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

Islanders’ TreasureNEW!BEGIN

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 YOUNEW!GLAY

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.

Tomorrow never knowsNEW!Mr.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.

JAMNEW!THE 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 flowerNEW!kururi

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.

cherry blossomNEW!Kobukuro

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.

Humanity!NEW!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.