song for athletes.