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.
- [Hype Songs] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! A curated selection of tracks that boost motivation
- [Fuel Your Fighting Spirit] An Adrenaline-Pumping Fight Song
- Entrance Songs for Athletes | A Comprehensive Introduction to Athletes’ Game-Day Anthems!
- Before a match or when you feel like giving up! Cheer songs to keep you going in club activities
- [2026] Motivation Boost! A Collection of Classic Western Songs to Listen to Before a Match
- [Exams, Club Activities, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best
- Entrance music for sports. Classic and popular athlete anthems.
- [Basketball Cheer Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing anthems!
- Song of Victory: Iconic Tracks Smiled Upon by the Goddess & Uplifting Cheer Anthems
- Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you to do your best on entrance exams and club activities when you listen to them.
- Ranking of popular sports songs
- Koshien Songs & Theme Songs: Iconic Tracks and Fight Songs That Support High School Baseball Players
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
Songs to Listen to Before a Match: Athlete Favorites!? Power-Packed Anthems and Game-Day Tracks (31–40)
ContinueSEAMO
Track and field athlete Nozomi Tanaka and lacrosse player Sachiyo Yamada both love listening to SEAMO’s “Continue.” Released in 2008, it became a hit following “Mata Aimashou.” At the time, it drew attention for using Edward Elgar’s classical piece “Pomp and Circumstance” as a motif.
The song was also chosen as the theme for the drama “Yume wo Kanaeru Zou,” marking SEAMO’s first drama tie-in.
It carries the message that what matters is not obsessing over winning or losing, but continuing to challenge yourself without giving up.
START IT AGAINAK-69
When it comes to artists in Japan’s hip-hop scene who are widely recognized by the general public, AK-69 definitely comes to mind.
His lyrics, brimming with masculine resolve that stirs our empathy, resonate especially strongly with men.
One of his most motivating tracks is “START IT AGAIN.” Lines about standing back up, keeping the fire in your heart alive no matter the situation, and never giving up really hit home.
It’s a song supported by many athletes—professional boxer Kazuto Ioka even uses it as his entrance music.
At the End of SorrowElefanto Kashimashi
Many people say Sadness at the End really hits home when you listen to it in tough times.
It’s a song imbued with the message of overcoming sorrow and moving forward in life.
Coupled with the vocals of Hiroji Miyamoto, the lead singer of Elephant Kashimashi, it’s a powerful track despite being a ballad.
Its slow tempo also makes it perfect for when you want to relax.
If you like it, be sure to check out their more passionate live performances as well.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
As a male duo, Sukima Switch enjoys great popularity.
The song they released for everyone giving their all is Zenryoku Shonen (Full-Power Boy).
It’s been used frequently in sports scenes, including as a theme song for high school baseball.
It’s a good one to listen to before a game to ask yourself, “Am I giving it my all right now?” The upbeat rhythm will boost your energy!
ButterflyBUMP OF CHICKEN
A song by BUMP OF CHICKEN, a band formed by four childhood friends that has had a tremendous influence on rock bands in the J-POP scene since the 2000s.
Used as a commercial song for Google Play Music, it’s included on their major 6th album, Butterflies.
Its arrangement—imbued with EDM elements, clarity, and a sense of speed—is sure to pump up any athlete’s spirits.
With lyrics that feel like they support and stay close to you when you’re about to break, it’s a track that reaffirms the wide-ranging appeal of BUMP OF CHICKEN and is truly moving.
Songs to Listen to Before a Match: Athlete Favorites!? Energizing Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks (41–50)
Soldier, run.B’z
It’s a song released by B’z in 2019, and many of you may know it as the Japan national rugby team’s support song.
The character “兵” is read as “tsuwamono” (meaning “warrior”).
With its driving melody and lyrics that depict running tirelessly toward a goal, it really fires up your fighting spirit! The Japan team’s achievement of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time was a brilliant battle, wasn’t it? Listening to this track will have you ready to face any contest in top fighting form!
BraveNaoto Intiraymi
Naoto Inti Raymi’s motivational song “Brave” is said to be what former Nadeshiko Japan soccer player Homare Sawa listened to before World Cup matches.
The bittersweet melody really hits you, and within that mood the lyrics soak in even more, encouraging you to keep looking forward and moving ahead.
Naoto’s vocals are also deeply moving to listen to.
It’s a wonderful track that gives you strength and courage not only in crucial moments, but also when your everyday motivation starts to dip!