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

Step Up LOVEDAOKO × Okamura Yasuyuki36rank/position

DAOKO × Yasuyuki Okamura “Step Up LOVE” MUSIC VIDEO

This “Step Up LOVE” is a recommended wake-up song for busy college students in love.

The lyrics about nurturing love are wonderful, and the fast-paced beat is perfect for mornings.

Why not give it a listen on important mornings for your romance—like on a date day or when you share a class with someone you’re interested in?

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Saitō Ayumu

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In the morning, even the lunar surface is smiling.DISH//37rank/position

DISH// – Morning, Even the Moon’s Surface Is Smiling [Official Video] | Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV” Theme Song

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.

Morning will come againDREAMS COME TRUE38rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – Morning Will Come Again

The song Asaga Mata Kuru by DREAMS COME TRUE was specially written as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Shomuni 24 Ji (Emergency Room 24 Hours).

It is their 23rd single and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

The lyrics, which sing about how morning comes the same every day no matter what happens, are sure to encourage those enduring long, difficult nights.

If you simply keep getting through each day, the hardship will grow lighter—so for now, welcome the morning by listening to Asaga Mata Kuru.

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Hamada Takuya

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YEAH!! YEAH!! YEAH!!EXILE THE SECOND39rank/position

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.

HIGHER GROUND feat. Dimitri Vegas & Like MikeEXILE TRIBE40rank/position

EXILE TRIBE / HIGHER GROUND feat. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike from HiGH & LOW ORIGINAL BEST ALBUM

The orchestral-sounding intro has dignity and gravitas.

From there, the forceful, thunderous beat kicks in—absolutely irresistible.

The stylish melodies and hip-hop elements feel distinctly masculine and incredibly cool.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for an urban, tough-sounding wake-up song for men.

Lovin LifeFUNKY MONKEY BABYS41rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 「Lovin’ Life」

Personally, during my entrance exam period, I was helped by the songs I listened to from Funky Monkey Babys.

Their music videos often feature schools, so I think you can study for exams while reminiscing about school life.

It’s a song that brings back memories of my own student days.

Good morning on FridayHONEY WORKS42rank/position

┗|∵|┓ Good Morning on Friday / HoneyWorks feat. GUMI

This is one of HoneyWorks’ signature songs, a group known for many heart-fluttering, youth-themed positive rock tracks.

The song starts with an alarm clock sound, and its up-tempo rhythm boosts your energy.

It’s a refreshing wake-up tune that gets you going from the morning.