[J-Pop] A Collection of Hit Songs Perfect for Listening While Walking
Many people probably feel that “music is essential for walking!” When choosing music for walking, aiming for around 120 BPM is said to provide an ideal sense of tempo.
In this article, we’ve gathered Japanese songs that are perfect for walking—tracks with a comfortable walking tempo and tunes with uplifting, positive lyrics that can boost your mood.
If you usually walk in silence, why not take this opportunity to try walking while listening to music? You might just rediscover the joy of walking!
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[J-Pop] A Collection of Hit Songs to Listen to While Walking (11–20)
HeroAmuro Namie
The song by Namie Amuro, created as a cheer anthem for athletes challenging the Olympics, carries a hopeful message that everyone has their own hero and can one day become someone else’s hero.
Released in July 2016, the track was selected as NHK’s theme song for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts, and it adorned a moving performance at the 68th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2017, achieving a peak viewer rating of 48.4%.
Choosing this piece as your walking companion will energize you for a brand-new day.
Love SongGReeeeN
GReeeeN’s third single, which sings of pure love, is a warm track that wraps up the joy of walking through life together and a sense of happiness.
With a simple yet moving melody line and lyrics that vow love that won’t change with age, many listeners are sure to relate.
Released in May 2007, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was also chosen as the ending theme for NTV’s “UtaSta!!” and Fuji TV’s “Ken Shimura no Daijoubu Da II,” making it popular across a wide audience.
Its tempo is just right, making it perfect as background music for walking—a song that boosts your motivation to keep moving forward.
Don’t give upZARD
This is the sixth single by ZARD, a central presence among the Being label artists who dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Shiratori Reiko de Gozaimasu!” and is still famous today as a go-to number that invariably plays in scenes of struggle, such as marathon broadcasts.
With encouraging lyrics, a snare-on-the-downbeat drum groove in the intro and chorus, and a slightly brisk BPM, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to power through a walk.
It’s a powerful track that makes it feel like voices are cheering you on as you walk and listen.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
An energetic song by Sukima Switch that awakens youthful passion and a pure heart.
It reminds us—through a refreshing melody—of the importance of the “give-it-your-all” attitude that we tend to forget as adults.
Released in April 2004 as a tie-in for an NTT Docomo Kansai regional commercial, the track skillfully fuses elements of pop rock and jazz, reflecting the members’ roots.
With a tempo around 120 BPM, it’s perfect for strolls and walks.
Recommended when you want a boost in motivation or when you’re feeling worn out by busy days.
Heralding springyama
Yama is a musician who chooses not to disclose personal details such as age, hometown, or face, citing reasons like “a lack of self-confidence” and “not wanting my own identity to interfere with the work.” This song, completed entirely through online exchanges without a single in-person meeting with the Vocaloid producer Kujira, who wrote and composed it, has surpassed 200 million streams—truly a track that symbolizes today’s music scene.
With a tempo of BPM 120, perfect for walking, its thrilling melody and light, buoyant feel will put a spring in your step.
It’s a number that helps you forget your fatigue when you listen to it while walking.
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
The 32nd single by AKB48, the idol group that became an iconic presence among idols since the 2000s.
It has been used in TV dramas, commercials, and events, and its catchy dance became popular with people of all ages, even turning into a social phenomenon.
The disco sound with a BPM of 122—perfect for walking—feels comfortable, soothing your tired body while giving your steps a light bounce.
The lyrics, which feel like they’re cheering you on, are empowering too—an ideal track to listen to while walking.
[J-Pop] A Collection of Hit Songs to Listen to While Walking (21–30)
OVER DRIVEJUDY AND MARY
Despite a relatively short period of activity from 1992 to 2001, the legendary rock band JUDY AND MARY had a profound influence on countless bands.
This is their seventh single.
In addition to being the ending theme for the quiz show “The 21st All Japan High School Quiz Championship,” it has also been used in several commercials.
With its cute, piercing vocals, refreshing melody, and positive lyrics, it’s a track packed with elements that boost your energy for exercise.
Its pop sound keeps your feet moving on a walk—a catchy rock tune.