Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks That Overflow with Power
At those crucial moments—like during daily practice or right before an important match—music stays by our side and gives us tremendous strength.
Many of you probably listen to your favorite songs to boost your spirits as you head into those special moments.
In this article, we’ve picked out uplifting, heart-stirring anthems that raise your motivation.
From upbeat tracks that fire up your fighting spirit, to relaxing numbers that wrap you in a sense of calm, to athletes’ personal favorites—we’ve gathered a wide variety of songs.
We hope you’ll find them helpful.
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Songs to Listen to Before a Match: Athlete Favorites!? Power-Packed Fight Anthems and Victory Tracks (91–100)
PROGRESSSuga Shikao
Released under the name kokua, this song became famous as the theme for the documentary program “Professional: Shigoto no Ryuugi.” It voices the frustration of how, even though everyone starts from the same place, differences grow due to environment and experience, and the anxiety of not becoming your ideal self.
It gently affirms those feelings while singing about the importance of continuing to strive as your true, unadorned self.
Wrapped in one of Suga Shikao’s softer atmospheres yet carrying his signature funky strength, it’s a track that makes you want to take that first step forward.
It’s also highly recommended to listen to right before a big moment!
Bloom with a pop, scatter, and turn to ashCreepy Nuts
A song written as an anthem to cheer on those who keep taking on challenges.
It carries a powerful message that turns a negative mindset—doubting your own abilities and feeling the pressure to win by shutting others out—into forward-looking energy.
Released in March 2022, the track was also selected as the official MBS theme song for the 94th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
Created by the two members of Creepy Nuts based on their real-life, do-or-die experiences, the lyrics resonate deeply, offering strong encouragement to anyone heading into the arena of competition.
It’s a highly recommended track for boosting your motivation before an important match or decisive moment.
Can DoGRANRODEO
GRANRODEO is a musical duo that captivates fans with their powerful vocals and musicianship.
Their 16th single “Can Do,” used as the opening theme for the TV anime Kuroko’s Basketball, sets hearts ablaze with its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and lyrics that portray a firm resolve to win.
The message of casting off negativity and moving forward radiates a strength that can blow away your doubts.
It’s a rock tune with an invigorating sense of speed, whose edgy guitar ensemble will lift your spirits.
Get Myself BackAmuro Namie
Haruka Tachimoto, the women’s judo gold medalist, listens to Namie Amuro’s “Get Myself Back” right before her matches.
She started listening to it after a friend gave her the song before a bout.
The lyrics are gently encouraging and appealing, and Tachimoto says that when she listens to it, she can stay calm while igniting her fighting spirit.
Here we go! Phantom Thief GirlMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
A four-member girls group that quickly adopted a unique style and became one of a kind in the modern J-POP scene—often called the “Idol Warring States Period”—Momoiro Clover Z’s song.
Originally the major-label debut track from their six-member era as Momoiro Clover, it’s now a live staple in a four-member “ZZ ver.” The relentlessly shifting key changes and high-energy arrangement, right down to the instrumental break, are sure to give a powerful push to athletes heading into battle.
Its irresistibly catchy melody will lift your spirits and have you humming along before you know it—a pop tune that brings a smile to your face just by listening.
Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS
Among The Blue Hearts’ songs, this is a perennial favorite.
Whether live or on record, the driving, high-energy performance conveys a rugged, single-minded push forward.
The straightforward, unadorned vocals and lyrics that cut to the core with plainspoken words give you that extra nudge to keep going.
The durability of a song loved across generations is exceptional even among Japanese rock bands.
It’s no surprise it’s been embraced by athletes who keep striving toward their goals.
When you need a boost, listen closely with the lyrics in mind.
flying getAKB48
This is the song that swimmer Kosuke Hagino, who won medals at events such as the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, loves to listen to: the hit number “Flying Get” by the popular idol group AKB48.
It was released in 2011 as their 22nd single.
Hagino has openly said he’s a fan of idols and has supported AKB48 since their early days.
