Entrance Songs for Athletes | A Comprehensive Introduction to Athletes’ Game-Day Anthems!
In sports, the entrance songs that hype up players’ walk-ons boost the excitement not just for the athletes themselves, but for everyone involved in the game—spectators in the stands and fans watching on TV alike.
Because these tracks are impactful and cool, many people probably listen to them when they play sports or want to get motivated.
In this article, we’ve gathered music used as entrance songs across a variety of sports.
From well-known tracks adopted by many athletes to the latest hits, we’ll introduce a wide range regardless of discipline—so see if you can find a favorite track.
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Entrance songs for athletes | A roundup of athletes’ pump-up tracks! (21–30)
Song of BeginningsRyokushokushakai
It’s an exhilarating pop anthem that begins with negative emotions like doubt yet portrays the will to face forward and start again and again.
Written and composed by Haruko Nagaya, it’s a song by the Aichi-born band Ryokuoushoku Shakai, included on their mini-album “ADORE” released in August 2017, and later re-included on the classic album “Ryokuoushoku Shakai” released in March 2018.
It was used in a Drag Sugiyama commercial and as the theme song for a 2024 ABEMA dating show, and it also served as the walk-up song for Hanshin Tigers pitcher Hiroto Saiki.
It’s a track that gently encourages not only players heading to the field but also anyone who wants to shake off what holds them back and take a new step forward.
Life Gametimelesz
This is the song that Yomiuri Giants pitcher Masahiro Tanaka chose for that decisive moment as he heads to the mound.
It’s a high-energy number released during Sexy Zone’s era by the group now known as timelesz.
The melody races over an electronic beat, stoking the listener’s fighting spirit.
The rap part crafted by Fuma Kikuchi further amplifies the song’s driving force.
This track was released as a single produced as the theme song for the drama “Zeicho: ‘Haraenai’ ni wa Wake ga Aru,” starring Kikuchi, and it topped the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear not only before a game but for anyone facing challenges.
A future we create togetherKetsumeishi
This is a heartwarming number used by Ryuki Watarai of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars as his second at-bat walk-up song.
Its hopeful message—that meeting someone special can lead to the future—set to a gentle melody is quite striking.
The song was released in January 2011 as one of the tracks on a double A-side single and is also included on the album “Ketsunopolis 7.” In addition to being featured in a Tokyo Electric Power Company commercial and as an insert song in a TV drama, it’s cherished as a wedding staple.
Adversity FighterTokoro Jōji
This is a piece that has been used for many years as the entrance theme of mixed martial artist Hideo Tokoro.
It was created by George Tokoro—well known as a TV personality—and included on his July 2006 album Anzen Daini (Safety Second).
It’s also known for having been written specifically for Hideo Tokoro as part of a TV show project, inspired by the fact that they share the same surname.
Set to a powerful rock sound, the song is a stirring number that gives voice to the resolve to face battle and the mental strength to overcome adversity.
In July 2024, after winning a match that would determine his retirement, Tokoro himself said it had “given me courage so many times,” underscoring how deeply the song is tied to him.
superstartsuyoi
Many athletes use Tsuyoshi’s famous song “Superstar” as their entrance theme.
Perhaps the most famous example is former K-1 fighter Koji.
As a track, it’s crafted with an emphasis on clear, easy-to-catch lyrics and a comfortably paced melody.
That makes it a great choice for a quick motivation boost.
There’s also a special Koji version, so if you’re a fan of his, be sure to check that out as well.
CLAP CLAPNiziU
This is a cool, powerful dance-pop track from NiziU.
Released as a single in July 2022, it made waves for winning the Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards.
The funky bassline and handclap sounds resonate pleasantly, making you naturally want to move to the rhythm as you listen.
Many may also remember that Hanshin Tigers pitcher Yuta Iwasada used it as his walk-up song.
It’s a perfect power anthem to fire up your fighting spirit!
FanfareTwice
This is TWICE’s sixth single in Japan, one that lifts your mood right from the intro with its brassy resonance.
Released in July 2020, it shines with a glamorous presence even among their Japan-only releases.
A powerful melody that feels like a signal heralding a new beginning runs throughout, along with a celebratory atmosphere that gives you a push to move forward together.
In a time when the future felt uncertain, its bright energy—like connecting the world through color—encouraged many fans.
It was also played as pitcher Ryoto Ihara’s entrance song at Hanshin Tigers games.
Give it a listen when you want to boost your spirits in everyday life.