Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
When you hear the phrase “songs that make you cry,” what kind of songs come to mind?
From heartbreaking ballads like breakup songs to tracks that sing about life, there are many kinds of tear-jerkers.
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive selection of moving songs recommended for men in their 40s!
We’ve picked a wide range—from songs that perfectly match your current situation to ones that will bring back old emotions and move you to tears—so be sure to read the lyrics and listen closely!
Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese hits (1–10)
After the FestivalKuwata Keisuke
The bittersweet melancholy that Mr.
Kuwata suddenly reveals—despite his humorous performances and playful, clownish persona—feels richer and more poignant to us listeners as we grow older.
Released in 1994 as his fifth solo single, “Matsuri no Ato” is a masterpiece that fully unleashes Kuwata’s soulful, wistful singing.
For those who remember that era well, it likely also lives on in memory as the theme song for the NTV drama “Shizukanaru Don.” Even the title, “After the Festival,” evokes an indescribable sadness, and the lyrics—depicting the pure-heartedness of a clumsy, sensitive man through masterful word choice—are simply exceptional.
Naturally, if someone in their 40s or 50s sings this at karaoke, a full-on singalong is guaranteed.
Precisely because there are fewer singers today who can write and perform songs like this, I hope younger generations will give it a listen too!
BE WITH YOUNEW!GLAY
Hearing that powerful melody that starts with the chorus might vividly bring back memories for many of you.
GLAY, the rock band that has set numerous records in Japan’s music scene.
Their 15th single, released in 1998, became widely known as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tabloid.” The earnest lyrics by TAKURO, about believing in someone even in difficult times, hold a central presence on the classic album “HEAVY GAUGE.” The music video, shot on the streets of New York, matches the song’s grand scale and looks awesome.
For those feeling pressure at work or at home, TERU’s warm vocals are sure to resonate deeply.
Tomorrow never knowsNEW!Mr.Children
A moving ballad whose lyrics portray the will to follow one’s heart despite the inner conflict of not knowing what tomorrow holds.
Released in November 1994 as Mr.Children’s sixth single, it’s known as the band’s biggest hit, with total sales exceeding 2.76 million copies.
Many may remember it as the theme song for the drama “All About Young Men,” starring Masato Hagiwara and Takuya Kimura.
It was later included on the album “BOLERO” and has continued to be loved by many fans to this day.
Its message of finding hope amid struggle gently supports a generation shouldering responsibilities at work and at home.
A masterpiece in J-pop history that you’ll want to revisit on a quiet, solitary night.
I AM YOUR SINGERNEW!Sazan Ōrusutāzu
A monumental work by Southern All Stars that, on the major milestone of their 30th anniversary, boldly proclaims deep gratitude to fans and hope for the future.
It features a celebratory melody infused with electronic sounds, wrapping you in an uplifting exhilaration that makes your heart dance just by listening.
Released as a single in August 2008, many will remember it playing on TV as the song for au’s “LISMO” commercial at the time.
It also came during a period just before their hiatus, and the song resonates deeply as a heartfelt “thank you” from the members to their listeners.
When you find yourself in a position of responsibility at work or at home and feel a moment of loneliness, listening to it will surely encourage you with the same passion of that era, reminding you that you’re not alone.
Be sure to check it out.
Sunflower DreamNEW!Saitō Kazuyoshi
Overflowing with a sense of openness and carrying a positive message to go big without sweating the small stuff, this is a classic by Kazuyoshi Saito that resonates deeply with adults caught up in the demands of everyday life.
Featured on the concept album “ONE NIGHT ACOUSTIC RECORDING SESSION at NHK CR-509 Studio,” released in September 2012, this track was also used in the Sapporo Hokkaido PREMIUM commercial starring Nanako Matsushima.
The groove unique to its acoustic arrangement pairs perfectly with Saito’s warm vocals, creating a soothing comfort that makes your shoulders naturally relax as you listen.
Perhaps it’s precisely the generation shouldering responsibilities at work and at home that needs the song’s generous worldview.
Give it a listen on a weekend drive, or when you want to pause and take a deep breath!
overMr.Children
Mr.
Children is one of the best-selling bands of the 1990s, and even now, well into the 2020s, they continue to reign as a top band.
Among the countless masterpieces in their discography, the song “over,” which we’re featuring here, is especially beloved by fans—truly a masterpiece among masterpieces.
Released in 1994, it was included as the closing track on their monumental fourth album, Atomic Heart, which achieved the astonishing feat of selling 3.43 million copies in total, and it was later selected for their best-of compilations as well.
It’s a heartbreak song reminiscent of early Mr.
Children; beyond the excellence of its melody and sound arrangement, the lyrics—born from the unique perspective of Sakurai, a master of love songs—deserve special emphasis.
Precisely because it avoids difficult turns of phrase, the artful word choice reveals Sakurai’s innate talent as a lyricist.
Even the title, which carries the dual meanings of “to end it here” and “to go beyond this,” is devastatingly moving…
One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
Masayoshi Yamazaki is one of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters and a gifted multi-instrumentalist.
His debut tagline, “A guy even greater than a genius,” was no exaggeration: while continuously producing outstanding classics, he has also excelled as an actor—a true multi-talent.
“One more time, One more chance,” chosen as the theme song for Moon and Cabbage, the first film in which Yamazaki starred as an actor, is a signature track from his early career and can be called his breakout hit.
Released as a single in February 1997, it became a long-running success, and the album HOME, released the same year, was also a hit, cementing his status as a popular singer-songwriter.
Sung with Yamazaki’s acoustic guitar and vocals, the song blends the gentle resonance of its plucked guitar with lyrics and a melody that are melancholic yet full of warmth, achieving perfect harmony.
Its extreme simplicity is precisely what moves listeners so deeply.