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)
Even if, even ifRyokushokushakai
A number overflowing with a sense of speed that still carries the warm touch characteristic of Ryoku Shaka.
It’s the theme song for the 93rd National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, and I believe it will support not only baseball players but also anyone striving in sports and everyone enduring these difficult times.
With a melody that makes you want to hum along from the first listen and a richly colored sound, the lyrics that give you a push forward resonate deeply.
It even overlaps with declarations of determination or players’ oaths.
A warm cheer song whose encouragement, gifted to someone, spreads in a circle.
It’s sure to lift your spirits as a song for pivotal moments, too!
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.
[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.
REVIVERMY FIRST STORY
A powerful rock number packed with messages of rebirth and self-affirmation! Included on MY FIRST STORY’s album “ALL LEAD TRACKS,” released in July 2017, it was chosen as the theme song for Part 3 of the smartphone RPG “Hortensia Saga: Aoi no Kishidan.” With its driving melodies and grand sound, it expresses the courage to face adversity and the resolve to rise again.
Even if you’re reborn, your convictions remain unchanged—this song embodies the determination to live true to yourself.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you hit a wall, when you feel like you’re losing yourself, or when you need to rally your spirit.
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.
National tournamentSEX MACHINEGUNS
This is the closing track of their third album, Barbe-Q★Michael, released in 2001.
Unlike the other songs on the album, which were recorded in the usual way with each member tracking separately, this one was captured live in a so-called one-take session with the whole band playing together, and you can feel a driving momentum that makes your body naturally lean forward.
It’s guaranteed to make you feel like you could win a gold medal just by listening.