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
- Morning BGM: music that lets you start the day feeling refreshed
- Energizing songs recommended for women: songs that make you feel positive.
- [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.
- [For a Lovely Morning] A Collection of Vocaloid Wake-Up Songs
- Songs that hype you up in the morning
- Hidden gems and lesser-known songs by popular Japanese rock bands
- Recommended wake-up songs for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Recommended wake-up songs for college students: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [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 among wake-up songs. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
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.
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.
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.
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.
HELLOOfisharu Higedan Dism
A refreshing song well-known as the theme for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV.” Centered on the idea of greetings for the various encounters in life, it conveys a reassuring strength that seems to sweep away any gloom that may befall you when walking side by side with someone.
Included on the HELLO EP released in August 2020, the track has been loved by many, surpassing 100 million streams.
As it’s a morning news program’s song, listening to it at the start of a new day or when taking on a challenge will surely fill you with courage.
Make it your companion for a brand-new morning.
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.
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.