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

My first kissHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD × Korosuke My First Kiss Hajimete no Chuu

This is Hi-STANDARD’s punk-style cover of Anshin Papa’s classic song “Hajimete no Chu.” Its irresistibly cool sound will give you chills.

If you play this track in the morning to shake off your sleepiness, it’s sure to wake you right up.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This is a heart-stirring cheer song themed around being yourself and love.

Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-Fes,” the track marks the first release in the band’s 10th anniversary year.

Performed together with 1,000 18-year-olds, the live rendition showcases an energetic side that resonates with young people.

With a catchy melody quintessential of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and a pop-rock sound, the song brims with the anxiety, confusion, and hope felt during youth.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to high school students preparing for higher education or a new life, and getting ready to take their first step forward.

SunMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Sun

It’s a heartwarming cheer song that gives you the courage to face the brilliance of youth.

The lyrics paint springlike scenes, beautifully capturing the hopes and anxieties of those taking a new step forward.

With My Hair is Bad’s characteristically powerful rock sound and warm vocals, it gently gives listeners a supportive push.

Released in March 2024, the song was written as the official MBS theme for the 96th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament (Senbatsu).

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone starting a new chapter or about to take an important step.

Brimming with hope, it conjures up the sound of brass bands echoing across the field and the sight of young people giving their all.

FLASHPerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume 「FLASH」

They say that getting sunlight in the morning is important for waking up.

The song “FLASH,” which evokes that kind of light, is perfect for waking up too.

Since it’s dance music, why not get ready for the morning while dancing?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem

OH！SHISHAMO

SHISHAMO「OH！」

Summer is packed with important events for high school students, like studying for entrance exams and club tournaments.

If you’re looking for a song to cheer you on during this crucial season, be sure to listen to SHISHAMO’s “OH!”.

Its sparkling, girl-band sound pairs perfectly with lyrics that encourage everyone who’s giving it their all.

When you’re worn out from club practice or studying, let this song give you a boost.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem

Wake Me Up!SPEED

SPEED – WAKE ME UP

When it comes to morning greeting songs, this is the only one that comes to mind! It’s quite an old song, but SPEED at that time was so cool and so cute…

All the members were in elementary to junior high school back then, making it a very youthful group.

After they became adults, SPEED’s vocal skills improved dramatically, and each member’s accumulated life experience really shines through—it’s wonderful.

KarakahiSweet William to Aoba Ichiko

Sweet William and Ichiko Aoba – Karakai (Official Music Video)

Of course, there are people who prefer to start their day gradually with calm, soothing music rather than loud tunes.

For college students like that, how about this song? The crystal-clear, beautiful vocals paired with a hip-hop-inspired beat seem like the perfect match to welcome an amazing morning.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem