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

In the midst of busy days filled with work, raising kids, and everything else, don’t you ever feel your heart suddenly deflate? At times like that, a single song can gently unwind something deep inside your chest.

Whether it’s shedding tears to a wistful ballad or feeling a powerful lyric push you forward, music holds a power that words alone can’t reach.

In this article, we’re highlighting moving songs recommended for men in their 40s.

We’ve gathered tracks you’ll want to play on repeat, so find the one that perfectly fits your mood right now!

Playlist

A collection of moving songs recommended for men in their 40s: music that resonates with the heart
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN		One of BEGIN’s signature songs. A moving number with lyrics written in the words of junior high school students from Ishigaki Island.
2	BE WITH YOUGLAY		GLAY's powerful rock songs resonate in the heart
3	Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children		The signature ballad from Mr.Children’s biggest hit
4	JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY		An inspiring ballad masterpiece by THE YELLOW MONKEY
5	rose flowerkururi		The appeal and highlights of Quruli’s classic song “Bara no Hana” (“Rose Flower”)
6	cherry blossomKobukuro		The allure of Kobukuro’s famous ballad “Sakura”
7	Humanity!Sambomasutā		Sambomaster’s Encouragement Song
8	Laughing and falling downHanbaato Hanbaato		Theme song of NHK’s morning drama, a gentle track by a husband-and-wife duo
9	Song of the DawnMiyamoto Hiroji		Introducing inspirational songs for men in their 40s
10	Sunflower DreamSaitō Kazuyoshi		Saito Kazuyoshi’s positive classic song
11	My friend — now and forever…Ketsumeishi		Ketsumeishi’s classic song that sings about the importance of friendship
12	DIVE TO BLUEL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		L'Arc~en~Ciel's fast-paced, exhilarating hit song
13	EverythingMISIA		A famous ballad by MISIA, a song that gently relaxes the heart
14	I AM YOUR SINGERSazan Ōrusutāzu		Gratitude and Hope for Southern’s 30th Anniversary
15	Robinsonsupittsu		Spitz’s classic songs bring back warm nostalgia
16	TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu		A representative song by Southern All Stars with a heartbreak theme
17	WOW WAR TONIGHT ~ Sometimes Start a MovementH Jungle with T		The H Jungle cheer song resonates with my heart
18	ForeverGosuperāzu		A masterpiece that sings of an eternal bond with a loved one
19	A Tearful RequestChekkāzu		The Checkers’ heartbreak song sets a record with a massive hit
20	countrysideTamaki Kōji		Koji Tamaki’s gem of a masterpiece, gently advising on the journey of life
21	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's moving romantic ballad
22	I wanted to kiss you again.B’z		From summer to winter, B’z’s poignant love song
23	KaraBank Band		Socially-contributive musical works by Bank Band
24	First loveMurashita Kōzō		A poignant classic about first love that is popular among men
25	to youMONGOL800		MONGOL800's “Anata ni” has a narrow vocal range and is easy to sing.
26	ALONEB’z		B’z’s “ALONE” is a heartbreak ballad
27	Heart Rainindigo la End		A ballad that quietly sings about a romantic breakup
28	GIFTMr.Children		Mr.Children’s iconic song “GIFT,” sung with passionate intensity
29	I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN		DEEN’s debut song, NTT DoCoMo commercial song
30	I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN		T-BOLAN’s passionate love ballad
31	Until the World Ends…WANDS		WANDS “Until the World Ends…” anime theme song
32	Only for youShonentai		Shonentai’s love ballad, indulging in memories
33	OH MY LITTLE GIRLOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s famous song “OH MY LITTLE GIRL”
34	I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Kuwata Keisuke		Expressions of anxiety and anticipation about tomorrow’s weather
35	I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki		Makihara’s classic hit “Mou Koi Nante Shinai” is popular.
36	TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya		Fumiya Fujii scores a huge hit with a TV drama theme song
37	You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A ballad about the pain of heartbreak
38	Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke		A ballad depicting memories of an amusement park date and a breakup
39	180°yamazaru		A love ballad of a mountain monkey. Depicting the struggles of romance.
40	First loveHata Motohiro		A ballad by Motohiro Hata. It sings of bittersweet memories of love.
41	TRAIN-TRAINZa Burū Hātsu		The appeal of the punk rock classic “TRAIN-TRAIN”
