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

A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda “A Scenery I’ve Never Seen”

This is Masaki Suda’s debut track, packed with passion through its driving rock sound and powerful vocals.

Released in June 2017, the song earnestly portrays people who keep moving forward even while covered in mud.

Its message, full of determination and passion toward the future, was featured in au’s “au BLUE CHALLENGE” series and resonated with many listeners.

The track is included on the album “PLAY” and garnered high acclaim, reaching No.

3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

It’s also perfect as entrance music for athletes at school sports days, gently yet powerfully pushing forward everyone who is striving to face ahead.

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.

exceed; surpass; go beyond; cross (over)[Alexandros]

Koeru

An energetic rock number that begins with a distorted guitar.

It’s a track released from [Alexandros]’s album “PROVOKE,” selected as the opening theme for the first cour of the TV anime “Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray.” The lyrics, themed around battling oneself and transcending one’s limits, align perfectly with the anime’s worldview, creating a powerful, inspiring message that stirs the listener’s heart.

It’s highly effective when you feel on the verge of breaking or need to psyche yourself up.

Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise OrchestraMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION – Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

A track that brilliantly fuses an energetic, uplifting ska sound with rock! Born from a powerful collaboration between MAN WITH A MISSION and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, this song was released in February 2018 and saw extensive use across various media.

It was featured as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s drama “MASKMEN” and as the official theme song for the Super Rugby team Sunwolves, generating significant buzz.

Its driving rhythm and powerful sound are sure to maximize your motivation during training.

REVIVERMY FIRST STORY

MY FIRST STORY – REVIVER – Official Music Video

A powerful rock number packed with messages of rebirth and self-affirmation! Included on MY FIRST STORY’s album “ALL LEAD TRACKS,” released in July 2017, it was chosen as the theme song for Part 3 of the smartphone RPG “Hortensia Saga: Aoi no Kishidan.” With its driving melodies and grand sound, it expresses the courage to face adversity and the resolve to rise again.

Even if you’re reborn, your convictions remain unchanged—this song embodies the determination to live true to yourself.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you hit a wall, when you feel like you’re losing yourself, or when you need to rally your spirit.

BREAKOUTSnow Man

Snow Man「BREAKOUT」Dance Practice

An ambitious work from Snow Man, resounding with powerful guitar riffs and a bold, rock-infused sound.

The song channels a vow to risk one’s life to protect a loved one, expressed through its dynamic energy.

Each member’s distinctive vocals shine, further enriching the song’s world.

Released as a single in July 2024, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Akabane Honekko no Bodyguard,” starring member Raul.

In the music video, intense choreography inspired by nine heroes unfolds.

Its strong message—filled with the resolve and will to face any hardship and keep moving forward—is sure to resonate with you during your workout.

NIPPONShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – NIPPON

This is a powerful cheering song by Ringo Sheena, released in May 2014 as the theme song for Japan’s national soccer team.

Included on the album Hi Izuru Tokoro, it features a rock sound infused with traditional Japanese elements, creating an energetic track that lifts the spirits of viewers.

With lyrics invoking words like “banzai” and “departure for battle,” the song conveys the weight of kanji, expressing Japan’s tradition and pride while delivering a passionate message that inspires the courage to take on challenges.

Chosen as the theme for NHK’s soccer-related programs and used during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the song drew considerable attention.

If you listen when you need to fire yourself up, it’s sure to give you a push.