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Recommended wake-up songs for college students: classic and popular Japanese hits

On the big exam day, on the days when you might earn those credits, or those tough first-period mornings…

Here are some songs to wake up to! Listen to these tracks in the morning, and you’ll definitely feel sharp! Be sure to add them to your playlist and give them a listen.

I hope this helps you out.

Recommended wake-up songs for college students: Classic and popular Japanese hits (31–40)

That’s good too.Wakeys

An energetic track with a wonderful marching-band rhythm and a poppy vibe! It’s a song by Wakeys, released in April 2025 as the ending theme for NHK Educational TV’s “The Wakey Show.” Created by singer-songwriter Kento Kocchi, the piece was reportedly crafted with the image of children humming along on their way to school in the morning.

The gentle lyrics set to cheerful sounds really resonate.

Perfect for listening before school or work!

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE

With its upbeat, refreshing pop-rock sound, this track brims with energy for taking a new step forward.

Originally featured on Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s major-label debut mini-album “Variety” in July 2015, it gained attention as the song for Kao’s Merit commercial and as the theme for Fuji TV’s show “Super Addictive! Laugh-Out-Loud Character Parade.” The lyrics, filled with anticipation for a shining future, and the catchy melody make it perfect for waking up in the morning.

It’s a song that helps you feel positive—ideal for starting a new chapter or when you want to reset your mindset.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
together; along with; bothWANIMA

A song whose exhilarating guitar sound and powerful message strike a chord.

WANIMA, a rock band based in Kumamoto, released it in August 2016 as the commercial song for NIVEA Kao’s “8×4.” Set to a driving, fast-paced melody, it expresses the strength to overcome adversity and gratitude for the encounters along the way, resulting in a track that brims with positivity.

Listening to it first thing in the morning is sure to energize you for the day ahead.

It’s a gentle, encouraging anthem that gives you a push at major turning points in life or when you’re about to take on a new challenge.

Song of BeginningsOhashi Takuya

Takuya Ohashi – “Hajimari no Uta” Music Video: TAKUYA OHASHI – Hajimari no Uta Music Video
Song of BeginningsOhashi Takuya

Let us introduce a perfect springtime cheer-up song for starting a new chapter: a track released in February 2008 as the solo debut of Takuya Ohashi from Sukima Switch.

Its lyrics, brimming with hope for the future and encouraging you to move forward while valuing your true self, paired with warm acoustic sounds, strike a chord.

It’s truly a song that gently nudges you to take that new first step.

The track was used as the campaign song for major distance-learning company U-Can and reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The music video features actress Aoi Yoshikura, poignantly portraying a young person setting out on a new path.

It’s a must-listen for new employees and anyone facing changes such as entering a new school or switching careers.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

A massive hit by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that delicately captures the brilliance and bitterness of youth.

It begins with a gentle melody and evolves into a powerful, grand sound—perfect for waking up in the morning.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Boukyaku Battery,” it won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.

With this award, the band achieved the unprecedented feat of winning two years in a row.

The lyrics, which support the feeling of moving forward step by step despite anxiety and doubt, will gently push the backs of all those greeting a new morning.

Recommended wake-up songs for college students: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (41–50)

AM11:00HY

HY – 「AM11:00」 Live Music Video
AM11:00HY

One of HY’s signature songs, “AM11:00,” is perfect as a wake-up alarm! Its BPM is around 100—on the slower side—but still within the tempo range said to be good for waking up.

The biggest highlight is the beginning of the track: it starts with a soft synth intro, followed by a crisp riff, and then Hideyuki Shinzato’s refreshing vocals as the verse comes in—just right for the morning.

As the title suggests, it’s ideal for days off when you want to wake up slowly.

flying boatKing Gnu

King Gnu – Hikōtei (Seaplane)
flying boatKing Gnu

If you want to kick-start your morning by blasting a cool rock song, King Gnu’s “Hikoutei” is highly recommended.

King Gnu is a Japanese band, but their sound feels like Western music, so it’s sure to get you pumped from the start of the day! Set it as your alarm tone and you might find yourself waking up feeling refreshed.