Famous songs we’d like women in their 40s to sing, by age group

for a long timeKiroro

Kiroro “Nagaimono” Official Music Video

Woven with a timeless, universal melody, a heartfelt vocal performance, and gentle piano tones, this song “Nagaimo” was released in 1998 as Kiroro’s major-label debut and became a million-selling hit.

It’s of course familiar to many women in their 40s, but even in the Reiwa era you still hear it often—one could even say it holds a place similar to “Minna no Uta.” You might associate it with skilled singers, but its straightforward melodic progression makes it very easy to sing, so even those who aren’t confident singers should give it a try at karaoke.

The overall pitch is on the higher side, but if you have a lower voice, adjusting the key will make it perfectly manageable.

threadNakajima Miyuki

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

Miyuki Nakajima is a singer-songwriter whose influence has spread across Asia, with her songs covered not only by Japanese artists but also by artists from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Her 35th single Ito, released as a double A-side with Inochi no Betsumei, became a major hit after being selected as the theme song for the TV drama Seija no Koshin (March of the Saints).

Its lyrics, which evoke the essence of life itself, may gain even greater depth when sung by a woman in her 40s.

With its beautiful melody that will captivate listeners even in karaoke, it is a masterpiece that remains in the history of J-pop.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Like when we first metEvery Little Thing

"Like When We First Met" MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

For many women now in their 40s who spent their teenage years to early twenties in the mid-to-late 1990s, Every Little Thing holds a special place.

Back then, plenty of people imitated Kaori Mochida’s fashion and hairstyles.

ELT’s classic songs are still hugely popular at karaoke even in the Reiwa era, but if you’re aiming for a high score, we recommend the 1997 hit “Deatta Koro no You ni.” Its quintessential late-’90s Avex-style sound and melody make it very easy to sing, and since there aren’t any tricky sections, it’s less likely you’ll go off-pitch.

The overall key is on the higher side, so if you have a lower voice, try adjusting the key to suit you before singing.

Lover of Möbiusushirogami hikaretai

Lover of Möbius

A lyrical love song that layers an endlessly continuing romance over a Möbius strip.

Though it’s an idol song that sings of eternal love, Yasushi Akimoto’s lyrics, infused with philosophical notions like déjà vu and past lives, harmonize beautifully with Tsugutoshi Gotō’s graceful melody.

Ushirogami Hikaretai released the song in November 1987, and it reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

It was also included on the album “BAB” and became well-loved as the ending theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuideni Tonchinkan.” It’s a recommended track for twilight dates or when you want to sink into memories of first love.

Savor this gem of a pop tune—brimming with the bittersweet ache of youth—in a moment of quiet.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

Beloved as one of SMAP’s signature songs, this single was released in March 2003.

Written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” (The Way I Live).

With lyrics that emphasize valuing your true self and SMAP’s characteristically approachable vocals, it became a song embraced by listeners across generations.

It topped the Oricon Singles Chart and was a massive hit, selling over three million copies.

It’s also very popular for karaoke and is sung by people of all ages.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to when you need to take a moment to reflect on yourself amid busy days.

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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Longing, poignancy, and strength of heartShinohara Ryoko with t.komuro

Ryoko Shinohara with Tetsuya Komuro 'Longing, Heartache, and Strength' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Ryoko Shinohara’s classic song “Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokorozuyosa to.” Since it was composed by Tetsuya Komuro, you can feel that distinctive Komuro sound throughout the track.

For men in their 40s, it likely stands out as the theme song for the legendary game Street Fighter.

The song features expansive, soaring vocals, but the overall range—mid2B to hiD—isn’t particularly wide, so it’s surprisingly easy to sing.

There’s no use of falsetto, and the melody is fairly simple, so as long as you set the key appropriately, you should be able to sing it without issue.

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Ryo

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