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

rainbowFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Rainbow (Full ver.)

Released in August 2003, this song has given listeners hope and courage.

It was chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Water Boys,” and topped the Oricon Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks.

The simultaneously released album “fukuyama masaharu MAGNUM COLLECTION ‘SLOW’” also debuted at No.

1, marking a remarkable achievement: the first time a male solo artist reached No.

1 simultaneously in both the single and album categories.

This work sings of a strong determination to pursue dreams and goals, supported by love and hope.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to pause amid busy days and reflect on your life.

Let the heartfelt lyrics and Masaharu Fukuyama’s warm voice envelop you and recharge your energy for tomorrow.

presentJITTERINl’ JIN

Jitterin' Jinn / Present [MV]

Not only does it have a light, breezy ska rhythm, but the lyrics are irresistibly nostalgic too.

This was JITTERIN’JINN’s second single, which gained popularity on the legendary TV show “Ika-Ten,” officially titled “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku,” and it was released in 1990.

On the surface, it’s a pop tune with crisp, cutting guitar, but in fact it’s a sad breakup song.

The gifts the heroine receives are luxuriously stylish—very bubble era! The trendy London fashion, the guys who’d “mitsu-gu” (shower someone with gifts)…

Enjoy it as you reminisce about those days!

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hiyori

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Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi

Ayumi Nakamura – Broken-Winged Angel

Everyone liked this song too, Ayumi Nakamura’s “Broken-Winged Angel.” I was completely taken by that husky voice and the lyrics.

It’s one of her signature songs.

You’d think this was her biggest hit, but her biggest hit was actually “Chotto Yaso tto ja CAN’T GET LOVE,” which was used in a cosmetics commercial.

A gentle feelingChara

Chara “Yasashii Kimochi” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Chara, a female singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her distinctive musicality.

Many women in their 40s might have been fans of hers, right? Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Yasashii Kimochi.

It’s a track that balances both a gothic feel and cuteness.

The vocal range is on the higher side at mid2 A# to hi D#, but the overall span is relatively narrow.

Using breath-based techniques such as hiccups can instantly elevate the quality, so try singing while referencing her breathing style.

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Ryo

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Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY

PUFFY 'Et Cetera Related to the Beach' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

PUFFY is a distinctive female duo whose music is striking for its unique sensibility: while their songs often have a bright, standout tone, they also carry a subtly ennui-laden atmosphere.

They’re also known as fashion icons, and I believe many women in their 40s admired their fashion and musical style.

Among PUFFY’s tracks, the one I especially recommend is Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Et Cetera.

Although it sits a bit on the higher side, the vocal range itself is relatively narrow—mid2B to hiC#—so as long as you sing it in an appropriate key, you shouldn’t struggle with vocal production.

Since much of it is sung in chest voice, trying to deliver the chorus in a speaking-like tone is a good approach.

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Ryo

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Love againglobe

globe / Love again #Theme song of “Love Jōtō” #BADLY_IN_LOVE #Bad Relationship

People in their 40s are the generation that matched perfectly with the Komuro Sound, right? globe, in particular, was incredibly popular.

However, many of globe’s songs are quite high, and as we get older, a lot of their famous tracks can feel harder to sing.

That’s why I recommend Love again.

While it does have some high notes, its range is slightly narrower for a female song—roughly from mid1F to hiC.

Because of that, you can lower the key by a wider margin, making it easier to find your ideal key, and the pitch movement is relatively simple compared to other globe songs.

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Ryo

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I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE

I hope it’s sunny.

It’s one of DREAMS COME TRUE’s signature songs, filled with kindness that gently warms the listener’s heart.

In this piece, Miwa Yoshida’s poetic words weave together memories of childhood with family, who she is now as a grown-up, and a calm gaze toward the future.

The depiction of driving along a road where she was once led by the hand conveys the passage of time and unchanged love, touching the hearts of those who listen.

Released in October 1992 as DREAMS COME TRUE’s 12th single, the song reached households nationwide as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Hirari.” The album it appears on, “The Swinging Star,” also became a massive hit, breaking sales records at the time.

When you want to loosen your shoulders during busy days or recall warm moments with someone dear, give it a listen.

If you sing it at karaoke, it will gently soften the atmosphere of the room.