[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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- [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
[Pumped-Up Tracks] A Must-Listen for Athletes and Sports Fans! A Curated Selection of Motivation-Boosting Songs (41–50)
Critical HitRADWIMPS
A rousing anthem that fills you with positivity and the courage to take on new challenges.
Featured on RADWIMPS’ December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to,” this song questions how we face our true feelings and the choices we make in life.
It gives soulful voice—over a powerful, hard-hitting rock sound—to the inner conflict between social success and what you truly want to do, using the metaphor of a baseball game.
The exhilarating guitar riffs, rhythmic drums, and piercing, forceful melody will inspire you to push your limits.
The music video, shot in a ballpark with 1,500 extras, is also a must-see.
It’s the perfect track when you want to give your all with your teammates at a sports day, or when you’re ready to step up and face a crucial challenge.
[Hype Tracks] A Must-Listen for Athletes and Sports Fans! Carefully Selected Motivation-Boosting Songs (51–60)
Forever Young feat. UVERworldAK-69
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.
Tokyo VICTORYSazan Ōrusutāzu
It was released in 2014 as Southern All Stars’ 55th single.
The song was used as the theme for a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation commercial featuring Keisuke Kuwata, as well as the theme song for TBS’s coverage of the 2014 Asian Games and the World Volleyball Championship.
It’s a track created with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in mind, carrying a message to face forward with a spirit of “VICTORY” rather than looking back.
worth its weight in goldSUPER BEAVER
A song by SUPER BEAVER that sets the sports world thundering with a fiery heartbeat.
Released in December 2023 as the theme song for the National High School Rugby Tournament, this track powerfully supports the aspirations of athletes.
Its lyrics portray bonds with teammates and the relentless effort they put in, while the energetic sound and Ryota Shibuya’s powerful vocals stir listeners to action.
It’s a song that energizes not only players before a match but everyone striving in their daily lives.
Why not give it a listen?
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
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
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.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
A song released by Kenshi Yonezu in January 2025 as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist,” set in the world of figure skating.
Its driving rhythm and powerful melody vividly capture the heat and dynamism of sport.
Yonezu, a fan of the original work, personally approached the production to create the theme, reflecting his deep affection for the series.
The themes of “challenge” and “growth” depicted here resonate strongly with listeners, alongside the skaters who shine on the ice.
When it was first unveiled in the anime’s non-credit opening sequence, it drew a huge response, amplified by the characters’ passionate performance scenes.
It’s a perfect track for anyone striving through sports or aiming for a goal together with their teammates.