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

Song of the DawnMiyamoto Hiroji

Hiroji Miyamoto — Song of Dawn

Many men in their 40s who hold responsible positions at work or at home may find themselves wanting to pause and take a breath.

That’s why I recommend this song sung by Hiroji Miyamoto.

Included on his first solo album, “Miyamoto, Dokkyo.” released in March 2020, it’s also well known as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “Nikkei Special: Gaia no Yoake.” Written specifically for the show’s renewal, this powerful ballad was crafted as Miyamoto refined the lyrics while watching the actual video footage.

The lyrics depict dawn as a quiet resolve, and the strings arranged by Takeshi Kobayashi lend a tone that gives you the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.

It’s a masterpiece that affirms who you are now and stands beside everyone ready to start walking forward again.

Sunflower DreamSaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – Sunflower Dream [Music Video Short ver.]

Overflowing with a sense of openness and carrying a positive message to go big without sweating the small stuff, this is a classic by Kazuyoshi Saito that resonates deeply with adults caught up in the demands of everyday life.

Featured on the concept album “ONE NIGHT ACOUSTIC RECORDING SESSION at NHK CR-509 Studio,” released in September 2012, this track was also used in the Sapporo Hokkaido PREMIUM commercial starring Nanako Matsushima.

The groove unique to its acoustic arrangement pairs perfectly with Saito’s warm vocals, creating a soothing comfort that makes your shoulders naturally relax as you listen.

Perhaps it’s precisely the generation shouldering responsibilities at work and at home that needs the song’s generous worldview.

Give it a listen on a weekend drive, or when you want to pause and take a deep breath!

JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – JAM

For rock fans in their 40s, many of you probably once admired THE YELLOW MONKEY.

The band, known for producing numerous classics, has a particularly moving ballad I’d like to recommend—one that resonates deeply.

While portraying laments and inner conflict toward an absurd society, this song carries a message of holding on to hope and continuing to live.

Kazuya Yoshii’s soul-stirring vocals are sure to set your heart ablaze every time you listen.

Released as a single in February 1996, it was used as the ending theme for the music program “Pop Jam.” It also drew attention when it was performed on the 2016 “Kohaku Uta Gassen.” It’s a masterpiece that men in their 40s, especially those feeling pressure at work or at home, should hear—a song that fuels you for tomorrow.

rose flowerkururi

Quruli – Rose Flower

As we take on more responsibility at work and at home, aren’t there moments when our hearts suddenly feel tired? For people of our generation who feel that way, the rock band Quruli from Kyoto offers a gentle companion.

One of their signature songs is Bara no Hana.

Released as a single in January 2001, this classic was later used as an insert song for the TBS drama Orange Days.

Marked by its steady beat and ennui-tinged melody, it carries the quiet of a rainy day, with choruses colored by SUPERCAR’s Miki Furukawa.

The lyrics evoke a world where reassurance and anxiety coexist—something that resonates more deeply now that we’ve gone through so many experiences.

Give it a listen when, in the midst of everyday life, you feel the urge to go just a little farther away.

Humanity!Sambomasutā

Sambomaster / Humanity! MUSIC VIDEO

Have you ever felt a little emotionally worn out, chased by your morning routine? In moments like that, Sambomaster’s latest work resonates both gently and passionately.

The lyrics, which wholeheartedly affirm humanity and the joy of living, together with the driving beat, lift your spirits right up.

Released in June 2021 as the theme song for TBS’s weekday show “LOVE it!”, the track also drew attention for featuring the band’s first fully animated music video.

It’s included on the album “Love & Peace! Masterpiece!” and is a fan favorite that unites the crowd at live shows.

Give it a listen on those mornings when your steps feel heavy on the way to work, or whenever you need a push on your back.

It’s sure to fill you with energy for tomorrow.

Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN

BEGIN / “Shimanchu nu Takara” 20th Anniversary MV

BEGIN is a band whose warm sound evokes the breeze of Okinawa and has been loved across generations.

This signature track of theirs is a moving number that asks about “what truly matters,” the kind of thing textbooks and TV don’t teach.

The well-known story goes that the lyrics were woven from words written by local junior high school students on Ishigaki Island.

Released as a single in 2002, it was written as the image song for NHK Okinawa’s “30th Anniversary of Okinawa’s Reversion to the Mainland.” It is also known as a core track on the classic album “Begin no Shimauta ~Omoto Takeo 2~.” Give it a listen in those moments when, amid the rush of daily work, you suddenly think of your hometown or old friends.

Its gentle yet powerful vocals are sure to give a quiet push to men in their 40s.

BE WITH YOUGLAY

GLAY / BE WITH YOU

Hearing that powerful melody that starts with the chorus might vividly bring back memories for many of you.

GLAY, the rock band that has set numerous records in Japan’s music scene.

Their 15th single, released in 1998, became widely known as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tabloid.” The earnest lyrics by TAKURO, about believing in someone even in difficult times, hold a central presence on the classic album “HEAVY GAUGE.” The music video, shot on the streets of New York, matches the song’s grand scale and looks awesome.

For those feeling pressure at work or at home, TERU’s warm vocals are sure to resonate deeply.