[Alarm Songs] Start Your Day Right! Japanese Songs That Help You Wake Up Refreshed

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

In the morning, there are times when you want to get up but just can’t quite do it, right?

We all want to ease smoothly into activity mode at the start of the day.

So in this article, we’ll introduce recommended Japanese songs perfect for your alarm.

Each one is a sure-fire classic to help you wake up better—whether it’s a track that boosts your energy, gets you excited, or lets you welcome the morning with a calm mind.

Kick off an amazing day with your favorite music!

[Alarm Tunes] Start Your Day Right! Japanese Songs That Help You Wake Up Feeling Great (41–50)

In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Ketsui no Asa ni' Music Video (Theme song of the film 'Brave Story')

In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

On a morning that really matters—one of those “Today’s the day!” mornings—set Aqua Timez’s “Ketsui no Asa ni” as your alarm.

Released in 2006 as their major-label debut single, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the animated film Brave Story.

The lyrics, which sing about walking forward with a strong sense of self, are truly encouraging.

It’s the perfect track to start an unmissable day—like an exam or a big business deal—so I highly recommend giving it a listen.

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seven colorsBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Nanairo”

seven colorsBUMP OF CHICKEN

If you want to start your morning feeling refreshed, I recommend BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Nanakuro.” Released in 2021 as their 16th digital-only single, it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Okaeri Mone,” and it reached No.

1 on both the Oricon and Billboard charts.

Motoo Fujiwara’s fresh, clear vocals are perfect for the morning, and the song reminds you how wonderful it is to spend this brand-new day for the first time.

It’ll make waking up easier, so try setting it as your alarm!

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Morning will come againDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Morning Will Come Again

Morning will come againDREAMS COME TRUE

The song Asaga Mata Kuru by DREAMS COME TRUE was specially written as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Shomuni 24 Ji (Emergency Room 24 Hours).

It is their 23rd single and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

The lyrics, which sing about how morning comes the same every day no matter what happens, are sure to encourage those enduring long, difficult nights.

If you simply keep getting through each day, the hardship will grow lighter—so for now, welcome the morning by listening to Asaga Mata Kuru.

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ShandyJenīhai

shandy

ShandyJenīhai

What I want you to listen to on a languid morning is Jenny High’s “Shandy.” Jenny High is a band formed through a project on the variety show BAZOOKA!!! by the likes of Enon Kawatani from Gesu no Kiwami Otome and comedian Chihiro Koyabu.

The way it shifts from the jazz-tinged chord progression at the beginning to the catchy, liberating sound of the chorus feels like it’s expressing the mind’s journey from drowsiness to awakening.

The piano phrase in the intro is also perfect for an alarm!

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Perfect Day310

310 (Sato) “Perfect Day” MV (Anime ‘I’m a Guild Receptionist, but I Hate Overtime, so I’m Going to Solo the Boss’ Opening Theme)

Perfect Day310

Born from scenes of refreshing mornings and dusky twilights, this song gently portrays the special moments hidden in everyday life.

310’s crystal-clear vocals deliver a warm message of encouragement to everyone working hard each day.

The track has been available since January 2025 as the opening theme for the anime “I’m the Guild Receptionist, but I Don’t Like Overtime, So I’m Going to Solo the Boss.” Composed by Ryutaro Fujinaga of Elements Garden, the piece beautifully blends a driving rock sound with a pure, graceful melody, tenderly resonating with listeners.

It’s the perfect song for when you’re worn out from work or need energy for tomorrow.

For those giving their all every day, it’s sure to bring comfort and courage.

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In conclusion

Even if you’re not a morning person, starting your day with pleasant music can put you in a bright mood.

Once you find a favorite song, try setting it as your alarm right away.

Let the power of music help you wake up in the best possible way!