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!? Power-Packed Anthems and Game-Day Tracks (31–40)
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.
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
This is the first digital single by WANIMA, a three-piece rock band from Kumamoto Prefecture known for electrifying stage performances that thrill audiences and community-rooted activities that resonate with a wide range of listeners.
It’s a cover of the British folk song “The Picnic,” arranged in WANIMA’s signature style, and was featured in the au commercial series “Santaro – Spring Door: Try It.” With its familiar melody and positive message, it’s the kind of track that could boost athletes’ excitement and motivation before a game.
A refreshing, fast-paced rock tune with powerful choral work and a tight ensemble that feels great to listen to.
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!
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.
Songs to Listen to Before a Match: Athlete Favorites!? Energizing Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks (41–50)
To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts
A track by Creepy Nuts, the hip-hop duo consisting of rapper R-Shitei—also known as Japan’s top battle MC—and DJ Matsunaga, winner of a world DJ championship.
The song features a track with a jazz-like walking bass phrase, over which rap and vocals are blended in exquisite balance.
It carries the theme that although everyone was special at first, we tend to forget that feeling as we grow up—and that even now, we can become anything.
Catchy yet powerfully message-driven, it’s a song that resonates deeply.
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!