Recommended wake-up songs for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits

YEAH!! YEAH!! YEAH!!EXILE THE SECOND

EXILE THE SECOND / 「YEAH!! YEAH!! YEAH!!」

A summer dance tune that’ll get you pumped! Your energy will skyrocket! Released on July 13, 2016, this is EXILE THE SECOND’s third single.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It was also used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Onegai! Ranking” in July 2016 and became a big hit.

CITY LIGHTSandymori

andymori「CITY LIGHTS」

A track that feels like a loud, thumping promise of a fun-filled day.

If you play this song while getting ready on a busy morning, you’ll probably find yourself moving to the tempo and finishing up faster.

I highly recommend giving it a listen, especially on mornings when you’re short on time.

Self-esteem skyrocketing, lovey-dovey songHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Self-Esteem Skyrocketing ↑↑ Shuki-Shuki Song” Official Music Video (Self-affirmation Explosion! Love-Love Song)

At First Star Academy, an idol training school where students gather to become top idols, one of its characters, Kotone Fujita—voiced by Hikaru Iida—performs this song, whose high-energy sound leaves a powerful impact.

The way she keeps saying “I love it” to cheer herself up when her self-esteem dips is incredibly cute! Even listeners who are feeling down will find themselves perking up along with her.

It’s an adorably uplifting anthem you’ll want to hear when you’re trying to learn to love yourself.

Never EverBeverly

Beverly / Lip Sync Live Movie【Never Ever】from AWESOME

Included on the 2017-released album “AWESOME.” An empowering anthem where Beverly’s ultra-high-tone vocals and lyrics give you a powerful boost.

Her expansive, bright voice is a perfect match for the track’s clear-blue-sky feel—it lifts your spirits and wakes you right up.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

It’s a grand rock ballad that begins by questioning the difference between self and others, carrying a straightforward message.

It carefully depicts the delicate shifts of the heart—from days of failing to find a sense of purpose to gradually discovering the light.

Released in January 2019 as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it reached 100 million streams in about two years by January 2021.

Since then, it has continued to resonate with many people, including being featured in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate “Exam Support” commercial series.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those who, despite carrying doubts and anxieties in life, strive to keep moving forward.

The Zero Sense10-FEET

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

A rock tune that powerfully conveys the determination to keep pursuing a passion and dream for basketball.

Alongside the emotional melodies delivered by 10-FEET, it carefully depicts the bittersweetness of youth and the spirit of taking on challenges.

The characters portrayed through sports mirror those striving toward their goals, overflowing with a charm that invites deep empathy.

Included on the album “COLLINS,” the song was released in December 2022 as the ending theme for the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” showcasing a new frontier for the band.

When you need the courage to face the obstacles before you, or when you want to keep moving forward without giving up on your dreams, it’s sure to become a powerful anthem of support.

Burning LoveChe’Nelle

Che’Nelle – Burning Love

This is a single by Che’Nelle, released in 2013 and used as the campaign song for the energy drink “burn.” Its passionate message of encouragement is uplifting.

The driving, synth-filled sound helps boost concentration and seems perfect for studying.

Highly recommended.