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

Last SongGACKT

GACKT「Last Song」MUSIC VIDEO

Starting from a silence like freshly fallen snow and gradually building into passion, this dramatic progression makes it one of GACKT’s most memorable ballads.

The poignant theme of a “last song” dedicated to a loved one resonates deeply with listeners.

Released as a single in November 2003, it also plays a crucial role in the narrative of the album Crescent and continues to be cherished by fans today.

It was performed at the 54th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a widely known episode where its overwhelming expressiveness deeply moved audiences at home.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you want to quietly accept a love that has ended, or on nights when you look back on the past alone and try to face forward.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO

The moment that poignant piano intro begins, many of you may feel your memories from that time come rushing back.

This is the 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, who continues to captivate countless fans with his overwhelming vocal prowess and expressive artistry.

Written as the theme song for the 2004 film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” it became a historic hit, topping the year-end charts.

The lyrics, which portray the sorrow of mourning a lost lover and the resolve to go on loving them in memory, never fail to bring listeners to tears.

Also included on the album “SENTIMENTALovers,” this ballad gently accompanies the heart of a man living on while carrying an unforgettable love.

On a night when you want to quietly lose yourself in memories alone, give it a listen.

I want to become a rainbow.TUBE

TUBE “I Want to Become a Rainbow” MUSIC VIDEO

Since their debut in 1985, TUBE has released countless songs set against the backdrop of summer, earning them the title of the kings of summer bands.

Many people in their 40s often listened to their music during their teens and twenties.

Among their repertoire, this particular song stands out as a notably tender ballad.

Looking at the lyrics, you can read a relationship in which the man loves the woman straightforwardly, while the woman’s feelings gradually fade.

It’s a track that evokes a poignant sense of frustration, as heartfelt emotions remain unreturned.

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Hane Keisuke

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aloneGosuperāzu

Gospellers – Hitori / THE FIRST TAKE

The Gospellers are a vocal group formed in 1991, and if you spent your youth in the ’90s through the early 2000s, you probably listened to a lot of their songs.

Among them, their signature track “HitorI,” released in 2001, has never lost its luster over the years and is still a classic you hear often.

The five members’ beautiful harmonies and the gentle melody line that seems to sink straight into your heart feel purifying just by listening.

If you pay attention to the lyrics that portray earnest love, you’ll find tears naturally welling up.

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Hane Keisuke

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I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

This song is one of singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara’s signature tracks, and even now, long after its 1992 release, you still hear it often.

His gentle vocals resonate over a mid-tempo, soft-feeling arrangement.

The lyrics portray a man who has just been heartbroken putting on a brave face.

But the more he tries to act tough, the more memories of her come flooding back, and the more he realizes how important she was—a poignant breakup song.

It’s a recommended track for men who can’t easily shake off their lingering feelings.

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Hane Keisuke

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I want to see you.yuzu

Aitai

In April 2009, Yuzu released a gem of a ballad imbued with a stirring melody and deep feelings for a loved one.

Created by Kitagawa as an expression of gratitude and love for his late father, the song touched many hearts as the theme for the NHK drama “Ghost Friends.” Carried by a warm piano tone and a beautiful string arrangement, it gives voice to a heartfelt wish for a beloved person who has been lost.

Their moving performance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen remains fresh in memory, and the song was also included on the album “Yuzu Iroha 1997–2017,” where it continues to be cherished.

It is a piece that gently stays close to the hearts of those who have experienced the parting of a dear one or who carry feelings they cannot fully express.

Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki

Hidetoshi Tokunaga – Believe in Dreams

Released in 1990 as Hideaki Tokunaga’s ninth single, this song is highly popular, partly because it was used as the ending theme for the anime Dragon Quest.

Its lyrics are striking, evoking an adventurous spirit shared with the series: even if difficulties lie ahead, believe in the dreams you held before setting out and move forward toward the future.

The cheerful sound combined with these lyrics conveys a strong sense of exhilaration and freshness, making the adventure feel like something truly enjoyable.

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kappamaki

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