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?
- Wake-Up Song Rankings [2026]
- [Wake-Up Songs] Energetic and Uplifting! Japanese Pop/J-POP You’ll Want to Hear in the Morning
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- [Cheer Song] A hidden gem that stirs the soul. A rallying anthem known to those in the know.
- A hidden gem known only to those in the know. A great J-pop/Japanese song.
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- [Alarm Clock] A Collection of Japanese Songs to Listen to on a Day Off Morning [Healing]
- Masterpieces to listen to in the morning. Special morning songs that give a boost to the start of your day.
Hidden gems of alarm clock songs: Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
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.
MAGICSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “MAGIC” was originally a song by the three-piece band HAWAIIAN6, and this is a cover.
HAWAIIAN6 is known for not lending out their songs, so I’m surprised they agreed.
SUNSHINEDREAMS COME TRUE

“SUNSHINE” is DREAMS COME TRUE’s 36th single, released in 2005.
It was issued in two versions: the “Kiku-Kiku Set” and the “Kiku-Miru Set.” A bonus CD featuring “WINTER SONG ~DANCING SNOWFLAKES VERSION~” was also included.
boys&girlsKEYTALK

KEYTALK is a four-piece rock band that thrills fans with a diverse catalog and highly entertaining live performances.
Their song “boys & girls,” included on their major 8th single “MATSURI BAYASHI,” was used as the theme song for the TV program “Mezamashi Doyoubi” from April 9, 2016 to October 1, 2016.
The lyrics evoke a leisurely weekend morning, depicting hopeful feelings and scenery that leave you refreshed.
It’s a pop tune with a buoyant, catchy ensemble that feels comfortable and gives a sense of depth.
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

The ONE OK ROCK song “Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer” is their fourth single, released in 2010.
The band’s vocalist, Taka (Takahiro Moriuchi), is a former member of NEWS and the son of Shinichi Mori and Masako Mori.
with a gentle heartSuperfly

Superfly’s “Yasashii Kimochi de” was the 2009 theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV.” It was extremely popular, and later was also chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Kagayaki YELL!,” making it a track that has maintained unwavering popularity.
Hidden gems among wake-up songs. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
crimsonX JAPAN

X Japan’s “Kurenai” was their third release in 1989, and notably their first as a major-label single.
Its up-tempo melody is perfect for waking you up.
YOSHIKI also made headlines on the TV show “Kakuzuke Check.”

