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

suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW

FIELD OF VIEW – Suddenly (QHD Remastered Video)

If you spent your youth in the 1990s, the hit songs by artists from the Being label are surely etched in your memory.

FIELD OF VIEW’s hits—distinctive for their black suit fashion—definitely rank among the top songs sung at karaoke gatherings for people in their forties.

Released in 1995 as their second single, “Totsuzen” became the band’s biggest hit and their only million seller.

With vocalist Yuya Asaoka’s boyish freshness and clear, refreshing voice at its core, and the golden lineup of Izumi Sakai from ZARD for lyrics, Tetsuro Oda for composition, and Takashi Hayama for arrangement, this wonderful pop song achieves a perfect synergy—so much so that you might find yourself shedding tears, wrapped in gentle feelings as you recall your youthful days.

Izumi Sakai’s lyrics, in particular, are truly outstanding; her words strike the ear with clarity and move listeners in any era.

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Prayer FlowerHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / Inoribana

Hirai Dai’s classic gently weaves a deep sense of love and gratitude for someone dear.

Filled with thoughts of his late grandmother, the warm vocal delivery blends with the soothing tone of the ukulele to comfort listeners’ hearts.

Released in October 2011 as his debut single, it was later included on the album “ALOHA.” In March 2021, it was also featured on the fifth installment of the love song compilation CD series “Tashika ni Koi Datta.” This is a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced parting from a loved one or carries feelings they haven’t been able to fully express.

The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

With its translucent vocals and acoustic tones, it’s a classic that vividly captures the bittersweetness of summer slipping away.

It’s one of singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama’s signature songs, beloved by many since its release in 2003.

The song’s appeal lies not only in its evocation of the changing seasons, but also in the profound message it carries—a prayer for peace and a longing for someone far away.

It was also used as the ending theme for Asahi Broadcasting/TV Asahi’s ‘Netto Koshien,’ and is surely etched in many people’s memories alongside the players’ dramas.

It’s perfect for sinking into nostalgia on a drive, or for karaoke—try ringing out a one-of-a-kind falsetto like Moriyama’s and move your listeners to the core!

sonetACIDMAN

ACIDMAN – sonet Music Video (WOWOW “W Series Drama: Golden Kamuy — Hokkaido Tattooed Prisoner Competition Arc” Final Episode Ending Theme)

Within its grand melody, this song holds both the resolve to live boldly and a gentle tenderness.

Set against the vast nature of Hokkaido, it portrays life’s joys and sorrows through the moon and stars shining in the night sky, and the falling rain and snow.

Along the journey of chasing dreams, it leaves a deep afterglow that quietly speaks to the importance of living true to oneself.

The track was pre-released by ACIDMAN in December 2024, with the CD following in January 2025.

Chosen as the ending theme for the final episode of WOWOW’s drama “Renzoku Drama W Golden Kamuy — Hokkaido Tattooed Prisoner Contest Arc,” it is also complemented by striking footage shot on location in Hokkaido by film director Shigeaki Kubo.

When you stand at a crossroads in life or face an important decision, this is a song that will stay close to your heart.

forever; for good; indefinitelyGReeeeN

Greeen “Forever”

A ballad layered with memories of lovers and infused with vows for the future.

With a lovely melody and heartwarming lyrics, it gently portrays days spent with someone dear.

Included on GReeeeN’s album “Shio, Kosho,” it has captured many hearts since its release in June 2009.

Focusing on the happiness found in everyday life, it tells a story of pledging eternal love through cherished photographs, and is also beloved as wedding background music.

Embracing the feelings of those in love and brimming with hope for the future, this work is recommended for moments when you want to reaffirm the bond with someone special.

DestinyAee! group

Aぇ! group “Destiny” Official Music Video

A gem of a love song that delicately portrays a straightforward devotion, even while harboring clumsy feelings of love.

The Aぇ! group’s intricately woven vocals and deeply emotive melody brilliantly color a bittersweet love story.

Set for inclusion on the album “Chameleon,” slated for release in June 2025, this track has been selected as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Musashino Rondo,” starring group member Yoshinori Masakado.

The music video’s world, in which the message of love is conveyed with strength even under the pouring rain, superbly captures a heart buffeted by fate.

It’s a song that stands by everyone troubled by love and gives them courage.

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)

A poignant longing wrapped in kindness strikes the heart in this ballad by BE:FIRST.

While yearning for closeness with a loved one, the vivid lyrics portray a man’s struggle to keep his distance because of mental illness, along with the feelings that remain unchanged.

The richly expressive vocals of all the members and the melody beautifully color the story’s world.

Included on the single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, the song was also selected as the theme for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered that February.

This piece invites deep reflection on the meaning of continuing to care for someone important and on human connection.

It is recommended for those wrestling with feelings for someone they love, or for anyone seeking a touching ballad that resonates with the heart.