[For BGM or workouts] Fast-tempo, high-BPM songs
Don’t you ever feel like listening to fast-tempo songs—for jogging or driving, when you’re working on something, doing house chores like cleaning or laundry, or when you want to hype things up at karaoke?
Of course, they’re great for boosting your mood, but many people also find that music helps them power through tasks in one go!
In this article, we’ll introduce lots of upbeat, catchy tracks, focusing mainly on popular J-POP.
We’ve picked plenty of trending songs too, so feel free to use this list for karaoke choices or as background music for various occasions!
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[For BGM or workouts] Fast-tempo/BPM songs (31–40)
WanteD! WanteD!Mrs. GREEN APPLE
This is a song by the rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, affectionately known as “Misesu.” Released in 2017, it was used as the theme song for the drama ‘We Did It’ (Bokutachi ga Yarimashita).
Its refreshing feel and sense of speed fit perfectly with the high schooler-centered story.
If you listen closely, you’ll notice playful touches like a sing-along-worthy chorus and inventive use of various instruments.
The hook is so catchy it sticks in your head after just one listen—I could put it on repeat and listen to it over and over.
RAGE OF DUSTSPYAIR
SPYAIR’s RAGE OF DUST lifts your spirits with its cool, powerful sound.
It was used as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.
The hot, undeniably cool sound doesn’t just grab your heart—it also gives you the strength to push through whatever tough situation is in front of you.
It instills the belief that even tasks that seem pointless now will one day become part of who you are.
The more you listen, the more energized you feel, so I recommend putting it on repeat whenever you need to get fired up!
It’s not me unless it’s meGesu no Kiwami Otome.
Released in 2015 as Gesu no Kiwami Otome.’s second single.
The song was used in Coca-Cola’s “Name Bottle Campaign” commercial and won the Excellence Award at the 57th Japan Record Awards.
It features a unique worldview and a sound and sense of rhythm that are very hard to imitate.
poofKing Gnu
King Gnu strikes a remarkable balance between each member’s high-level musicianship and their knack for catchy song structures, earning them support from a wide range of listeners—from hardcore music fans to general audiences.
This particular track sits around 120 BPM, yet with its rapid-fire lyrics and tight drum beats, it comes across as decidedly up-tempo.
The way it gets you more and more hyped as you listen is a testament to their groove-heavy performance—that’s where their exceptional playing skills really shine!
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
As the title suggests, it’s a sweet and bittersweet coming-of-age love song about enjoying a festival with someone you like.
It’s a track by SHISHAMO, a three-piece girl band from Kanagawa, released in 2014 as their debut single.
The classic, straight-ahead guitar rock sound is easy on the ears and somehow soothing.
Asako Miyazaki’s cute vocals are surely one reason why.
It’s a refreshing summer number that makes you want to spend joyful moments with someone special—just like in the song.
[For BGM or workouts] Fast-tempo/BPM songs (41–50)
No doubtOfisharu Higedan Dism
A rhythm that makes you want to jump is especially striking.
It’s a song by the piano pop band Official HIGE DANDism, released in 2018 as their major-label debut single.
It drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Confidence Man JP.” While they’re often associated with grand ballads and straightforward love songs, this track has a distinctly cool finish.
True to its title, the lyrics revolve around “lies,” carrying a very thought-provoking meaning.
In other words, it’s a great song packed with addictive elements, one you can also enjoy by delving into and interpreting its message.
Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number
It was released in 2013 as back number’s eighth single.
Produced by Koichi Tsutaya, who also handled the string arrangement, the song pairs upbeat tempos with lyrics that convey the band’s signature portrayal of a somewhat insecure male perspective, creating a sense of emotional fluctuation.