Recommended music for marathons: uplifting songs that give you the courage to power through

Joyfulikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Joyful' Music Video

This is a song by Ikimono-gakari that was produced as a commercial tune for Ezaki Glico’s Pocky and became a huge hit.

As the title suggests, the song’s most distinctive feature is how thoroughly joyful it feels from start to finish.

The lyrics convey a sense of everyone having fun together, and it’s unique in how the choice of words—through their very sound—also communicates that sense of fun.

Overall, it’s a light, cheerful track whose buoyant sound makes you feel like you can’t help but start running.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

winding roadNovelbright

Novelbright – Winding Road [Official Music Video]

This song portrays growth and hope along the winding roads of life.

It serves as the theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 9 series “Courtroom Dragon,” which tells the story of a protagonist who transitions from professional shogi player to lawyer, and it will be released in January 2025.

The lyrics were written by Novelbright’s vocalist, Yudai Takenaka, with composition by Takenaka and guitarist Kaito Yamada.

The track features grand melodies and a refreshing sound.

In the music video, directed by actor Hiroshi Tamaki, the band performs amid forests and vast natural landscapes, creating a striking impression.

It’s a song that gives courage to look ahead—perfect for young people unsure of their path and friends striving in new environments.

It’s also ideal for building excitement ahead of school sports festivals and athletic meets.

Mighty Long FallONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – Mighty Long Fall [Official Music Video]

A track brimming with overwhelming energy and passion.

It explores profound themes such as love and loss, and inner conflict, expressed in both English and Japanese, crafting an emotional worldview that represents the very essence of ONE OK ROCK.

Released in July 2014 as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, stayed on the charts for 17 weeks, and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

It’s a song that fires you up during high-intensity training—like weightlifting or powerlifting—giving you the courage to push your limits.

Give it some guts!!Urufuruzu

Ulfuls – Guts da ze!!

The perfect song to listen to at the toughest point in a marathon! Released in 1995, this was Ulfuls’ breakthrough smash hit.

With its uniquely original style that fuses rock with a dance beat, it captured the hearts of many and is still said to be the most exciting song at their live shows.

“There’s no point in whining! Show some grit!” With that kind of tough-love encouragement, you can’t afford to stop, right? If you always end up giving up just shy of your target time, try training with this track on.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

sailing dayBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「sailing day」

A work depicting the courage and hope to face destiny was released in March 2003.

Even mistakes and failures, like beloved treasures, may be unique riches that belong only to each person.

Filled with a cheer for foolish dreamers who chase their dreams, it delivers the united hearts of all the members.

This gem of a song is included on the album Yggdrasil and was also chosen as the theme song for the film ONE PIECE THE MOVIE: The Dead End Adventure.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart and marked the band’s first-ever 100,000 copies sold in its debut week.

It’s a track that warmly embraces your back as you take a new step forward.

ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG

ff (fortissimo) HOUND DOG

With a powerful, resonant melody and a passionate message, this song has captured the hearts of many as an anthem that encourages listeners to push forward toward their dreams and goals.

The lyrics, which forcefully express the protagonist’s strong resolve and deep love, convey universal feelings that anyone can relate to.

Released in August 1985 and featured in a Nissin Cup Noodles TV commercial, it became one of HOUND DOG’s signature songs.

Since March 2018, it has also been used as the departure melody at JR Sendai Station.

This piece is a song that gently gives you a push when you need the courage to believe in yourself and the strength to move forward.

A victorious smile with youUkasukaji

Ukasukazy “A Victorious Smile With You” Music Video

This track is packed with the appeal of a fiery cheer song that amps up any sports day scene.

Its exhilarating sound fusing J-pop and hip-hop, along with its message of encouragement for those who take on challenges, really resonates.

Released in May 2014 as a digital-only single by Ukasuka-G, it also served as the lead single for the album “AMIGO,” released in June of the same year, and was adopted as an official cheer song for the Japan national soccer team.

The song has been featured in numerous tie-ins, including Kirin’s “Nihonjuu ga Kata o Kumu” commercial and Mizuho Financial Group’s “ONE MIZUHO Power of Blue” commercial.

It’s recommended not only for exit scenes at school sports days, but for a wide range of moments that call for passion and energy, such as sporting events and competitions.