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

Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki

Tohku Tohku

It’s one of Noriyuki Makihara’s signature songs, included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono.” It’s an unexpectedly outstanding track that was never released as a single.

It’s said that Makihara wrote it while thinking of friends from his hometown, and you can feel a strong conviction—as if he’s determined to keep striving in his own place to make his dreams come true, so that the message reaches friends he hasn’t seen in a while.

The song also portrays how he cherishes his friends even from afar, conveying tenderness and warmth.

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kappamaki

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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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KOH-1

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You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.

Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

SUPER BEAVER’s in-show song for NHK’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi” delivers a powerful rendition of aching, unrequited love that truly stirs the heart.

It’s a gem of a ballad where a melody that gently cradles a faint yearning blends beautifully with subtly warm lyrics.

First released digitally on March 7, 2025, and included on the single “Kataomoi / Namida no Shoutai,” out March 12, the track enriches the drama’s world alongside its main theme, “Namida no Shoutai.” With tender, emotional soundscapes and the band’s signature straightforward message, this heartwarming song keeps you company in those quiet moments when you secretly think of someone you love.

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!

KaraBank Band

Bank Band 'Kara'

A soulful work by Bank Band that begins with the quiet resonance of a piano and gradually unfolds into a grand scale.

Its lyrics, interwoven with reflections on the depths of life and sharp insights into society, sound a warning to the modern world.

Released in January 2025, the piece beautifully blends Kazutoshi Sakurai’s emotionally rich vocals with Takeshi Kobayashi’s delicate arrangements.

Aina The End, Mone Kamishiraishi, and Salyu join on chorus, adding a vibrant flourish to the track.

Created for the ap bank fes ’25 performance, proceeds from this work are dedicated to supporting recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, making it a meaningful contribution to society through music.

It is a jewel-like ballad that sinks deeply into the heart when your emotions are stirred, when you want to look within, and when you wish to connect with someone.

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.