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

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children

Mr.Children 「Tomorrow never knows」 MUSIC VIDEO

A moving ballad whose lyrics portray the will to follow one’s heart despite the inner conflict of not knowing what tomorrow holds.

Released in November 1994 as Mr.Children’s sixth single, it’s known as the band’s biggest hit, with total sales exceeding 2.76 million copies.

Many may remember it as the theme song for the drama “All About Young Men,” starring Masato Hagiwara and Takuya Kimura.

It was later included on the album “BOLERO” and has continued to be loved by many fans to this day.

Its message of finding hope amid struggle gently supports a generation shouldering responsibilities at work and at home.

A masterpiece in J-pop history that you’ll want to revisit on a quiet, solitary night.

cherry blossomKobukuro

Kobukuro “Sakura”

Sakura, a poignant yet warm classic ballad that comes to mind with the arrival of spring.

It was released by Kobukuro in November 2005 as their 12th single.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Ns’ Aoi, it also won a Gold Award at the 47th Japan Record Awards.

Cherished and performed since their indie days, the song’s harmony—woven from Kentaro Kobuchi’s delicate guitar and Shunsuke Kuroda’s powerful vocals—gently envelops the listener’s heart.

Many will find their hearts stirred by the lyrics, which layer the fleeting transience of falling cherry blossoms over unchanging feelings.

In this season of meetings and farewells, when you want to pause and look back on the past, or spend a quiet night facing your heart, take the time to listen closely.

Laughing and falling downHanbaato Hanbaato

Humbert Humbert “Laughing and Falling Down” (Official Audio)

This is a song created as the theme for NHK’s serialized TV drama “Bakebake,” airing from September 2025.

It’s performed by the husband-and-wife duo Humbert Humbert, whose warm harmonies gently add color to the story modeled on Setsu, the wife of Lafcadio Hearn.

When it premiered on “Uta-Con” in August 2025, their unadorned performance left a strong impression.

The members reportedly visited Matsue during the songwriting process, and you can almost feel the area’s calm atmosphere in the music.

Life has its ups and downs, but the song’s gentle embrace of it all is its greatest charm.

Try listening when you feel like pausing amid busy days at work or home.

It will make the ordinary feel precious and lift a weight from your shoulders.

My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

Amid the hustle and bustle of busy days, we often have fewer chances to meet old friends—but that’s exactly when I want you to listen to this classic by Ketsumeishi.

The lyrics are filled with gratitude for friends who’ve shared so much time together and a passionate vow to keep that friendship unchanged.

Released in April 2016, the song was written as the theme for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World.” In the music video featuring Dachou Club, their bond from their early struggling days is portrayed—no doubt moving many to tears.

Its straightforward message of remaining lifelong friends has made it a staple for weddings and farewell parties.

It’ll warm your heart and make you want to reach out to an old friend.

I AM YOUR SINGERSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – I AM YOUR SINGER [Official Music Video]

A monumental work by Southern All Stars that, on the major milestone of their 30th anniversary, boldly proclaims deep gratitude to fans and hope for the future.

It features a celebratory melody infused with electronic sounds, wrapping you in an uplifting exhilaration that makes your heart dance just by listening.

Released as a single in August 2008, many will remember it playing on TV as the song for au’s “LISMO” commercial at the time.

It also came during a period just before their hiatus, and the song resonates deeply as a heartfelt “thank you” from the members to their listeners.

When you find yourself in a position of responsibility at work or at home and feel a moment of loneliness, listening to it will surely encourage you with the same passion of that era, reminding you that you’re not alone.

Be sure to check it out.

DIVE TO BLUEL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「DIVE TO BLUE」-Music Clip-

This single, released in March 1998, was a hit that debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

Among L’Arc~en~Ciel’s songs, this track stands out for its exhilarating, fast-paced beat and liberating melody.

It was also featured in the “NTT Personal Kansai” commercial and used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Tokusou! Geinou Police-kun,” so many people may remember hearing it back then.

As the title suggests, it delivers a refreshing feeling like diving into a blue sky, carrying the power to break through the stifling sense of everyday life.

It was later included on the acclaimed album “ark,” becoming a long-loved favorite.

When you’re feeling a bit worn out from work or daily life, the song’s positive energy will gently give you a push.

If you want to change your mood, definitely give it a listen.

EverythingMISIA

MISIA – Everything （Official HD Music Video）

Released in October 2000 and made familiar to households as the theme song for the drama “Yamato Nadeshiko,” this work soaks into the heart with MISIA’s embracing vocals and a warm melody that seems to melt the winter chill.

The poignant lyrics—wishing for reconciliation after missed connections and for reunion—resonate even more deeply now that we’ve gained more life experience.

Not only did it ship over two million copies as a single, it also became the centerpiece of the album “MARVELOUS,” a renowned ballad.

The music video, filmed at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, further highlighted the song’s beauty.

In the midst of busy days, it’s a track that gently loosens the heart—why not give it another listen after a long while?