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

TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

TRUE LOVE, released in 1993 by Fumiya Fujii, was his second single as a solo artist.

It also served as the theme song for the popular drama Asunaro Hakusho and became a major hit.

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.

Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke

Rainy Amusement Park

This is a ballad that poignantly depicts memories of a couple’s date at an amusement park and their bittersweet parting.

It weaves together contrasting scenes: a past moment of riding a carousel in the rain, and the present, where the narrator catches sight of a former lover with shorter hair, looking happy.

The lingering attachment the protagonist still feels, along with a quiet resolve to face forward and live on, gently presses on the heart.

A warm sound centered on acoustic guitar and piano highlights the story-rich lyrics.

Included on Sasuke’s album “Smile,” the piece was released in October 2004, reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts, sold over 450,000 copies, and was certified Platinum.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a rainy day, especially when you’re trying to heal the pain of a broken heart.

180°yamazaru

180°

A heart-wrenching love ballad by Yamasaru that tugs at the listener’s heartstrings.

Its words quietly resonate, asking what true kindness really is.

Released in February 2016, it stands out as a memorable piece in his musical career.

The song portrays the conflict of a love that must end and the delicate feelings of not wanting to hurt the other person, showcasing Yamasaru’s refined sensitivity and expressive power.

The warm tone of the acoustic guitar and his unique blend of rap and singing deepen the story’s impact.

It is a heartwarming ballad that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or a farewell to someone dear.

First loveHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “First Love” Music Video

A ballad by Motohiro Hata, woven with sincere feelings carried by his clear, translucent voice.

He tenderly portrays memories of a love that ended against the flow of fate, likening them to a blue apple and tangled threads.

Released in January 2013 as the ending theme for the TV anime “Space Brothers” and later included on the album “Signed POP,” this work is a characteristically minor-key song from Hata.

Coupled with Seiji Kameda’s delicate arrangement, it strikingly depicts the pain and regret of a love that reached its farewell while still immature.

Hata’s relatable vocals make it a song that recalls the bitter experiences of a first love.

TRAIN-TRAINZa Burū Hātsu

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'TRAIN-TRAIN' [3rd Single (1988/11/23)] THE BLUE HEARTS / TRAIN-TRAIN

The Blue Hearts’ classic “TRAIN-TRAIN” was a long-running hit from the 1980s into the early 2000s.

True to the Blue Hearts’ style, this track is a passionate punk rock song characterized by its raw sound.

You might expect it to be hard on the throat vocally, but it actually sits within a relatively narrow range of mid1 G# to mid2 F#.

The vocal line itself isn’t complex; however, starting from the second verse, it incorporates a slightly spoken delivery, which brings subtle pitch variations compared to the first verse.

Because this spoken-like quality isn’t a purely musical pitch change, be sure to carefully learn it by ear.

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Ryo

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Linda LindaZa Burū Hātsu

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda

The Blue Hearts’ classic “Linda Linda.” It’s an indispensable song when talking about Japanese punk rock.

Its intense vibes often lead to misunderstandings, but in fact the vocal line is surprisingly gentle and the range isn’t very wide.

Since it sits in the low to mid range, anyone can sing it comfortably with the right key adjustment.

However, the low notes in the verse (A-melo) are fairly low, so don’t lower the key too much just because the chorus and the B-melo feel easy to sing.

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Ryo

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