Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits
No matter how many years go by or how many times you listen, the songs you loved in your youth always stir something warm in your heart, don’t they?
In this article, we’ll introduce popular Japanese songs that colored the teenage years of women in their 40s.
We’ve gathered a trove of classics perfect for anyone thinking, “I want to hear that song again,” or “I want to sing the songs I sang as a student at karaoke.”
You’re sure to rediscover the tracks you loved back then!
Even if you’re busy every day with work and household chores, why not take a little break and bask in the memories of your youth?
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Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks (21–30)
A Perfect SkyBONNIE PINK
A female singer-songwriter who captivates fans with a uniquely floating sound and overwhelming vocal prowess, BONNIE PINK released this as her 21st single.
Chosen as the song for Shiseido’s ANESSA commercial, it became notable for the anecdote that when it was released in June 2006, only the chorus originally existed, but due to a flood of inquiries, a full version was hastily produced.
It’s an emotional summer tune you’ll want to play on a sunny-day drive—truly deserving of the catchphrase “the ultimate summer song.”
PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY, who debuted from the popular audition show ASAYAN.
Many of you were probably captivated by their memorable debut release at the time.
This track blends a mellow R&B sound with the duo’s beautiful harmonies.
Even while holding onto fragments of imperfect dreams, it looks forward, stirring the heart with a bittersweet yet subtly warm emotion.
Released in March 2001, it spent 15 weeks in the top 10 of the Oricon charts.
It’s a perfect song for a sentimental night or as stylish background music for a drive.
Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: Recommended masterpieces and classics (31–40)
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada’s debut single, released in December 1998, brought a genuine R&B breeze into the world of J-pop.
Depicting feelings so strong that your body moves unconsciously when a call comes from a lover, the song blends a mature groove with the purity of teenage years to perfection.
Remarkably, this debut achieved double million sales.
Those who experienced that impact in real time likely remember it vividly.
Even now, its stylish sound hasn’t faded at all—an enduring classic that’s perfect for moments when you want to bask in memories.
GIRL TALKAmuro Namie
A stylish R&B number by Namie Amuro that sings about the irreplaceable time spent with easygoing friends.
The candid conversations that only women can share are depicted like a scene from an overseas drama.
Released in October 2004 as her 28th single, the song also became familiar as the CM track for Mandom’s LUCIDO-L.
From the dazzling strings in the intro to the transition into a groovy beat, the sound still makes your heart dance today.
Whether you play it on a drive with friends or on a quiet night when you want to relax alone, it might bring back that sparkling feeling from back then.
Rock ‘n’ Roll in a Dumped MoodTOM CAT
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.
LAT,43˚ N 〜Forty-three degrees north latitude〜DREAMS COME TRUE
One of the most popular musical units among women in their 40s is DREAMS COME TRUE.
Although they’ve produced many classic songs, they’re also known for having many high-difficulty tracks, which might make it hard to add them to your repertoire.
That’s why we recommend “LAT, 43˚ N — Forty-three Degrees North Latitude.” For a DCT song, the vocal range is quite narrow, and there aren’t any complex vocal lines.
There are relatively few breathing points, so just be mindful of that when you sing.
Love will winKAN
When it comes to KAN’s signature songs, this is the one.
From the very first piano notes in the intro, your heart starts to dance.
Those lyrics and that melody everyone knows are sure to bring back nostalgic memories.
Released in September 1990, it was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Quiz Omoshiro TV.” Later, it was also featured as an insert song on Fuji TV’s “Hochan no Yamada Katsutenai TV,” which sent it skyrocketing in popularity.
Born from giving a friend advice about love, this song will surely resonate with you, too.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to liven up a karaoke session or get a boost of energy.