Uplifting songs recommended for men in their 40s

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

A heartwarming message song that sings the value of those who support others and work hard behind the scenes.

Rather than glamorizing the people who shine on center stage, it brilliantly captures the spirit of those who keep supporting from the shadows.

Its lively sound—melding pop and R&B—stands out alongside a melodic progression.

Written by the three members of Beverly Goodman for broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” starting in December 2024, the song’s powerful energy and warm vocals resonate with everyone facing life head-on.

It’s a track meant for those who worry about going unnoticed at school or work, and for those who keep dedicating themselves to someone else.

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.

Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki

Stars on the Ground / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

This song is imbued with a warm gaze and deep respect for people who usually remain out of the spotlight.

Miyuki Nakajima portrays those who strive to live in places where no one looks, using beautiful metaphors.

It is an ode to unsung heroes who keep making efforts in various places, shining like stars in everyday life.

Released in July 2000, the piece was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s documentary program Project X: Challengers, and together with the program’s moving content, it deeply resonated with many viewers.

It set a record by staying on Oricon’s Weekly Singles Chart for 174 consecutive weeks.

It is a song that gives you a powerful push forward in those moments when the pressures of daily life make you want to stop.

That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando

That's important.

A powerful, encouraging song that lifts your spirits when times are tough or you feel like giving up.

Its lyrics preach the importance of not giving up, and the strong yet approachable melody resonates deeply.

With the warmth of a friend giving you a gentle push forward, this song has become a source of support for many.

Released by Daiji MAN Brothers Band in August 1991, the track was used as the ending theme for “Sports Frontier” and also served as the theme song for “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Television.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, selling an impressive 1.8 million copies.

When you find yourself troubled or at a standstill in life, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to move forward.

For loveOkuda Tamio

“For Love” from the live film tamio okuda TOUR “29-30”

Since debuting as UNICORN in 1987, Tamio Okuda has maintained a unique position throughout his long career, continuing to exert a tremendous influence on subsequent artists.

For many people now in their 40s who spent their youth in the 1990s, it’s likely that Okuda’s songs from around his solo debut—rather than his work with Unicorn—were the soundtrack of their adolescence.

Okuda’s milestone solo debut single, “Ai no Tame ni,” was released in 1994 and became one of his signature tracks, achieving million-seller status.

While it’s hard to capture the nuanced atmosphere that Okuda himself brings, the melody has a relatively narrow range and gentle interval leaps, making it genuinely easy to sing.

If you’re aiming for a high score at karaoke, definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Driving All NightOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Driving All Night (covered by AGK Band)

Included on the 1985 album “From the Broken Door.” Born in 1965.

A singer-songwriter from Tokyo.

This was a staple that was always performed live.

With an uptempo, flowing rhythm, hard guitar sound that chops out aggressive riffs, and lyrics that exude a nihilistic vibe, Ozaki delivers a powerful vocal—making it a very cool track.

For me to be myselfOzaki Yutaka

[Official] Yutaka Ozaki “To Be Who I Am” (LIVE CORE IN TOKYO DOME 1988-09-12) [Track from the 1st album ‘Seventeen’s Map’] YUTAKA OZAKI / MY SONG

This is a song that powerfully sings about the importance of living true to yourself.

The candid, conversational lyrics and the warm, gentle melody resonate deeply.

The frictions and conflicts in relationships that everyone experiences, along with a strong desire for self-fulfillment, are sure to evoke profound empathy in listeners.

Included on Yutaka Ozaki’s debut album “Seventeen’s Map,” it has continued to be close to many hearts since its release in December 1983.

In 1997, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Boku ga Boku de Aru Tame ni,” and it has been covered by prominent artists such as Mr.Children.

It’s a heartwarming anthem I recommend to anyone standing at a crossroads in life, searching for their path ahead.