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

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Released in February 2004, Yo Hitoto’s fifth single was used as a JRA commercial song.

Written in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the piece embodies a prayer for peace.

Set against a majestic sound woven by piano and strings, its universal message—wishing that happiness for those dear to us will endure—resonates deeply.

It’s a soothing song that brings loved ones to mind as you listen.

Fanfare for GI (Kanto)sugiyama kouichi

Kanto G1 Fanfare

Among the fanfares played before horse races, this is the piece used for G1 races at the Kanto tracks—Tokyo Racecourse and Nakayama Racecourse.

It’s a famous fanfare also known for being composed by Koichi Sugiyama, the composer of the main theme for the game Dragon Quest.

As pre-race music, it’s a short piece, but it vividly conveys the anticipation for the start of the race and the gallant presence of the racehorses within its brief length.

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EmotionsMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION “Emotions” [Theme song for the film “Hentai Kamen”]

The song that perfectly matches the passionate, swirling emotions of the horse racing world is “Emotions” by MAN WITH A MISSION.

Released in February 2013 as their second single, it was later featured in 2022 as the track for the JBC “JBC 2022 Special Promotion Video,” the festival of dirt racing.

Its sound—powerful vocals interwoven with flowing strings—is like a horse sprinting down the final stretch, setting listeners’ hearts ablaze.

GIRLS’ LEGEND UUmap

Game “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” Opening Movie “GIRLS’ LEGEND U”

It’s the theme song of the mobile game Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, released in 2021.

As a work featuring anthropomorphized racehorse characters with horse racing as its theme, it fostered mutual interest: people who discovered the game became interested in real horse racing, while those familiar with horse racing became interested in the game.

With an opening that evokes a fanfare and a powerful, driving sound full of speed, the music strongly conjures the vigor of horse racing.

The lyrics, which express the joy of finally being able to meet, also drew attention, conveying a sense of release and vindication after the long wait from the project’s announcement to the app’s launch.

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Madder-colored skyRemioromen

Remioromen – Akanezora

This is a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Remioromen, a three-piece rock band from Yamanashi Prefecture, released it in 2007 as their 10th single.

Chosen as a theme song for a Japan Racing Association commercial, it captured the hearts of many.

The gentle tone of the guitar and Ryota Fujimaki’s warm vocals resonate deeply.

It’s a perfect cheer song for anyone striving toward their dreams.

Stars overtaking meToukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora

Passing Stars / TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA

This song by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra leaves a striking impression with its exhilarating sense of speed, like sprinting full throttle under a clear blue sky.

It was written as the theme song for Kyoto Racecourse, which reopened after renovations in April 2023.

The fact that the music video was filmed on the turf at Kyoto Racecourse is another notable highlight.

The first-ever attempt at twin vocals by NARGO and Kin-ichi Motegi reflects Skapara’s intention to make a fresh start alongside Kyoto Racecourse.

It’s a track that focuses on the act of running, evoking the image of cheering on the racehorses.

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Twinkle Star ~A Star to Rely On~Toukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora

Twinkle Star ~A Star to Rely On~

A vocal number by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra that brilliantly fuses a sparkling night sky with a sense of speed! Sung by drummer Kin-ichi Motegi, the track is included on the mini-album “Sunny Side of the Street,” released in August 2011.

It served as the campaign song commemorating the 25th anniversary of Tokyo City Keiba’s “Twinkle Race,” and was also selected as the paddock-to-track entrance theme for graded races at Oi Racecourse.

Its message—keep running through anxious nights, guided by the stars—overlaps with the image of thoroughbreds challenging the world of competition.

It’s sure to gently nudge anyone about to take on a new challenge and fill them with a pleasant sense of exhilaration!