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?! Energizing Anthems and Victory Tracks (161–170)
futureZūkaraderu
Zaqrodel is a comfortable three-piece band from Sapporo that blends pop melodies with Japanese rock.
Mirai is a digital single released in 2021, and some of you may have noticed it from the Mizuho Financial Group commercial.
It’s said that table tennis player Tomokazu Harimoto, who made a stunning comeback to win bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, listened to it before his matches.
It’s a fun track with lively band interplay and a dancing piano, and its message about walking your own path is deeply moving.
It steadies your racing heartbeat and lightens your spirit.
Critical HitRADWIMPS
Overflowing with fiery passion and strength, this is the track RADWIMPS released to the world in December 2013 on the album “X to O to Tsumi to.” The protagonist, who can’t surpass their own expectations no matter how many regrets they pile up, is striking as they wrestle between ideals and reality yet still take a bold step forward by following their true feelings.
The music video—shot at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture with 1,500 extras—was directed by Takuro Okubo.
This work harmonizes Yojiro Noda’s poetic lyrics with the band’s powerful sound to stunning effect, capturing the hearts of many listeners and dominating the on-air charts at FM stations to take the No.
1 spot.
It’s a song that gives you a strong push on the back in those moments when you want to look ahead and dash forward with everything you’ve got—like the exit scene at a school sports day.
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Also Loved by Athletes!? Power-Packed Anthems and Clutch Tracks (171–180)
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
A new song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” The protagonists, who push forward without fearing failure, are depicted with powerful imagery likening them to a bow and arrow.
The story of companions who overcome setbacks and strive to regain their brilliance on the ice is deeply moving.
Released as a digital-only single in January 2025, the piece was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu himself, who also created the cover illustration.
It’s a song that stays by your side at life’s turning points—when you’ve worked hard yet can’t find confidence and feel like breaking—and gives you a gentle push forward.
Bussin’ feat. ¥ellow BucksAK-69
AK-69, a hip-hop artist beloved by athletes, has released numerous tracks like “START IT AGAIN” and “Flying B.” This song is a wild number that samples his signature track “Ding Ding Dong ~Kokoro no Kane~,” with rhythmic rap and hungry lyrics that stoke your fighting spirit.
It’s a perfect fit for that desire to bounce back from defeat and prove yourself.
It’s a true ‘clutch anthem’ that many athletes listen to before games or use as their walk-up song, including Haruki Nishikawa during his Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters days, Fumiya Hojo of the Hanshin Tigers, Olympic sport climber Akiyo Noguchi, and volleyball player Kenta Takanashi, among many others.
Windy dayELLEGARDEN
To get pumped up before a match, cool rock is definitely the way to go.
ELLEGARDEN’s “Kaze no Hi,” a favorite among a wide range of age groups, has a bright vibe and a powerful band sound that’ll clear your head.
It’s natural to get nervous before a game.
In those moments, the lyrics of this song will surely give you strong support.
Just a little morechay
Chay is a singer-songwriter and fashion model who has been active since 2012.
Her 2017 release “Ato Mou Sukoshi” (“Just a Little More”) is, as the title suggests, a song that cheers on those who are giving their best.
It was also chosen as the support song for the 35th All-Japan University Women’s Ekiden and the 3rd Saitama International Marathon.
When you want to push yourself at a critical moment or feel your focus slipping, it’s easy to slack off—but listen to this song, hang in there, and give it one more push! I hope anyone striving toward a goal will listen to it.
Samurai SoulUrufuruzu
Samurai Soul is the 28th single released by Ulfuls in 2006, a song written and composed by Tortoise Matsumoto after watching Toshiro Mifune’s performances in films directed by Akira Kurosawa.
In 2017, Rina Katahira covered it on Ulfuls’ tribute album “Ulfuls Tribute – Best of Girl Friends.” It was also used as the walk-up song for Akiyoshi Aoyagi of Samurai Japan, the Japan national baseball team.
It’s an uplifting anthem that fills you with energy—be sure to give it a listen!
