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 Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved!? Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tracks (111–120)
treasurewacci
This is a song from wacci’s second album, “Kanjō Hyakkei,” released in 2017, a band that is close to everyday life.
It sings about getting through each day by helping one another with friends and loved ones.
The gentle melody, so characteristic of wacci, is soothing as well.
If you head into the game thinking of someone important to you, it might even draw out a hidden strength.
READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
A thrilling rock number bursting with speed! In addition to being performed at numerous live shows and festivals, it was covered by the rock band FLOW and the popular American rock band Zebrahead, and also made headlines when bassist tetsuya and T.M.Revolution’s Takanori Nishikawa performed a special session at a rock festival.
With its powerful message—“Don’t hesitate; charge ahead in the direction you chose!”—it’s a high-energy track you’ll want to hear before a big moment.
Bedroom WarfareONE OK ROCK
A track included on the album “Ambitions,” which also had an overseas release.
It’s sung almost entirely in English, and is recommended for those who want to boost their mood with a vibe closer to Western music than Japanese.
While the theme centers on a man–woman relationship, the song’s message of facing things aggressively makes it perfect for when you’re ready to take on a challenge!
RED GAMEacane
“RED GAME” by acane, a singer from Fukuoka who’s gained popularity through street performances and social media.
This song is the theme for Borg Bullet Kitakyushu, a futsal team based in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Packed with words cheering on the players, it rides on acane’s powerful vocals.
As it’s for a futsal team, it also features plenty of sport-specific terms—another highlight.
It’s a track that ignites fierce fighting spirit in athletes of all kinds who are about to step into competition!
Butter-FlyWada Kōji
A lively rock number used as the opening theme for the TV anime Digimon Adventure, which aired from March 1999 to March 2000! Just hearing it naturally boosts your energy—a high-speed track brimming with the spirit of a battle-focused anime.
It might even bring back memories of watching the show intently as a child.
The lyrics, which inspire dreams and hope, strike even deeper once you listen to them as an adult.
Be sure to give it another listen while focusing on the message woven into the song.
Tokyo VICTORYSazan Ōrusutāzu
A Southern All Stars number that brings to mind the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
Its melody, which feels like bright morning sunlight breaking through a dark night, gently builds motivation before an important match.
As the cityscape and the world gradually change toward the Olympics—while feeling a touch of loneliness, or even frustration at places that remain frozen as they are—you still push forward for your own hopes and someone else’s.
The lyrics share that kind of powerful resolve.
Recommended for those who prefer to warm up body and mind slowly rather than rev up all at once!
Anniversary!!E-girls
This is a song by the girls’ dance-vocal group E-girls.
It was released in 2015 as their 13th single.
It drew attention after being featured as the commercial song for “Samantha Vega meets E-girls – 365 Days, Every Day Is a Memorial Day,” among others.
It’s said that water polo player Seiya Adachi often listened to it before matches.
It’s a cute dance number.
