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

Wine Red Heartanzenchitai

A Wine-Red Heart (Wine Red no Kokoro) — Anzen Chitai

“Wine Red no Kokoro” by Anzenchitai, released in 1983.

It was used as the theme song for the drama ‘Machigai Darake no Otto Erabi’ and also featured in commercials.

Anzenchitai were a highly skilled band who had performed as Yosui Inoue’s backing group, and their vocalist Koji Tamaki is also known for his outstanding singing ability.

Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai

Goodbye to Sorrow / 1985 Anzenchitai

As expected, Safe Zone’s ballads are the kind that truly let you listen and take them in.

Above all, the gently questioning feel of the lyrics is deeply moving.

I imagine many people end up in tears while listening.

That’s how much the song’s tenderness seeps through.

Stray AngelOkamura Takako

Takako Okamura “An Angel About to Stray” (Music Video)

Like Takako Okamura’s pure and straightforward style, this song has an irresistible transparency and a touch of melancholy that fans adore.

Composed by Takao Kisugi, it’s a moving piece where his songwriting and her character blend together exquisitely.

No more tears are neededSuzuki Masayuki

No more tears – Masayuki Suzuki

Songs that are easy to sing often end up with simple melodies, which can make them feel a bit lacking in allure.

I imagine many men in their 40s want to sing songs that are both easy to sing and have a sensual vibe.

That’s why I recommend “Mou Namida wa Iranai” (No More Tears).

It’s a pop ballad with an R&B flavor, and the melody maintains a seductive feel throughout.

That said, the vocal lines have a lot in common with Japanese kayōkyoku, so there are more singable parts than you might expect.

Men in their 40s with rich, full voices should definitely give it a try.

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Ryo

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balladKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

Ketsumeishi’s “Ballad” is a song I’d love to see men in their 40s perform at karaoke.

While reviving a hit from their youth, its delicate, evolved lyrics convey the deep emotions that only adults can express.

True to its title, the ballad’s gentle melody is sure to resonate with women.

The bittersweet feelings of married men toward unmarried women stand out even more thanks to the quiet arrangement that demands strong vocal ability.

Even Ketsumeishi’s signature rap is elevated into something moving, turning a night of karaoke into something special.

After the FestivalKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – After the Festival (Short ver.)

The bittersweet melancholy that Mr.

Kuwata suddenly reveals—despite his humorous performances and playful, clownish persona—feels richer and more poignant to us listeners as we grow older.

Released in 1994 as his fifth solo single, “Matsuri no Ato” is a masterpiece that fully unleashes Kuwata’s soulful, wistful singing.

For those who remember that era well, it likely also lives on in memory as the theme song for the NTV drama “Shizukanaru Don.” Even the title, “After the Festival,” evokes an indescribable sadness, and the lyrics—depicting the pure-heartedness of a clumsy, sensitive man through masterful word choice—are simply exceptional.

Naturally, if someone in their 40s or 50s sings this at karaoke, a full-on singalong is guaranteed.

Precisely because there are fewer singers today who can write and perform songs like this, I hope younger generations will give it a listen too!

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KOH-1

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Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo

Sadness Like Snow (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

It’s a song released in 1981, but many of you may know it as the theme song for the 1992 drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni” (“Under the Name of Love”).

It’s sung by singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada and is one of his signature tracks.

Because it’s such a well-known and popular song, there may be men in their 40s who always sing it at karaoke.

I feel the brilliance of the lyrics is packed into the first few lines.

It teaches us something vital about life—that it’s precisely when times are tough that we should cherish others.

Listening to this song makes you think, “There must be meaning in this trial too,” and gives you the courage to carry on.

It’s a deeply moving classic.

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Hane Keisuke

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