A collection of moving songs recommended for men in their 40s: music that resonates with the heart

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer [Live ver.]

Kazuyoshi Saito is a distinctive singer-songwriter popular across a wide audience.

His ballads truly draw you in, so I hope you’ll experience this unique world—an inspiring “singer’s” song.

This track is also popular among other artists, and it’s a ballad with a wonderful craftsman-like quality.

NO SIDEMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – No Side (Audio/Lyric)

This is one of Yumi’s signature wistful love ballads, portraying the feelings of a woman cheering for rugby.

The frustration of losing the match and the strength—or perhaps the warmth and compassion—of the woman who accepts that frustration and supports him: isn’t that the ultimate ideal for men?

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Sakura, released in 2003 by Naotaro Moriyama.

Naotaro, the son of Ryoko Moriyama, is a singer-songwriter known for his striking high-tone voice.

Cherry blossoms, which bloom in the season of meetings and farewells, have inspired many songs.

Moriyama’s cherry blossom song likens the fleeting beauty of blossoms in full bloom as they scatter to the season of parting.

Voice of the Seaurashima tarou

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

It’s a bittersweet summer love song sung by Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani), now popular across a wide range of generations.

The sanshin’s sound—soothing and evocative of a southern island sea in BIGIN’s signature style—lingers in the ears, making the music memorable.

Listening to it at the end of summer might move you all over again.

My RevolutionWatanabe Misato

Misato Watanabe [MV] “My Revolution”

Misato Watanabe’s songs have a charm that makes you feel empowered and truly happy when you listen to them, and I think this track—one of her signature songs—is an anthem that gives hope to many people.

I highly recommend it as a legendary “power song” that will surely be passed down to the next generation.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

Sakurazaka, released in 2000 by Masaharu Fukuyama.

While Fukuyama has long been at the forefront as a handsome leading actor, he’s also very popular as a singer.

This song, for which Fukuyama wrote both the lyrics and music, was featured in commercials and as a theme song on variety shows.

If you can sing it well, it’s the kind of song that might make you popular with women.

Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya

Cheer Up / Mariya Takeuchi (Cover)

Isn’t there something about the womanhood portrayed by the ever-popular Mariya Takeuchi that men can relate to as well? The thrill of winning over the heart of a woman who seems a bit out of reach brings an incredible sense of accomplishment and an overwhelming joy.

I recommend that men, too, immerse themselves in Mariya’s world.