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?
- [2026 Edition] Youth Anthems for Your 40s! A Roundup of Popular Heart-Pounding × Heartwarming Songs
- Easy-to-sing karaoke songs: Classic picks for women in their 40s
- Famous songs we’d like women in their 40s to sing, by age group
- [2026 Edition] Karaoke Songs That Will Get the Crowd Going—Perfect for Women in Their 40s
- Love songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- [40s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
- Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits That Get 40-Something Men and Women Excited
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 40s [2026]
- Uplifting songs recommended for women in their 40s
- [40s] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
- [For Women] Attractive Songs That Appeal to Men in Their 40s
- Nostalgic Songs Perfect as Driving BGM for People in Their 40s
Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: Recommended masterpieces and classic tracks (51–60)
BOYS & GIRLSHamasaki Ayumi
“BOYS & GIRLS” is Ayumi Hamasaki’s ninth single, released in 1999, and it enjoyed fervent support from women in their 20s at the time.
With this song, she received her first Excellence Award at the 41st Japan Record Awards and made her debut appearance on the 50th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Its catchy melody is one many people in their 40s can still find themselves humming even after all these years.
The sparkling sound, reminiscent of summer sunshine, is perfect for a drive! It not only evokes nostalgia for those in their 40s, but also rekindles the feeling of wanting to fully enjoy summer—just like back then.
The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo
Shiina Ringo’s song is one that deeply resonates with women in their 40s.
Released as her debut single in 1998, it was later included on the acclaimed album “Muzai Moratorium.” With melodies and lyrics that gently accompany the listener’s heart, it makes you realize that the very existence of the person you love is happiness itself.
This work reminds busy, grown women of the preciousness of love in its purest form.
Listening between work or housework will likely bring a sense of calm.
go for it！DREAMS COME TRUE
DREAMS COME TRUE is a duo supported by people of all generations, not just those in their 40s.
Because their music is rooted in Black music, many of their songs are challenging, but of course there are also simpler ones.
The one I recommend is go for it!.
While the melody is somewhat unconventional, the vocal range is narrow and there are no sudden jumps in pitch, making it one of the easiest DREAMS COME TRUE songs to sing.
Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.
CRAZY GONNA CRAZYTRF
Even within the broad label of “people in their 40s,” the music you grew up with differs greatly depending on whether you’re in your early or late 40s.
That said, TRF can be considered an artist popular across the entire 40-something demographic.
Among their songs, CRAZY GONNA CRAZY is particularly easy to sing.
Because it’s primarily dance music, it can be hard to notice, but the song actually has a narrow vocal range and doesn’t feature complex melodic leaps.
As long as you adjust the key to suit your voice, even those who feel their voice doesn’t come out easily should be able to sing it without trouble.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks (61–70)
Ding DongZoo
ZOO was a music group that was hugely active in the 1990s.
In Japan, they helped popularize black contemporary music, gaining popularity with a sound that made what was then an uncommon genre catchy and accessible.
Among ZOO’s songs, one I especially recommend is “Ding Dong.” While the song has fairly pronounced dynamic nuances, they are primarily expressive rather than driven by volume, which stays relatively steady, so it’s not overly difficult.
The vocal range is also narrow, so if you lock into the rhythm and pitch, you can aim for a high score at karaoke.
threadNakajima Miyuki
Since her debut in 1975, Miyuki Nakajima has produced numerous hit songs as a genius singer-songwriter, all the while maintaining a mysterious, solitary presence that continues to shine even in the Reiwa era.
Among her many masterpieces, Ito is one of her most famous songs, first appearing on the 1992 album EAST ASIA.
From the 2010s onward, it was used as background music on television programs, boosting its household recognition, and in 2020 a film inspired by the song was released—testament to its immeasurable influence.
Of course, it’s challenging to capture the expressive nuance that someone like Nakajima brings, but the melody line is easy to sing, so in terms of karaoke difficulty it’s relatively low—making it a great choice for those aiming for a high score.
Turn the roulette of fateZARD
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.