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?
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Hidden gems among wake-up songs. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
rainbow-coloredayaka
A healing song whose hopeful, courageous vocals and heartwarming melody brighten your morning mood.
The powerful yet gentle singing and the warm tones of the acoustic guitar evoke a resilient, forward-looking spirit that won’t yield to any hardship.
Released as Ayaka’s single in June 2014 and written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne,” this piece is recommended for anyone who wants to start a new day with a positive mindset.
Set it as your alarm, and from the moment you wake up, you’ll feel ready to move forward at your own pace, one step at a time.
we don’t stopNishino Kana
“We Don’t Stop” is a song released by Kana Nishino in 2014.
It was also the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai.” The drama, which drew much attention, starred Anne and Takaya Kamikawa in double leading roles, and was based on a novel by Jun Ikeido.
Hidden gems of wake-up songs: Recommended popular tracks (31–40)
SOLID DREAMCHEMISTRY
The song “SOLID DREAM,” included on the 2003 album “Second to None,” is performed by CHEMISTRY.
They are a duo consisting of Kaname Kawabata and Yoshikuni Dōchin, who debuted on TV Tokyo’s audition program “ASAYAN.” After a period of hiatus, they resumed activities in 2017.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A massive hit by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that delicately captures the brilliance and bitterness of youth.
It begins with a gentle melody and evolves into a powerful, grand sound—perfect for waking up in the morning.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Boukyaku Battery,” it won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.
With this award, the band achieved the unprecedented feat of winning two years in a row.
The lyrics, which support the feeling of moving forward step by step despite anxiety and doubt, will gently push the backs of all those greeting a new morning.
Lala SunshineMoritaka Chisato
Released on June 10, 1996, Chisato Moritaka’s “La La Sunshine” is, as its title suggests, a song about the morning sun.
The song also drew attention when it was re-released on April 12, 2008.
At that time, its nostalgic 12 cm single format was praised for its charm.
HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution
T.M.Revolution’s “HOT LIMIT” is a song whose intro immediately catches your ear and really wakes you up.
There aren’t many tracks that are effective right from the intro, so I genuinely recommend it.
The Never-Ending Songyuzu
“Owaranai Uta” (“The Never-Ending Song”) is Yuzu’s 43rd single, released in 2015.
It drew attention because it was written, composed, and arranged collaboratively by Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu and Kenichi Maeyamada, also known as Hyadain.
It also served as the theme song for the TV program Mezamashi TV.