Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits

single bedSha ran Q

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

Younger generations might not even know that Tsunku once performed as the frontman of Sharam Q.

The iconic 1990s ballad “Single Bed” is one of the signature songs of Sharam Q, the popular rock band from Osaka, and it was also their first million-selling hit.

At the time, it was used as the ending theme for the TV anime D·N·A²: Dokokade Nakushita Aitsu no Aitsu, and since then it has continued to be loved across generations, regularly appearing as an insert song in dramas and more.

The beautiful, heartfelt melody and Tsunku’s remarkable vocals alone can bring you to tears, and the lyrics—plainly expressing the regret of a breakup—resonate with anyone who has had a similar experience, regardless of era or age.

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overMr.Children

Mr.Children over with Chinese subtitles

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…

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TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – TSUNAMI MV

One of Southern All Stars’ signature songs and a track that practically became synonymous with tear-jerking hits of the 2000s.

When it was released, people across a wide range of ages—from young listeners to adults—were hearing it everywhere, and many of those now in their forties likely experienced it in real time.

As suggested by the title “TSUNAMI,” it sings of lingering feelings after a breakup that sway and ripple like waves that surge and recede.

Coupled with the gentle, beautiful accompaniment and Kuwata’s poignant, husky voice, it’s a song that’s impossible to listen to without tears.

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Bye For NowT-BOLAN

T-BOLAN「Bye For Now」MV

Clad head-to-toe in black and sporting a quintessential rock-band look, T-BOLAN still managed to produce many of the 1990s’ most iconic ballads.

Among artists grouped under the so-called Being-kei umbrella, they were rare in that they actively performed live as a rock band.

When it comes to their signature rock ballads, the first titles that come to mind are undoubtedly “Hanashitaku wa Nai” or “Bye For Now.” In this article, I’ll be focusing on the latter, which became the band’s only million-selling single.

From the intro, the synthesizer’s orchestral hits explode, and frontman Moritomo’s gutsy, vibrato-laced vocals and the band’s fiery sound are always a thrill.

The lyrics—said to have been written for a staff member departing for New York—are tear-jerking to say the least.

It’s surprisingly hard to nail at karaoke, but it feels so good to sing that plenty of people in their 40s just can’t resist!

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countrysideTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)

For those currently in their early to mid-40s (as of 2021), Koji Tamaki may be more strongly associated with his work as a solo singer-songwriter and actor than as a member of Anzenchitai.

After scoring hits in the 1980s as the band’s frontman, Tamaki put band activities on hold from the 1990s and focused on his solo career.

His biggest solo hit is Denden (Countryside).

Released as a single in 1996, it was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama Coach, in which he himself appeared, and that same year he performed it at the 47th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen with none other than TOKIO backing him.

The lively music video, where you can enjoy Tamaki in various costumes, also left a strong impression.

Riding on a sound built around light, buoyant guitar backing, Tamaki’s superb vocals and melody deliver lyrics that powerfully affirm life—something you should definitely listen to when you find yourself at a crossroads.

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Tears of the MagnoliaStardust Revue

“Tears of Magnolia ~acoustic~” Stardust☆Review [LIVE]

Originally included on the album “SOLA,” this Stardust Revue classic was released as a single in 1993 and re-recorded in 2005 as “Mokuren no Namida ~acoustic~,” remaining beloved for many years.

Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, it’s likely a song you’ve heard somewhere.

While it may sound like a love song conveying feelings for a cherished person, the lyrics reveal that, for some reason, the two can no longer meet—and yet the longing to see them persists.

It’s a song that conveys a poignant, aching emotion.

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Robinsonsupittsu

Spitz / Robinson

Anchored by Masamune Kusano’s one-of-a-kind worldview and a voice that seems to embody pure transparency, Spitz creates an inimitable sound through a superb band ensemble.

They racked up massive hits in the 1990s, and from the 2000s into the 2020s they continue to capture the hearts of young music listeners with their singular musicality.

Among their signature songs, the one that comes to mind is Robinson—an undeniable classic whose clean-toned, arpeggiated guitar intro can bring listeners to tears the moment it begins.

Released as a single in 1995, it became their biggest hit, selling over 1.62 million copies.

Although it narrowly missed the top three on the Oricon charts, its long-running sales turning into a blockbuster success feels very much like Spitz.

It’s a song best experienced together with its nostalgic, monochrome music video.

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