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

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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Turn the roulette of fateZARD

SARD UNDERGROUND 'Spin the Roulette of Fate' MV

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.

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.

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.