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] Also Loved by Athletes!? Power-Packed Anthems and Clutch Tracks (171–180)
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!
AnnyeongHyorin
Here’s what men’s fencing athlete Kenta Tokunan listened to before his matches: a song by Hyolyn, the singer who was active as a member of the Korean idol group SISTAR.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “My Love from the Star,” and became a hot topic.
Since Tokunan’s coach was Korean, he studied Korean through music, and eventually got hooked on this song.
Run, runBeibī Reizu JAPAN
“Hashire, Hashire” is a single released in 2016, a song brimming with the signature intensity of Babyraids JAPAN.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced sound and unison vocals—especially the beloved chorus—turn worries about the future and grueling practice into the power to take on what lies ahead.
It may particularly resonate with themes of female friendship and club activities.
There’s an atmosphere like someone running alongside you, helping you feel the strength to take that extra step forward.
Perfect when you want a no-holds-barred cheer song: it boosts your motivation and helps you deliver your best performance!
heartbeat soundMiura Daichi
This piece by Daichi Miura was created to inspire the hearts of TEAM JAPAN as they take on the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Centered on the theme of athletes’ heartbeats, it expresses the effort accumulated second by second and the challenges that lie ahead.
Its powerful beat and Miura’s soaring vocals resonate with the athletes’ racing hearts and move all who listen.
Released digitally in July 2024, it’s also featured in TEAM JAPAN’s concept movie.
Fencer Kazuyasu Minobe and gymnast Daiki Hashimoto have both said the song is a great source of encouragement.
It’s the perfect track for anyone about to take a step toward a new challenge—one that will surely give you a push forward.
[Songs to Play Before a Match] Beloved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Battle Tracks (181–190)
rainbow-coloredayaka
This is the song that women’s fencing athlete Chika Aoki says she listens to before matches.
It’s a track by Ayaka, a singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture.
Released in 2014 as her 13th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne” and became a big hit.
Aoki says she discovered the song at her cousin’s wedding.
The gentle vocals are truly soothing.
Outlineimase
An inspiring support song for the 103rd All Japan High School Soccer Championship, vividly portraying the passion of high school students taking on the challenge of competition.
Imase—who devoted his own high school years to soccer—wove this piece from his personal experiences.
Within its majestic soundscape and powerful beat, it paints a striking picture of a boy facing trials, the resolve to rise again after tears, and a future brimming with hope.
Released in October 2024, the song was also performed at the final held at the National Stadium.
It is a warm-hearted anthem that stands with everyone who dedicates their youth to sports and all those who keep challenging themselves in pursuit of their dreams.