[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!
- Perfect for sports or driving! High-energy, fast-paced tracks that will get you pumped
- [Mood-Boosting Japanese Music / J-POP] Sky-High Hype & Chill Lift! A Collection of Up-Tempo Classics
- [Hot & Cool] Up-tempo, hype-inducing anime song
- Upbeat, bright songs: a collection of tracks that lift your mood when you listen
- [For Work] Uplifting BGM: A collection of tracks that boost your productivity
- Songs that hype you up just by listening—recommended tracks from timeless classics to the latest releases
- [For Teens] Mood-Boosting! Crowd-Pleaser Hit Songs
- Today's Uplifting Song: A carefully selected, high-energy track bursting with power!
- Hype to the max! Party songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- [Instrumental] Great Japanese songs without lyrics—perfect as background music for work
- [For Women] Easy-to-Sing and Crowd-Pleasing Karaoke Songs
- Great for karaoke too! Upbeat songs that will get you hyped
- Perfect for karaoke song choices too! Hype tracks recommended for Gen Z.
[For BGM or workouts] Fast-tempo/BPM songs (41–50)
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.
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.
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.
Here we go! Phantom Thief GirlMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
One of the signature songs by Momoiro Clover Z, a four-member idol group that celebrated the 10th anniversary of their major-label debut in 2020 and has set numerous records as female artists.
With member name calls in the intro, it’s a track that gets the crowd and performers hyped together at live shows.
While its catchy melody and intense choreography stand out, the song also hides many clever structural tricks—despite making a major key change in the chorus, it still feels natural—showcasing the refined sensibilities of its composer, Hyadain.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to boost your energy, like karaoke or a drive, so why not learn the dance along with it?
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.
Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~Mr.Children
A signature song by Mr.
Children—an artist leading Japan’s music scene—featuring overwhelming vocal prowess that naturally draws you into the song’s world and a love song that conveys heartfelt sincerity.
It’s an up-tempo number that expresses the emotions of being in love in a straightforward way.
Find YouMAN WITH A MISSION
This is a song by MAN WITH A MISSION, known as the wolf band.
It was also used as the theme song for the film “Anonymous Noise,” starring Ayami Nakajo, which was released in the winter of 2017.
It’s a very approachable track that I can recommend not only to rock band fans but also to people who don’t usually listen to rock.