42	Linda LindaZa Burū Hātsu		Punk rock classic, a famous song anyone can sing
43	somedaySaucy Dog		A love song that portrays heartbreak and memories
44	Hide-and-seekYuuri		A ballad that likens a breakup with a live-in partner to a game of hide-and-seek
45	Tears of MagnoliaSutādasuto☆Rebyū		The popular band born in Aomori, Stardust☆Re...
46	more than anyoneBE:FIRST		A ballad depicting the struggles of a man tormented at heart by BE:FIRST
47	Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER		A bittersweet love ballad by SUPER BEAVER
48	I want to see you.yuzu		Yuzu releases a ballad dedicated to expressing gratitude to his father
49	Goodbyeofukōsu		Off Course’s pure love ballad, poignantly expressing the end of a romance
50	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s love ballad, feelings passing each other by
51	Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman		A heartwarming song that celebrates the value of those who support from behind the scenes
52	The seasons change only you.BOØWY		A moving song packed with the band's charm
53	My NoteSukima Suichi		Sukima Switch’s heartwarming music
54	Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterSuga Shikao		The theme song for the NTV (Nippon TV) news program ZERO…
55	Surely just for tonightStardust Revue		A moving song that sings about the pain of heartbreak
56	I want to become the wind.THE BOOM		A gem of a work that expresses the desire to be free with the one you love
57	MiracleGReeeeN		GReeeeN is a dentist and musician.
58	Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB		Romance Flight is a timeless classic.
59	ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG		An encouraging song that pushes you forward toward your dreams
60	Go for it!Urufuruzu		The Ulfuls' cheer song is a big hit
61	Sakura, flutterSazan Ōrusutāzu		A message song of hope and rebirth themed around cherry blossoms
62	Before anything else, from atop the roadIsseifubi Sepia		A message of courage and hope that asks about the meaning of life
63	You’re My Only Shinin’ StarNagayama Miho		A romantic ballad that vows love under the moonlit night
64	SPARKTHE YELLOW MONKEY		Love Song of The Yellow Monkey
65	Beard and Boobsyunikōn		The male psyche wavering between work and love
66	huge nuisanceyunikōn		The sorrow of a salaryman whose newlywed life falls apart due to a solo job transfer
67	I’ve always liked you.Saitō Kazuyoshi		Saito Kazuyoshi’s Lyrical Love Song
68	My WayDef Tech		A song that sings about the importance of moving forward as yourself
69	forever; for good; indefinitelyGReeeeN		A ballad depicting memories and love with a lover
70	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		An anthem that cheers you on to overcome hardships and seize hope
71	Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanī		Flower Companies' youth rock fight song
72	SymphonyHirai Dai		Dai Hirai sings powerfully about his feelings for someone special
73	Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu		A famous song themed around Masaharu Fukuyama’s marriage
74	sonetACIDMAN		A song by ACIDMAN that portrays the importance of living true to oneself
75	Endless JourneyMr.Children		Encouragement songs by Mr.Children
76	An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro		A ballad that gently portrays love built over time
77	I miss youBEGIN		BIGIN warms the heart with healing and bittersweetness
78	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		Astronomical observation, a song that awakens a boy's heart
79	SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA		“SAY YES,” a drama theme song, became a big hit.
80	HOWEVERGLAY		GLAY classic “HOWEVER” ending theme
81	I want to hug you.Mr.Children		The charm of “I Want to Hold You,” overflowing with feelings of love
82	loadTHE toraburyū		The classic song “Road” that depicts the love and bond of two people
83	Endless RainX JAPAN		A moving, tear-jerking ballad by X JAPAN
84	Banzai ~I’m glad I love you~Urufuruzu		A Song of Gratitude and Love by Ulfuls
85	Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi		Koji Miyamoto’s masterpiece that shines like the moon
86	budKobukuro		A bittersweet, heartwarming song about thinking of someone dear
87	single bedSha ran Q		Bittersweet Memories of Sharam Q’s “Single Bed”
88	Journey of the Heartchūrippu		A classic song that sings of farewells before setting out
89	powder snowRemioromen		A song of loneliness and poignant sorrow embedded in a snowy scene
90	MissingKubota Toshinobu		The appeal of Toshinobu Kubota’s classic song “Missing”
91	Riverside HotelInoue Yosui		Yosui’s classic song Riverside Hotel is renowned.
