Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits

A Road Bathed in Morning SunlightORIGINAL LOVE

ORIGINAL LOVE / The Road Where the Morning Sun Shines - AS TIME GOES BY -

When it comes to quintessential Shibuya-kei, ORIGINAL LOVE stands out.

Their song “Asahi no Ataru Michi,” featuring Takao Tajima’s sultry vocals, is still a truly wonderful track even today.

Shortly after this song, “Primal,” which was provided for a drama starring Kyoka Suzuki, gained attention and won support from women who had previously been outside the Shibuya-kei audience.

Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa

Love Story Suddenly – Kazumasa Oda

Released in February 1991, this song is a bittersweet yet beautiful love ballad.

As the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Love Story,” it became a massive hit and left a deep impression on many people.

Kazumasa Oda’s gentle vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics are especially captivating.

Boosted by its synergy with the drama, the track became a pivotal work that cemented Oda’s status as a solo artist.

It’s the perfect song for those moments when you want to reminisce about your youth amid the busyness of work and household chores.

It’s also easy to sing at karaoke and a great one to enjoy with people of the same generation.

I’m proudKahara Tomomi

Tomomi Kahala - I’m Proud

I remember girls being clearly split into two groups when it came to Tomomi Kahara: those who absolutely loved her, and those who said, “Sorry, not for me.” I think that was because she had a bit of a scandal-prone image.

But lately, seeing her get older and work hard at horseback riding makes me, as someone from the same generation, want to cheer her on—Go, Tomo-chan!

Wedding bellSuger

Wedding bell

Originally formed as a band, Sugar is a three-member vocal group that garnered attention for their beautiful choral work.

Their debut single and signature song, “Wedding Bell,” features an arrangement that leaves an impression, moving from a majestic opening into a bright, pop ensemble.

The lyrics, which portray the complex feelings of being invited to an ex-lover’s wedding, manage to be both cute and shockingly candid.

It’s a timeless classic that we’d love women in their 40s to add to their karaoke repertoire.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Lion HeartSMAP

Lion Heart – SMAP

For those of us of the same generation who sped through our 20s, 30s, and 40s alongside SMAP, the song “Lion Heart” is even more moving than “The One and Only Flower in the World.” If I remember correctly, the surprise marriage announcement of Takuya Kimura and Shizuka Kudo came right around the time this song became a hit.

ENDLESS STORYREIRA starring YUNA ITO

Yuna Ito – Endless Story

Yuna Ito’s debut single “ENDLESS STORY.” It’s nostalgic that she was still credited as REIRA starring YUNA ITO.

This work is crafted as a ballad with a strong infusion of Western pop elements.

Since it’s a song by an overseas songwriter, some ad-libs inevitably appear, but they aren’t the quick, repeatedly rising-and-falling R&B-style riffs, so it’s relatively easy to sing for this kind of song.

If falsetto is difficult for you, try centering your approach on mixed voice.

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Ryo

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Rock ‘n’ Roll in a Dumped MoodTOM CAT

TOM CAT – Rock ’n’ Roll in a Dumped Mood (Furare Kibun de Rock ’n’ Roll)

Released in November 1984, TOM CAT’s debut single is a song that channels the pain of heartbreak through rock ’n’ roll.

Marked by a techno kayō sound reminiscent of Yellow Magic Orchestra, it also reached a high position on the Oricon charts.

That same year, it won the Grand Prix at the 15th World Popular Song Festival, earning high acclaim both in Japan and abroad.

Beloved as a karaoke staple, it’s a track that resonates especially with women in their 40s.

Recommended as an energizing song that brings back memories of youthful days amid the busy routines of work and household chores.