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

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children

Mr.Children 「Tomorrow never knows」 MUSIC VIDEO

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 SINGERSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – I AM YOUR SINGER [Official Music Video]

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.

TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

I think few people in their 40s today really remember The Checkers at their peak.

The members dressed in checkered outfits looked a bit mischievous, and above all, vocalist Fumiya Fujii’s hairstyle—with the sides shaved and thin bangs hanging down—became a huge craze.

It was that much of a phenomenon in an era without the internet or social media… The song that Fumiya, now an adult, sings tenderly is the classic “TRUE LOVE.” With lyrics pledging eternal love, it has become a wedding staple.

If you can play guitar, definitely try a solo acoustic rendition!

windKobukuro

Kobukuro “Kaze”

This is a ballad that sets bittersweet memories recalled with the arrival of spring to a gentle melody.

Released in February 2002 as Kobukuro’s fourth major-label single, it was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Ucchi Kuru!?” and also inspired the drama “A Story I’ll Never Forget.” The lyrics trace feelings for a former lover and delicate emotions, as if time gradually melts away the pain.

Its depictions of spring are superb, and it’s a masterpiece that conveys not only sadness but also the strength to look forward.

The song was performed at the 57th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2006 and has remained beloved for years.

I’d especially recommend it to men who’ve had those moments when a past love suddenly comes back to mind and their chest tightens.

I wanted to kiss you again.B’z

I wanted to kiss you again.

This is a classic B’z ballad that portrays a heartrending love story between a man and a woman, set against the changing seasons from a summer meeting to a winter parting.

The lingering melancholy and Takahiro Matsumoto’s weeping guitar further deepen the sense of lingering regret and attachment.

Included on the album “IN THE LIFE,” released in November 1991, the song was initially a candidate to be released as a single, but was ultimately passed over because “ALONE,” which had a tie-in, was prioritized.

Even so, it remains extremely popular among fans, ranking 4th in the vote that determined the tracks for the best-of album “B’z The Best ‘Treasure’.” It’s the perfect song to sit with on a night when a fleeting moment brings back memories of a past love and tightens your chest.

Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK

[Official] J-WALK “Speechless… Summer”

J-WALK is a band that has been active since the 1980s, and in the 1990s they released many classic songs, including one of their signature tracks, “Nani mo Ienakute…

Natsu” (“At a Loss for Words…

Summer”).

If you’re in your 40s today, there’s a good chance you listened to their music back then.

This song was created based on “Nani mo Ienakute,” which was released the previous year, and it portrays a breakup between a couple set in the summer.

The lyrics look back on how the man and woman were out of sync because their values didn’t align, and many men may feel a tightness in their chest reading them.

It’s a song that can move you to tears if it overlaps with your own experiences.

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Hane Keisuke

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Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN "Snow Smile"

When the winter cold deepens, there’s that aching ballad you just can’t help but want to hear.

At first it seems to paint a scene of a happy couple, only to make you realize that “you” are no longer by their side—the tear-jerking structure is simply brilliant.

Many listeners will likely overlay that image of warming hands together in a pocket with their own faint memories.

It’s a song by BUMP OF CHICKEN, a band of childhood friends from Chiba Prefecture, released in December 2002 as their fifth single.

Although it didn’t have a specific tie-in, its universal lyrical worldview earned it widespread support.

It’s a masterpiece perfect for a night when you want to quietly look back on a past love, drinking alone and letting yourself sink into the mood.