Hidden gems for wake-up songs: recommended popular tracks
This is a playlist of hidden gems in J-pop and J-rock that are perfect for waking up in the morning.
From breezy pop tunes that suit a fresh morning to hard rock tracks that blow away drowsiness, why not make your busy mornings more fulfilling by putting on some music?
Hidden gems among wake-up songs. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
heavy mellowsupittsu
Spitz’s “Heavy Mellow” was written specifically as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV,” so it’s such a refreshing song that you might think, “Wait, this is Spitz!?” Its upbeat rhythm is unusual for Spitz, making it a fresh and innovative track.
In the morning, even the lunar surface is smiling.DISH//
This is a song by DISH// that was chosen as the theme for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV.” Woven from the members’ real-life experience of looking up at the early-morning sky, its gentle melody carries a warmth that feels close to the morning.
Released in April 2024, the track is also included on the album “Gunjo Hikou.” With DISH//’s signature approachable sound, it beautifully captures the scenes from the early hours through daybreak.
It’s perfect for that moment of waking up, and if you listen during your morning commute to work or school, you’ll start your day accompanied by refreshing morning air and comforting music.
Happy SongMr.Children
“Happy Song” is a track included on Mr.Children’s 17th album, [(an imitation) blood orange], released in 2012.
It also served as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV.” The song is also known for featuring Naoto Inti Raymi—who was still relatively unknown at the time—on backing vocals.
Ultra soulB’z
B’z’s “Ultra Soul” is an explosive anthem that cranks anyone’s energy way up.
Ever since it was chosen as the official theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships, its sheer hype had all of Japan buzzing—truly a masterpiece among masterpieces.
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.
Somewhere today as wellOda Kazumasa
Released in 2011, the song “Kyou mo Dokokade” (“Somewhere Today, Too”) is included on Kazumasa Oda’s eighth album, “Domo.” It’s a famous track that was also chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV.” Oda was the leader and vocalist of the former band Off Course.
Early in the Morning: The Morning of DepartureKuwata Keisuke
Keisuke Kuwata’s “EARLY IN THE MORNING ~Tabidachi no Asa~” was the theme song for the TV show “Mezamashi TV,” and it became a hot topic for being a bit erotic.
There was also a calisthenics exercise event held to go along with the song.
SunshineYūsuke
Yusuke’s “Sunshine” was released in 2014.
“Yusuke” is a stage name used by Yusuke Kamiji for his singing career.
The song’s music video is set as a story taking place five years after the 2009 debut single “Himawari.”
Hello,world!BUMP OF CHICKEN
“Hello, world!” is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s 24th single, released in 2015.
It includes a hidden track called “Omar” that is irresistible for BUMP OF CHICKEN fans.
Map of the SunMISIA
MISIA’s “Map of the Sun” is included on her eighth album, EIGHTH WORLD, released in 2008.
Above all, the lyrics are wonderful.
The message that each day, you are your most beautiful self is fantastic, and the song was even chosen as the theme for the TV program Mezamashi TV.