92	Song of LoveKōda Kumi		A love song whose singing voice wraps the heart
93	Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi		A moving song that brings tears of comfort
94	First LoveUtada Hikaru		A heartbreaking love ballad about first love, an emotionally moving song
95	CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie		Amuro’s iconic songs that give courage and move the heart
96	Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa		Theme songs from 90s dramas, symbols of romance
97	I can’t put it into wordsOda Kazumasa		Kazumasa Oda's songs moisturize the heart.
98	GraduationOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki, a legendary rock star who shakes the soul
99	Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro		Christmas Eve becomes a standard song
100	One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Masayoshi Yamazaki “One more time”
101	Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki		Hideaki Tokunaga’s signature song “Rainy Blue”
102	Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi		A moving ballad by the unique singer Kazuyoshi Saito
103	NO SIDEMatsutōya Yumi		The strength and love of a woman who supports a defeated man
104	cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro		Noriyuki Moriyama’s classic that portrays the fleeting nature of cherry blossoms and parting
105	Voice of the Seaurashima tarou		Summer sea, the pleasant song of Urashima Tarō
106	My RevolutionWatanabe Misato		Misato Watanabe’s songs are legendary anthems of hope and strength
107	Under the big onionbakufū suranpu		A classic song about love sung with a big onion
108	SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s famous song “Sakurazaka,” a popular singer
109	Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya		The appeal of Mariya Takeuchi: a world relatable to both men and women
110	crescent moonayaka		When I look up at the moon, I feel connected
111	Still I’m in love with youKadamatsu Toshiki		The music of a renowned singer who keeps singing about love
112	CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Kanpai” is a song that celebrates embarking on a new path at life’s milestones.
113	Wine Red Heartanzenchitai		The classic hit “Wine Red no Kokoro” by Anzen Chitai
114	Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai		Moved by Anzen Chitai’s ballad and its gentle lyrics
115	Stray AngelOkamura Takako		A pure and moving masterpiece by Takako Okamura
116	No more tears are neededSuzuki Masayuki		The appeal of a song that balances sensuality and singability
117	balladKetsumeishi		A moving ballad sung by a man in his forties
118	After the FestivalKuwata Keisuke		The melancholy and allure of Keisuke Kuwata’s classic song “Matsuri no Ato”
119	Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo		Shogo Hamada’s classic song that makes you feel hope in life
120	Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		The depth and beauty behind the word “thank you”...
121	Winter, againGLAY		GLAY's “Winter, again”…
122	Poem of SunlightLe Couple		People in their 30s think of “…” by Le Couple
123	Baby, I love youTEE		TEE’s “Baby I Love You” is summer…
124	Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		Dedicated to 15-year-olds graduating from junior high school, …
125	HOMEKiyama Yusaku		Yusaku Kiyama’s classic song “HOME” is truly...
126	MotherMori Shinichi		Once you reach your thirties, you start to appreciate your parents...
127	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		Speaking of Eigo Kawashima, he’s a legendary singer-so…
128	HEROMr.Children		Mr.Children (Misutā Chirudoren…
129	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai is a man who has been active since 1995...
130	White LoversKuwata Keisuke		Keisuke Kuwata is the lea… of Southern All Stars.
131	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		Norio Makihara has been active since 1999...
132	Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko		Tokiko Kato’s “Sometimes, Stories of the Past” is, um…
133	If you wish for a miracleJUJU		The moving voice of JUJU, the Heisei-era songstress
134	Forever LoveX JAPAN		X Japan’s classic song “Forever Love”
135	Heroineback number		A bittersweet love song that candidly sings of tender feelings.
136	KanadeSukima Suichi		Sukima Switch’s signature song “Kanade”
137	threadNakajima Miyuki		Songs of bonds resonate in the heart and evoke deep emotion
138	Before our feelings overlapHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's songs are full of love and hope.
139	Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki		A classic song about the loss of youth and dreams in the big city