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 classics (41–50)
High School LullabyImokin Torio
One of the iconic songs that colored our youth, this track by Imo Kin Trio stands out for its comical lyrics and catchy melody, and it’s still loved by many today.
Released in August 1981 as their debut single, it topped the Oricon chart for seven consecutive weeks and achieved the remarkable feat of holding the number-one spot on “The Best Ten” for eight consecutive weeks.
This piece, which brings back bittersweet memories of student days, is especially recommended for women in their 40s who lead busy lives with work and household chores.
It’s guaranteed to liven up any karaoke session and is a song that lets you feel the breeze of youth once again.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
A ballad depicting poignant summer scenes.
Released in July 1990 by Southern All Stars, this song was created as the theme for the film Inamura Jane, directed by Keisuke Kuwata.
Characterized by its relaxed acoustic sound, it expresses a beautiful, fleeting summer romance.
It was also used in Recruit’s “B-ing” commercial and as insert music for Fuji TV’s Wednesday drama Akuma no KISS.
Recommended for those who want to look back on their youth or feel the bittersweet emotions of a summer love.
Even women busy with work or housework might enjoy listening to this song and recalling a memorable page from their summer.
rainbowFukuyama Masaharu
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.
I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE
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.
presentJITTERINl’ JIN
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!
Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi
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.
The strong and fleeting onesCocco
For those in their early 40s, songs from the 1990s are likely more memorable than those from the late 1980s.
Among female singer-songwriters who made a big splash in the ’90s, one track by Cocco that I especially recommend is “Tuyoku Hakanai Monotachi” (“The Strong and the Fragile”).
This piece features a rhythm with a bounce reminiscent of reggae, while the vocal line maintains an ennui-like quality.
The song has a relatively narrow vocal range and contains no phrases that require sudden jumps in pitch, making it easy to sing for people with any kind of voice.
