Attractive songs recommended for women in their 40s: Karaoke tracks that are popular with men

wailing in griefKudō Shizuka

Shizuka Kudo / Doukoku [Official Video]

Among Shizuka Kudo’s discography, which has produced numerous hit songs since her solo debut in the late 1980s, the best-selling is Dokoku, released in 1993.

It’s a masterpiece with lyrics by Miyuki Nakajima and music by Tsugutoshi Goto, and many women in their 40s today likely have this song in their karaoke repertoire.

The song is set in a relatively low key for a female vocal, making it a great choice for women with lower voices who struggle with high notes.

Kudo’s characteristic, sultry vibrato is applied naturally, yet the difficulty level is modest, with a very memorable and easy-to-sing melody line.

It’s also recommended for those aiming for high scores at karaoke.

Hello, my friendMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Hello, my friend

As one of the most important artists in Japanese music history, Yuming—Yumi Matsutoya—is a name that invariably comes up.

Each generation has songs by Yuming that hold special meaning, but many women in their 40s today will likely think of her hits from the 1990s.

From the standpoint of being easy to sing at karaoke, I recommend Hello, my friend.

Released in 1994 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Kimi to Ita Natsu (A Summer with You), it was a massive hit that sold over a million copies.

While it’s packed with that quintessential Yuming flavor, the melody unfolds very straightforwardly and is easy to sing.

There are no particularly challenging high notes or sustained long notes, so with a bit of practice, you can probably expect a high score at karaoke.

You’re My Only Shinin’ StarNagayama Miho

You’re My Only Shinin’ Star

It’s a romantic ballad that beautifully portrays a moonlit scene.

The song weaves feelings of a miraculous encounter and a vow of eternal love together with a gentle melody.

Under the starry sky, it’s a graceful tale that will resonate in your heart, making you want to listen while thinking of the one you love.

Miho Nakayama’s clear, translucent voice tenderly embraces an emotionally rich world that spins a story of everlasting love.

Released in February 1988 and crafted by Toshiki Kadomatsu, the piece reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It also left a strong impression as an insert song for the TBS drama “Mama wa Idol!” starring Nakayama, and won the Japan Record Awards Gold Prize.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to step away from the busyness of daily life and savor your gratitude for someone special.

Why not spend a calm moment immersing yourself in this heartwarming, gentle love story?

Turn the roulette of fateZARD

SARD UNDERGROUND 'Spin the Roulette of Fate' MV

A supreme track woven from lyrical lyrics that capture the subtleties of life and a light, buoyant melody.

While questioning the role of fate’s coincidences and the meaning of our choices, it gently reminds us of the importance of facing forward and living on.

Composed by Seiichiro Kuribayashi, it beautifully harmonizes ZARD’s heartwarming message with a refreshing sound.

Since its release in September 1998, it has been beloved as the opening theme of the anime Detective Conan and is also included on the album ZARD BEST The Single Collection: Kiseki.

It’s an uplifting song I’d recommend to anyone hesitating yet ready to take a step forward, or to those who want to move ahead without fearing change.

1/2Kawamoto Makoto

【MV】Makoto Kawamoto “1/2”

A timeless youth anthem where tender ache and deep affection overflow, carried by the comforting resonance of acoustic guitar.

The lyrics delicately depict a powerful wish to become one with another, and the frustration of that wish remaining out of reach, gently embracing the kind of love we’ve all felt.

Seamlessly blending Makoto Kawamoto’s translucent voice with her unique worldview, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart after its release in March 1997, and etched itself into many hearts as the opening theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin.

It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to when you long to share in pure feelings, thinking of someone special.

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Nando Demo”

This is one of DREAMS COME TRUE’s signature message songs, powerfully giving voice to the anxieties and setbacks everyone carries in their hearts.

Miwa Yoshida’s clear, crystalline vocals beautifully convey the importance of rising up from the brink of despair time and again and continuing to hold up hope.

Released in February 2005, the song was written as the theme for Fuji TV’s drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours (Season 3).” When you need the courage to take a step toward tomorrow, humming this song has a mysterious way of lifting your gaze forward.

At karaoke, singing it with a gentle, empathetic mindset—like you’re standing beside someone—can inspire even deeper resonance.

Time Goes ByEvery Little Thing

Time goes by – Every Little Thing (Full)

A gemlike love ballad that embraces everyone’s sense of incompleteness and loneliness with universal kindness.

Released by Every Little Thing in February 1998, this song beautifully portrays how lovers may hurt each other yet grow together through the experience of love.

Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday 10 p.m.

drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), it went on to sell over 1.4 million copies.

It has since become familiar as a commercial song for numerous brands, including Toyota and SoftBank.

With its gentle melody and lyrics whose depth resonates more and more with life experience, it’s sure to move you.