[Popular] A Collection of Japanese Songs Related to Horse Racing [Music]

HOLIDAYSKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “HOLIDAYS”

Kaela Kimura’s 23rd single feels like bottling the weekend’s exhilaration into music.

Released in May 2017, the track was written as the theme song for the JRA’s annual “HOT HOLIDAYS!” promotional campaign.

According to Kimura herself, she conceived each day from Monday to Sunday as a different color, layering them into a rainbow as the basis for the lyrics.

The driving, high-velocity melody brims with the thrill of bolting toward a long-awaited day off.

It’s the perfect tune to play on a pre-race drive to the track or while getting ready for a weekend outing—guaranteed to send your excitement soaring.

Umapyoi LegendSupesharu Uiiku (CV: Waki Azumi) Sairensu Suzuka (CV: Takano Marika) Tokai Teiō (CV: Machico)

Umapyoi Legend

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby sparked a major movement in games and anime.

A character song that embodies its world was released in November 2016 on the album STARTING GATE 01.

It’s performed by three voice actors who play popular characters: Azumi Waki as Special Week, Marika Kouno as Silence Suzuka, and Machico as Tokai Teio.

From an intro reminiscent of a horse racing fanfare, the energy soars, and the structure—packed with calls and interjections—has an addictive punch.

It was also used as the ending theme for the anime’s first season, and in 2023 it was certified Gold for streaming.

The festive feel captures the exhilaration of winning a race straight into music.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to boost your mood in a big way!

Baton of Dreams ~Smile for You~Asaka

Asaka “Dream Baton ~Smile for you~” Music Video Full ver. (Green Channel 30th Anniversary Commemorative Image Song)

In February 2025, when Green Channel—the broadcaster of live JRA horse racing—celebrated its 30th anniversary, a commemorative image song featuring vocalist Asaka was released.

The composition was handled by Kohei Tanaka, and it’s characterized by a dynamic band-driven sound enriched with horn and string sections.

Created with the concept of making weekend mornings more enjoyable for horse racing fans, the song weaves together enduring sentiments and supportive feelings into an uplifting whole.

With its exhilarating drive, it’s perfect for getting pumped up before watching the races.

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Mela!' Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Mela!

In a JRA commercial depicting horse racing buddies enjoying a picnic, the background music was one of Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s signature songs.

Released in April 2020 as a track on the album “SINGALONG,” this piece brims with a festive vibe created by its bouncy groove and brass arrangement.

Its backstory is also compelling: crafted collectively by the band, with a melody conceived by Peppe that was further developed with Shingo Anami, and lyrics woven by Haruko Nagaya and Ichise Kobayashi, it stands as a true collaborative gem.

The song has surpassed 300 million streams and was performed at the 73rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at the end of 2022.

Its empowering message, which gives you the courage to take a step forward, is delivered through an upbeat, catchy melody.

It’s the perfect track for boosting your energy or taking on something new.

a momentHoshino Gen

Keep running toward the future. | JRA Official

Created to mark the 70th anniversary of the JRA, this is a song specially written by Gen Hoshino as the theme for the brand’s TV commercial.

First unveiled to the public in January 2024 alongside the commercial footage, the track brilliantly captures the myriad emotions condensed into the brief span of a race.

It brims with the exhilaration of the moment when the feelings of horses, jockeys, and spectators intersect.

Transcending the bounds of a tie-in, the piece evolves into a pop song with universal appeal, giving musical form to the sense of history being passed into the future.

It’s a song that will resonate not only with horse racing fans, but with anyone who keeps running toward something.

Spurt syndromer10-FEET

10-FEET – Spurt Syndrome (Anime 'Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray' Cour 2 Opening Theme)

This is a fast-paced rock track by 10-FEET, a three-piece rock band formed in Kyoto in 1997.

It was released digitally in October 2025 as the opening theme for the second cour of the anime Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray.

Their signature mixture sound, rooted in hard rock and punk, runs throughout the song and stirs the listener’s spirit.

It’s their first anime tie-in since “Dai Zero Kan,” the ending theme for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, and it’s a song filled with the desire to reach everyone who faces the world of competition.

It’s a must-listen not only for horse racing fans but for anyone giving their all to a challenge.

LightlessAgunesu Takion (CV: Uesaka Sumire)

Lightless

It’s a solo song by Sumire Uesaka, who voices Agnes Tachyon in Uma Musume Pretty Derby, included on the February 2022 album “Uma Musume Pretty Derby WINNING LIVE 03.” TAKU INOUE handled everything from lyrics and composition to arrangement.

Within a worldview drained of color, the will to press forward is depicted through a sound brimming with speed and drive.

It’s the perfect track to crank up your mood in an instant, or to listen to when your head is crowded with thoughts!