Uplifting songs recommended for men in their 40s

Beard and Boobsyunikōn

Unicorn - 'Beard and Boobs'

One of Unicorn’s signature works, this song humorously portrays the wavering emotions caught between a salaryman’s job and his love life.

Tamio Okuda’s lyrical world shines as he deftly weaves in modern workplace relationships, from a young company president to the woman at the neighboring desk.

Released in October 1991, the track features an arrangement inspired by the grand sound of Electric Light Orchestra, with a striking use of synthesizers.

As the closing song on the album “Hige to Boin,” it brilliantly conveys the complex feelings of a man who can’t give up on love even while being overwhelmed by work.

It’s a perfect pick for livening up after-work karaoke with colleagues.

homeKiyama Yusaku

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

A moving ballad filled with warm father-to-child love and hopes for growth has been delivered by Yusaku Kiyama.

His gentle, calm voice conveys deep affection for family, and despite its straightforward storytelling, it leaves a lasting resonance in the listener’s heart.

Released in February 2008, the song was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” and it also led to his appearance at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

For karaoke, it’s recommended when you want to reflect on family memories or express gratitude to someone special.

It’s a tender, warmth-filled song—like softly returning someone’s hand squeeze under a bright sky.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

A signature song by Noriyuki Makihara, distinguished by its heartwarming melody that embraces both the ache of heartbreak and a brave front.

It gently portrays memories of a former lover and the nostalgia of everyday life, while the protagonist’s resolve to move forward resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in May 1992, it was chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama “After the Children Are Asleep.” Included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” it became a major hit, ranking 7th on Oricon’s year-end chart.

This piece is a companion for those standing at life’s crossroads.

When you gather with friends for karaoke, its universally relatable lyrics and melody are sure to warm the heart.

Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko

Sneaker Blues - Masahiko Kondo

A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.

With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.

Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.

Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.

I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

"Slam Dunk Theme Song" vol. 2 BAAD - 'I Want to Shout That I Love You' sung by Kaname Kawabata (Short Ver.)

It’s a timeless masterpiece etched in my heart along with memories of my nostalgic youth.

Beginning with a fresh morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they waver between friendship and romantic feelings, conveyed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.

A signature work by BAAD, it was released as a single in December 1993 and used as the first opening theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

In March 2021, it won the Users’ Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With lyrics that explore universal themes such as the frustrations of love and the courage to take a step forward, it’s perfect for moments when you want to indulge in sweet, bittersweet memories of romance.

Sorry, cowboy.ushirogami hikaretai

Sorry, cowboy.

We present a classic idol pop masterpiece from the 1980s, sourced from rare recordings.

Set to a powerful yet beautiful melody line, the song richly expresses a yearning for and desire to understand a free-spirited transfer student.

Yasushi Akimoto’s lyrics and Tsutomu Goto’s composition blend perfectly, resulting in a fresh and captivating track.

Released by Ushirogami Hikaretai in November 1987, the song was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuide ni Tonchinkan” and is also included on the album BAB.

It’s the perfect tune for anyone wanting to indulge in a sense of nostalgia.

See, spring has come.ushirogami hikaretai

See, spring has come.

A refreshing song celebrating the arrival of spring has been delivered by Ushirogami Hikaretai.

It expresses the exhilaration and anticipation that come with the changing seasons, set to a bright and lively melody.

The lyrics leave a strong impression with their gentle sensitivity to the love and happiness overflowing in nature—spring’s buoyant warmth, the murmur of a brook, and the hope of new romance.

The track was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuideni Tonchinkan,” and after its release in February 1988, it reached No.

6 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear at the start of a new season, a work that lingers in the heart along with fond memories.