[Masterpieces That Sing of Dawn] A curated selection of moving hit songs and hidden gems
Have you ever felt your heart being cleansed at the very moment the sun rises? Music listened to in the clear air of daybreak can reset the lingering haze of the previous day and offer fresh hope for the start of a new one.
In this article, we introduce songs that depict the break of dawn and moving masterpieces that link dawn with a range of emotions.
May you find a track that wraps your heart in the time that shifts from the stillness of dawn to a radiant morning.
- [Morning Songs] Masterpieces themed around morning. Popular songs.
- Masterpieces to listen to in the morning. Special morning songs that give a boost to the start of your day.
- [Night Songs] Classic masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP you’ll want to listen to at nighttime.
- Masterpieces that sing of the stars. Star songs that resonate in the heart, best heard beneath the night sky.
- [For adults too] Youth songs that let you look back on your memories
- [Wake-Up Songs] Energetic and Uplifting! Japanese Pop/J-POP You’ll Want to Hear in the Morning
- Classic Japanese songs perfect for sunny days: comfortable tracks that match a blue sky.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Karaoke songs I want to sing in the morning
- [Sunset Songs] A selection of timeless classics and the latest tracks perfect for listening at dusk
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- Masterpieces that sing of tomorrow. Recommended popular songs.
Masterpieces That Sing of Dawn: Carefully Selected Heart-Touching Hit Songs and Hidden Gems (81–90)
SKY’s the limitboku no ririkku no bouyomi
For a refreshing morning, go with some breezy music.
This track was released by Tanaka—who is also active as an actor and novelist—during his Bokuno Lyric no Bouyomi era, coming out in 2017 as his major second single.
It was used in a commercial, so many of you may have heard it.
With an upbeat groove, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to jump around.
If you’re thinking, “Ugh, another day is starting…,” this pop number will blow those feelings away.
Give it a listen.
Morning sceneryBeru (Konnatsumi), Gasuton (Yoshihara Mitsuo)
“Belle (Bonjour)” from the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack.
When you listen to this in the morning, it feels like you’re being taken on a journey through the vast world that unfolds at dawn.
If you love Disney, it’s a timeless classic at any hour, and even if you don’t, it’s a song that makes you feel as if you’re watching a musical in the morning.
Hello/How are you?Hatsune Miku
A mellow number by Hatsune Miku.
With an intro and piano tones that sound as if checking each note one by one, plus a relaxed tempo, I think it’s perfect for waking up in the morning! It’s a song about a flawed self, but the melody is catchy and has a pleasant feel that even hints at rap.
The latter half, where the true feelings spill out, is really wonderful.
When things are hard or painful, please don’t push yourself.
Just as morning comes to everyone, Hello/How Are You will leave you feeling refreshed—like rain giving way to clear skies.
SUNHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino, who can now be called one of Japan’s leading artists without exaggeration.
With the massive hit of “Koi,” his name recognition skyrocketed, cementing his popularity.
“SUN” is the first song he ever wrote specifically as a TV drama theme.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne,” starring Sadao Abe.
People often say “night always gives way to dawn,” and even on nights when you feel completely sunk, morning still comes.
This song gives you the energy to believe that when that morning arrives, the weather will be beautiful and the sun will be shining brightly.
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki
Makihara Noriyuki’s signature number “Donna Toki mo” (“No Matter What”).
This song is one of Makihara’s early works and was released in 1991 as his third single.
It’s a go-to uplifting track that many people listen to in various situations to boost their spirits.
It’s a classic that many famous artists have covered.
Everyone has those mornings when they just can’t get motivated—when you don’t want to go to work but have to.
This is a song that gives you courage and a gentle push forward at those times.
Morning SunKiyoshi Ryujin
Many people find themselves wanting to hear the sound of an acoustic guitar in the morning, don’t they? For you, I recommend Ryujin Kiyoshi’s “Morning Sun.” It starts in a simple singer-songwriter style with just acoustic guitar and vocals in the intro, but more instruments gradually come in toward the end.
It builds smoothly from a quiet beginning, making it a perfect song to lift your mood in the morning.
[Masterpieces That Sing of Dawn] Carefully Selected Heart-Stirring Hit Songs and Hidden Gems (91–100)
You are there in the morning sunlightTamaki Kōji
Koji Tamaki’s whisper-like vocals and guitar played as naturally as breathing are breathtaking in “Asa no Hizashi ni Kimi ga Ite” (“You in the Morning Sunlight”).
With a melody that calms the heart and a quiet passion you can feel from him, this song is truly healing.
It’s the perfect track to listen to in the morning.