Songs that go well with sports
Do you find that many people listen to music while playing sports or right before they start, to boost their focus and motivation?
Some of you might also want to dedicate a song as a cheer anthem for athletes.
But it can be hard to decide which songs actually help improve concentration and motivation—or give you the courage to throw yourself into your sport, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are perfect for sports!
We’ve picked recommended tracks mainly from those that have been used as theme songs for the Olympics and world championships, so please use this as a reference.
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- Recommended music for marathons: uplifting songs that give you the courage to power through
- Entrance Songs for Athletes | A Comprehensive Introduction to Athletes’ Game-Day Anthems!
- Songs That Make You Want to Run: Music for Running and Jogging to Get You Motivated!
- [TOKYO 2020] Summary of Theme Songs and Cheer/Support Songs for the Tokyo Olympics
- [Hype Songs] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! A curated selection of tracks that boost motivation
- [2026] Entrance Music for Sports: Cool Western Songs and Entrance BGMs
- Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks
- Songs that are perfect for a walk: a roundup of tracks ideal for listening while you stroll
- Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you to do your best on entrance exams and club activities when you listen to them.
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
- Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks That Overflow with Power
- [Basketball Cheer Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing anthems!
Songs that fit sports (41–50)
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A work that delicately portrays the radiance and bitterness of youth, as well as the conflicts that come with growing up, was released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in April 2024.
Gently wrapping bittersweet memories and the dawn of new love, the song has been selected as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery,” winning the hearts of listeners across generations.
It strikes a superb balance between a powerful melody riding on a brisk rhythm and lyrics that finely depict the inner heart.
Within Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s characteristically bright, pop sound, the anxieties and hopes unique to youth—and the way we face ourselves—are skillfully interwoven, making it a motivating anthem for practice ahead of school sports days and athletic festivals.
At the 66th Japan Record Awards, it won the Grand Prize, marking the first-ever back-to-back victory by a band.
winding roadNovelbright
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.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
This is a powerful song that celebrates youthful passion and friendship, included on the album “Zankyō Reference,” released in October 2011.
Within its heavy sound that fuses metalcore and post-hardcore, ONE OK ROCK’s signature refreshing melodies shine through.
It portrays the earnest determination of young people who, carrying the bonds and memories shared with their friends, move forward into the future.
The track was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” It’s a perfect choice as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals, resonating deeply with teammates who sweat together and encourage one another.
Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK
This ambitious work by ONE OK ROCK is marked by powerful vocals and a fast-paced, exhilarating sound.
Interweaving English and Japanese lyrics, it expresses a determination to move forward—believing in one’s own potential and drawing strength from past experiences.
The members’ passionate performance blends perfectly with a message that pushes listeners onward.
Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011, it’s cherished as a staple in live shows that fosters a strong sense of unity with fans.
More than just a boost during sports day practices, this song serves as a source of support when standing at life’s crossroads or taking a new step forward.
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
An aggressive rock number by ONE OK ROCK that champions valuing instinct over logic and the importance of always pushing forward! Its powerful vocals and driving sound will inspire anyone who listens.
The track was selected as the ending theme for the TBS TV program “Arabikidan,” and upon its release in February 2010, it reached No.
9 on the Oricon weekly chart—marking the band’s first-ever Top 10 entry.
It’s the perfect song to boost your motivation during a workout, delivering a fiery message that feels like it’s telling you, “Now’s the time to get moving!”—sure to ignite your determination.
Critical HitRADWIMPS
This is a rock anthem packed with a grand message that resonates with young people, included by RADWIMPS in their December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to.” Riding on powerful guitar riffs and driving drum rhythms, it portrays the struggles and growth of a protagonist trying to find their own path in the midst of youth.
Its uncompromising alternative sound is brimming with energy, making it perfect for opening or closing ceremonies at school sports days.
The music video was filmed at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture and features a massive scale with 1,500 extras.
This work strongly supports students in the thick of their youth and those standing at life’s crossroads.
It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI
With its original approach of turning weakness into an ally to reach greater heights, this song becomes a compelling anthem of encouragement.
It carries a positive message: by accepting and overcoming your weaknesses, you can achieve significant growth.
Coupled with SEKAI NO OWARI’s gentle yet powerful vocals and expansive arrangement, it resonates deeply with listeners.
Produced in September 2023 as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime ONE PIECE, it is also included on the album Nautilus.
It’s a track that will strongly support participants during moments of challenge at school events like sports days and athletic festivals.
As a cheer song for anyone striving toward lofty goals, it’s a work you’ll definitely want to hear.