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

Frenzy Hey Kids!!THE ORAL CIGARETTES8rank/position

Noragami ARAGOTO OP theme THE ORAL CIGARETTES “Kyouran Hey Kids!!” Music Video

Released in 2015 as the fourth single, it was used as the opening theme for the UHF anime Noragami Aragoto.

The lyrics are structured like wordplay, and the song makes dramatic shifts in tone, making it a very memorable and distinctive track.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN9rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Short Ver.

Released in 2015 as the 10th single, it was written as the ending theme (from episode 2 onward) for the UHF anime “Blood Blockade Battlefront.” With its refreshing band sound and lively rhythm that pleasantly shakes off drowsiness, the song has continued to enjoy a long-running hit.

CITY LIGHTSandymori10rank/position

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.

IdeaHoshino Gen11rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Idea (Official Video)

Speaking of Gen Hoshino, he’s one of Japan’s next-generation pop stars.

This song he released in August 2018 has such a refreshing vibe that it’s perfect for waking up.

In particular, the juke-like high-speed sound in the second chorus naturally pumps you up just by listening, helping you get active with energy.

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Saitō Ayumu

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The Zero Sense10-FEET12rank/position

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.

ultra soulB’z13rank/position

B’z / ultra soul

B’z’s absolutely exhilarating masterpiece “ultra soul.” Making this song your alarm is a no-brainer.

A top-tier rock tune brings peak hype—your sleeping heart will leap awake, and your blood will surge vibrantly through your body! If you listen to it in the morning, start from the intro; build the anticipation, and when you hit the chorus, at that shining part right after it, throw your fist in the air with that iconic shout and kick off your day with the most rockin’ wake-up ever!

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Murakami Shinpei

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U.S.A.DA PUMP14rank/position

DA PUMP / U.S.A. (short ver.)

It’s a Eurobeat-style song that became a hot topic in 2018.

People call it “so uncool it’s cool,” but it’s simply a cool track.

To boost your mood in the morning, it’s best to go with a high-energy genre.

Eurobeat is one of those genres, so I recommend it.