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)
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This song became a massive hit as the theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
I’m sure many people have heard it across various media like TV, radio, and YouTube, and when it comes to a hype song for a big moment, this one is a perfect fit! If you listen while reading the lyrics, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to face the match with unwavering conviction.
Just like the protagonist who keeps confronting one challenge after another, it’s a track that stirs up your fighting spirit as you head into competition.
The intense, loud-rock sound also boosts your motivation!
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Beloved by athletes too!? Power-packed fight songs and anthems (121–130)
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.
cherry blossomKobukuro
For many people, this is the quintessential spring song.
It’s one of the signature tracks by the musical duo Kobukuro, released as their 12th single in 2005.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Ns’ Aoi” and became a major hit.
The moving lyrics can really bring you to tears.
It’s said that women’s track cyclist Sakura Tsukagoshi listens to it before her races.
Passion ContinentHakasé Tarō
A composition by violinist Taro Hakase—whose name has resonated both in Japan and abroad through his collaboration with the world-renowned diva Celine Dion.
Widely known as the theme song for the human-interest documentary program “Jounetsu Tairiku,” it is one of Hakase’s signature pieces.
The tango rhythm by bandoneon player Ryota Komatsu and the passionate violin tones—just as the title suggests—combine with the program’s image to amplify an athlete’s intensity.
It’s a track that lifts your spirits just by listening, making it a recommended number for athletes before a match.
All my treasuresOda Yūji
This work, passionately sung by Yuji Oda, who served as the main anchor for the World Athletics Championships for many years, conveys his heartfelt emotions.
It depicts hope for the future, bonds with companions, and gratitude toward loved ones.
The message that a smile is an irreplaceable treasure overlaps with the earnest dedication of athletes, stirring up a deeply moving sense of inspiration.
Released as a single in July 2007 and also included on the album “Arigatou” the same year, the song was used as the TBS network’s World Athletics theme from 2005 to 2022.
Oda’s own performance at the 2007 Osaka championships was particularly memorable.
It’s a track that affirms all the efforts and memories up to now and gives you strength to face the future.
For anyone striving toward a goal, it’s a powerful push forward.
Dream FighterPerfume
When you feel anxious before a match, why not listen to Perfume’s motivational song “Dream Fighter”? Its lyrics feel like they’re telling you, “This is just a checkpoint—the goal is still ahead,” and the exhilarating sound will help shift your mindset in a positive direction.
To make your big dream come true, let’s first give your best in the match right in front of you!
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.
