A roundup of upbeat Japanese songs that get you moving
There are times when you want to get pumped up with music—like during a drive, when you want to hype up a karaoke session, or right before studying! In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are perfect for getting you in a lively, upbeat mood.
When you hear “songs that get you hyped,” what kind of tracks come to mind? Many people might think of uptempo songs, but even if the tempo isn’t that fast, there are tracks with a comfortable beat that still get you moving! We’ve picked out a variety of groove-worthy songs in this article, so find your favorite track and have fun!
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Upbeat J-Pop songs: A roundup of tracks you can groove to (21–30)
OutsiderAwesome City Club
When you want to stay true to yourself, this is the Awesome City Club song to play.
Released in July 2015 and included on their second album, “Awesome City Tracks 2,” it features a crisp, upbeat groove with sharp guitar cutting and a stylish, urban interplay between male and female twin vocals.
The song’s theme is the importance of following the path you believe in.
That powerful message reportedly became a major turning point for the band.
It was also chosen as the theme song for Akita Asahi Broadcasting’s “Sata Navi!” and drew considerable attention.
If you listen to it when you’re taking a new step forward or feeling a bit unsure, it just might give you the courage you need.
not yetKaneyori Masaru
An emotional track by Kaneyori Masaru, a three-piece band from Osaka! It’s the closing song of their mini-album “Kokoro wa Sentakki no Naka,” released in August 2020.
At about a minute and a half long, the lyrics are packed with the wavering feelings of someone in the transition to adulthood and the wish to “stay the same.” Its down-to-earth words and band sound feel like they wash away the haze in your heart.
Give it a listen when you’re wondering whether it’s okay to stay the way you are.
It’s hard to believe at first.natori
Released in October 2025, this work is a rock number that highlights a band-driven sound, following last year’s “IN_MY_HEAD.” The lyrics, which capture the raw emotions of a sensitive adolescence, are striking.
The guitar-centered arrangement intertwined with dance-beat rhythms gives the track an addictive edge.
It’s a stylish rock tune you’ll want to play when you feel a stir in your chest.
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
Just hearing the title of a song that makes you smile can brighten your everyday life, right? Ai Otsuka’s second single, released in 2003, captivates with its poppy brass arrangement and upbeat rhythm.
The lyrics portray blissful moments spent with a lover and a bond that deepens—even through quarrels—conjuring images of two people in love leaning close to each other.
Chosen as the 2004 ending theme for Fuji TV’s variety show “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!,” the track also won the Best New Artist Award at the 46th Japan Record Awards.
It’s the perfect song to hype up a get-together with friends or a drive with everyone.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
Set to a lively rhythm and a catchy melody, this song vividly sings of the sweet-and-sour, bittersweet feelings of youth.
Its message—embracing even our imperfections and the pains of the past—resonates deeply.
Released in April 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery,” the track won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.
It marks the first-ever back-to-back win by a band in history.
While aiming to return to the roots of guitar rock, it shines with technical, standout riffs.
Brimming with positive energy, it’s a song that supports anyone who has experienced the struggles and growing pains of adolescence.
Happinessarashi
Arashi’s 20th single, released in September 2007 as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Sho Sakurai.
The lyrics convey the strength to face forward and start running even against a headwind, and the courage to step into a new place without being bound by the past.
Rather than direct encouragement, it’s a supportive song that gently stays by your side and gives you a soft push.
Its charm also lies in the sparkling, guitar-driven sound with a refreshing arrangement woven with rhythmic brass.
It’s become a staple cheer song for high school baseball, and if everyone belts it out together at karaoke or in a medley, it’s sure to get people excited regardless of age or gender!
weeeekNEWS
NEWS is an idol group that keeps evolving as they overcome countless trials.
Their seventh single was released in November 2007 and drew attention for being written by GReeeeN.
From the playful call-and-response in the intro, the song bursts into a fast-paced rock sound that instantly lifts your spirits.
While it sings about the everyday reality from Monday to Sunday and a vague anxiety about the future, its irresistible brightness seems to laugh those worries away.
The track was also used in a “Crymson / RUSS-K” commercial and, together with the album “pacific,” reached No.
1 on the charts simultaneously.
It’s a song that revitalizes a work-weary heart and gives you the energy to face tomorrow—truly like an energy drink in musical form!