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[Wake-Up Songs] Energetic and Uplifting! Japanese Pop/J-POP You’ll Want to Hear in the Morning

A must-read for anyone who struggles to get out of bed in the morning! In this article, we’ll introduce recommended wake-up songs for when you want to listen to music that helps you feel refreshed in the morning or when you’re looking for tracks to use as an alarm.

We’ve gathered a variety of tunes—upbeat and positive songs, fresh tracks that suit the morning, and pieces where the instruments blast out with energy.

You’re sure to find a song that clears your head! Whether mornings are tough or easy for you, listen to the songs we recommend and kick-start your day with full energy!

[Wake-Up Songs] High-energy and uplifting! Japanese music/J-POP to listen to in the morning (81–90)

The BeginningONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]
The BeginningONE OK ROCK

A powerful cheer song that traces the emotional journey from searching for the meaning of life and hope to the resolve to take a new step forward.

ONE OK ROCK’s melodious rock sound blends perfectly with vocalist Taka’s emotionally rich voice.

Released in August 2012 as their seventh single, this track also drew attention as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin starring Takeru Satoh.

The protagonist’s determination to overcome past trials and move toward the future aligns beautifully with the movie’s story.

Listen to it while walking, and its driving beat and positive message will give you a push—it’s truly a perfect companion for your workout.

Heavy rotationAKB48

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]
Heavy rotationAKB48

As a symbolic presence of the current idol boom, this is the 17th major single by the idol group AKB48, beloved by a wide range of listeners.

Used as the CM song for UHA Mikakuto’s “Puccho,” it’s also known for cementing AKB48’s popularity.

With an opening that starts from a count and a chorus-first structure, the arrangement instantly boosts your energy—perfect for blowing away morning drowsiness.

Featuring cute lyrics and a superb rock-infused sound, it’s one of AKB48’s signature songs.

thorn; brambleAdo

While still leaving a powerful impression with “Usseewa,” singer Ado has been expanding her popularity at home and abroad thanks to her broad expressive range.

Her 20th digital-only single, “Ibara,” chosen as the theme song for the morning show Mezamashi TV, pairs a powerful vocal with a refreshing melody that feels great to hear.

The lyrics, which seem to encourage those who’ve found a dream or a goal, provide just the right energy to start a new day.

It’s an exhilarating number whose driving ensemble gives you a push forward.

STAND-ALONEAimer

Aimer 'STAND-ALONE' Music Video (Theme song for the drama 'Your Turn to Kill' / new album 'Walpurgis' on sale 4/14!)
STAND-ALONEAimer

Let’s power through the day with an energizing sound.

This track is by Aimer, a female singer known for her clear, translucent voice, also recognized for “I beg you.” It was released as a digital single in 2019.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Your Turn to Kill,” it became a hot topic.

For example, listening to it on the morning of an important match is sure to fill you with motivation.

ValentiBoA

BoA 보아 ‘Valenti’ MV
ValentiBoA

Valenti has a momentum that makes you want to get moving from the morning.

It’s a dance tune released in 2002 by BoA, a solo artist who was active in Japan even before the K-pop boom.

The title means “brave” in Italian.

The lyrics—like the memorable phrase that kicks off the chorus—stir your spirit with their aggressive stance.

It’s a recommended wake-up song that flips the switch for all fighters, from students to working adults.

Be sure to enjoy both the Korean and Japanese versions.

Cinderella GirlKing&Prince

King & Prince “Cinderella Girl” MV YouTube Edit
Cinderella GirlKing&Prince

As their name suggests, King & Prince are a two-member idol group that embodies the quintessential Johnny’s style.

Their debut single, Cinderella Girl—used as the theme song for the TV drama Hana Nochi Hare: Hanadan Next Season—became a major hit despite being their first release.

Beyond its catchy chorus, the song features a brisk, ever-shifting modern arrangement, including a 16-beat melody line in the pre-chorus that keeps listeners engaged.

It’s a sparkling pop tune brimming with clarity and exhilaration, its radiant atmosphere perfectly matching the freshness of a new morning.

[Alarm Songs] Energetic and Uplifting! Japanese Music/J-Pop You’ll Want to Hear in the Morning (91–100)

Silent majorityKeyakizaka46

The first single by the idol group Keyakizaka46—who stunned the J-POP scene with their tightly choreographed performances and cool tracks and have been active as Sakurazaka46 since 2020.

Its strongly messaged, cynical lyrics and a catchy yet shadowy melody created an impression unlike conventional idols.

The socially satirical, cynical words can even feel like they’re speaking for the stress you feel when you wake up.

Though it was their debut single, it’s known as their signature song—a wake-up tune that helps you switch gears when you listen to it in the morning.