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Popular Wake-Up Songs: Japanese Music and J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]

We’ll introduce, in ranking format, hit songs by Japanese artists that are perfect for waking up to.

If you’re not a morning person and want to make your mornings feel a bit better, why not try combining music with your smartphone alarm instead of just relying on the alarm alone?

Popular Wake-Up Songs: Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026] (81–90)

Connect!Misaka Saki85rank/position

Saki Misaka – Connect! (Full ver.)
Connect!Misaka Saki

With powerful lyrics and an exhilarating melody, this song gives listeners a push forward.

It’s included on the album “Every day, Every night,” released in December 2019, and was also selected as the support song for the 98th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Saki Misaka’s clear, transparent vocals gently embrace the passionate feelings of young people.

The lyrics, which sing of the importance of friendship and taking on challenges, will resonate with high school students working hard in club activities and for entrance exams.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with friends who are giving it their all.

I hope everyone can feel the emotion that awaits beyond overcoming hardships.

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone86rank/position

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video
Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone

It’s an uplifting support song filled with dreams and hope.

Released in January 2022, Mone Kamishiraishi’s clear, pure voice resonates deeply.

Created as the support song for the 100th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it was written and composed by Naotaro Moriyama.

The lyrics, which gently reassure those striving toward their dreams with the message “You are not alone,” are especially memorable, conveying a sense of hope for the future and bonds with friends.

It’s perfect for those stepping into a new environment or anyone wanting to cheer on new students, making it a great recommendation as background music for entrance ceremonies.

Whimsical MerciHachiōji P87rank/position

Hachioji-P “Kimagure Mercy feat. Hatsune Miku” (included on the best album “Eight,” releasing 6/15)
Whimsical MerciHachiōji P

This is one of Hachioji-P’s signature songs, distinguished by its prominent, impactful bassline.

It portrays the feelings of a girl being led around by her lover.

Many of you might relate to that, right? Its uptempo techno sound boosts your energy, making it a perfect Vocaloid track for the morning.

Song of BeginningsOhashi Takuya88rank/position

Takuya Ohashi – “Hajimari no Uta” Music Video: TAKUYA OHASHI – Hajimari no Uta Music Video
Song of BeginningsOhashi Takuya

Let us introduce a perfect springtime cheer-up song for starting a new chapter: a track released in February 2008 as the solo debut of Takuya Ohashi from Sukima Switch.

Its lyrics, brimming with hope for the future and encouraging you to move forward while valuing your true self, paired with warm acoustic sounds, strike a chord.

It’s truly a song that gently nudges you to take that new first step.

The track was used as the campaign song for major distance-learning company U-Can and reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The music video features actress Aoi Yoshikura, poignantly portraying a young person setting out on a new path.

It’s a must-listen for new employees and anyone facing changes such as entering a new school or switching careers.

travelingUtada Hikaru89rank/position

This is a track whose catchy beat makes you find yourself nodding along, while Hikaru Utada’s uniquely wistful vocals lend it an overall calm vibe.

With some phrases that really stick in your head, it might be just the right music to wake you up.

hummingIkuta Rira90rank/position

Rira Ikuta “Humming” Official Music Video
hummingIkuta Rira

This is a song whose gentle melody and uplifting lyrics resonate deeply.

It was released digitally in June 2024 as the new theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi Doyoubi.” Rira Ikuta’s clear, translucent voice rings pleasantly in the quiet of the morning.

The song carries a message that accompanies all kinds of morning beginnings—whether you’re enjoying a day off or heading to work.

When you want to take a breather during a busy morning, why not start your new day with this track?

Popular Wake-Up Songs: Japanese Music/J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026] (91–100)

New Civilization EnlightenmentToukyou Jihen91rank/position

Tokyo Incidents – The New Civilization Enlightenment
New Civilization EnlightenmentToukyou Jihen

People who belong to light music clubs tend to have a high liking for Ringo Sheena, don’t they? Here’s a recommended wake-up song for those folks: “Atarashii Bunmeika” (“A New Civilization”).

It really gives the feel of a new civilization, a new morning—perfect for starting your day on a cheerful note.