[Hype Songs] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! A curated selection of tracks that boost motivation

The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'The Wind Is Blowing MUSIC VIDEO (Short ver.)'

It was also used as the theme song for NHK’s London Olympics and Paralympics coverage.

The song is filled with hope and courage.

I really want you to listen to it when you feel like you’re about to give up or when you’re losing confidence and thinking it might be over.

Get fired upDaikoku Maki

Demon Kakka, get fired up!

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.

AshesSuperfly

Superfly - “Ashes” Music Video (Theme song for TBS Sunday Drama ‘Gekokujō Kyūji’)

This song by Superfly, which drew attention as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Gekokujō Kyūji,” was released in November 2023.

It resonates with the protagonists’ emotions as they waver between their passion for baseball and the dilemmas they face, vividly depicting the complex feelings everyone carries deep inside.

Released alongside the album “Heat Wave,” it has also been performed on a nationwide arena tour, continuing to captivate in live performances.

It’s an empowering anthem that supports not only athletes, but all those striving toward their dreams and goals.

Forever Young feat. UVERworldAK-69

Finally, the music video is out!! AK-69 “Forever Young feat. UVERworld” (from the album ‘DAWN’ releasing on November 23)

This is a powerful track created by AK-69, a charismatic figure in the hip-hop scene, teaming up with the hugely popular rock band UVERworld.

The passionate message—“This moment right now is the youngest you’ll ever be for the rest of your life”—ignites the fighting spirit of its listeners.

The song was included on the album DAWN, released in November 2016, and was also chosen as the theme song for the drama ‘Work Isn’t School’ (Kaisha wa Gakkō ja Nee n da yo).

Its power is evident from the fact that many top athletes, including mixed martial artist Kai Asakura and SoftBank Hawks pitcher Shota Takeda, have selected it as their pump-up song for competition.

Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK

Kimisidai Train

This ambitious work by ONE OK ROCK is marked by powerful vocals and a fast-paced, exhilarating sound.

Interweaving English and Japanese lyrics, it expresses a determination to move forward—believing in one’s own potential and drawing strength from past experiences.

The members’ passionate performance blends perfectly with a message that pushes listeners onward.

Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011, it’s cherished as a staple in live shows that fosters a strong sense of unity with fans.

More than just a boost during sports day practices, this song serves as a source of support when standing at life’s crossroads or taking a new step forward.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Glory Bridge (Yuzu cover by Sundaysaty’s)

Released in 2004 as Yuzu’s 21st single.

Chosen as the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics broadcasts, it is one of Yuzu’s signature songs, often used across various sports scenes as a cheer anthem for athletes striving to shine on the dream stage reached after overcoming struggles and hardships.

MeanTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Mean

It’s a massive hit by a singer who’s become a global superstar.

Sometimes, when introducing songs to lift your spirits, people leave out the biggest hits, but that’s not possible here—people all over the world have drawn strength from this track.

If you don’t know it, I recommend giving it a careful listen at least once.