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] Athletes Love Them Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tunes (191–200)
On the edge (chop)B’z
The 26th single by B’z, the solitary rock unit that has set countless milestones in the J-pop scene—including recognition from Guinness World Records as the best-selling album artist in Japan.
Used as the theme song for the TV anime Detective Conan, its high-speed shuffle-beat rock sound is exhilarating.
The lyrics, which resonate with athletes who have honed themselves by pushing their limits, can instill confidence in what you’ve built up when you listen before a match.
An aggressive rock tune whose powerful vocals and thrilling guitar work will raise your adrenaline.
superstartsuyoi
Many athletes use Tsuyoshi’s classic “Superstar” as their entrance song.
The most famous example as an entrance theme is likely former K-1 fighter Kouzi.
As a track, it’s crafted with easy-to-catch lyrics at its core and a pleasantly paced melody.
That makes it a great pick for casually boosting your motivation.
There’s also a special version for Kouzi, so if you’re a fan, be sure to check that out as well.
Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise OrchestraMAN WITH A MISSION
A track that brilliantly fuses an energetic, uplifting ska sound with rock! Born from a powerful collaboration between MAN WITH A MISSION and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, this song was released in February 2018 and saw extensive use across various media.
It was featured as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s drama “MASKMEN” and as the official theme song for the Super Rugby team Sunwolves, generating significant buzz.
Its driving rhythm and powerful sound are sure to maximize your motivation during training.
I can hear the fanfare.Base Ball Bear
“Fanfare ga Kikoeru,” performed by Base Ball Bear, a three-piece rock band formed in 2001, is their 16th single, released in 2013.
It was the tie-in song for KONAMI’s mobile game app Pro Yakyū Dream Nine SUPERSTARS, and it’s a track that sings about the complex of not being the main character.
In 2014, it was also chosen as the theme song for a baseball broadcast program on the TOKYO MX network.
It’s an up-tempo rock tune that will get you pumped up, so definitely give it a listen!
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Athlete-Approved!? Power-Packed Anthems and Winning Tunes (201–210)
brand-newKANA-BOON
KANA-BOON’s songs often lift you up and make you feel positive, don’t they? “Massara” is another track with the band’s signature sense of speed that makes you feel an irresistible urge to start running as soon as you hear it.
Released in 2019, it’s also well-known for being the theme song of the anime Sarazanmai.
With a chorus that makes you want to sing along, it’s perfect for pumping yourself up before a match—and great for getting hyped before practice, too.
PhotographEXILE ATSUSHI feat. Tōkyō Sukaparadaisu Ōkesutora
This is a rousing anthem that sings of the dream of Koshien on a grand scale.
A message-driven work that engraves in the heart the efforts and friendships of high school baseball players, the bonds with teammates, and gratitude toward family.
EXILE ATSUSHI’s deeply emotive vocals blend beautifully with the brilliant horn section of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
Since its release in June 2023, it has been used as the support song for the 105th National High School Baseball Championship and as the theme song for “Netto Koshien,” stirring the hearts of baseball fans across the country.
Sheet music for school wind bands has also been published and is widely performed.
PRIDENovelbright
This is a heartfelt, emotional rock track packed with passion.
Released by Novelbright in November 2022 and featured as the ending theme for the anime Yowamushi Pedal LIMIT BREAK, the song stands out with its energetic sound and vocals that soar beautifully into the higher register.
It conveys a strong resolve to believe in yourself and keep moving forward.
For athletes who train daily toward their dreams, it’s a song that gives the courage to overcome setbacks and hardships and keep progressing.