Recommended Japanese pop songs for karaoke for men in their 40s
Has karaoke turned into nothing but a work obligation?
Singing with your boss or coworkers is important, but going to belt out your favorite songs with close friends or your partner feels amazing.
That rush you get the first time you sing a favorite song—while saying, “I don’t remember the lyrics at all!”—is the real charm of karaoke, isn’t it?
So this time, we’re introducing popular karaoke songs chosen by people in their 40s!
Recommended Japanese pop songs for karaoke for men in their 40s (1–10)
AgainNEW!Mr.Children
This is the theme song for Sunday Theater “Reboot,” starring Ryohei Suzuki, released for streaming on January 19, 2026.
Takeshi Kobayashi joins on piano, and it’s an up-tempo track that depicts the faint hopes of everyday life.
Listening to it, it’s a rock ballad very characteristic of Mr.
Children, with a very clear melodic line, so I think it’s easy to pick up even on first listen.
The vocal range isn’t too high, so you should be able to sing it comfortably all the way through; however, right before the last chorus, the vibe changes depending on whether you sing the ad-lib or stick to the melody.
If you’re good with high notes or like to project your voice, the ad-lib section feels great to sing and is highly recommended.
Give it several listens and decide which part you want to sing!
I don’t need it.NEW!Sakanakushon
As a song that conveys SAKANACTION’s signature sense of change and challenge, it’s their first new track in about a year, released digitally on February 11, 2026.
It was written as the theme song for the drama “Kochira Yobi Jieieiyu Ho?!” directed for the first time by Koji Kato, and it’s drawing attention along with the show’s atmosphere.
You can feel SAKANACTION’s essence right from the intro.
When singing it, pay attention to the contrast and pitch difference when moving from the A melody into the chorus.
The A melody tends to be delivered in vocalist Yamaguchi’s characteristic, almost murmuring style.
But in the chorus, it switches completely to a clear, assertive voice.
This contrast is wonderful, so try to start the chorus with a relaxed body while projecting clearly.
Reach it, all of it.NEW!Oni-chan
The theme is the first love song sung by Oni-chan from au’s “Santaro” series.
We began streaming the original track—imbued with feelings for a loved one—on various subscription services starting January 9, 2026.
Including a special 90-second commercial, the piece centers on a relatable theme: the love and desire to deliver beautiful and delicious things to a precious person far away.
As a ballad, the tempo isn’t fast, so it seems you can sing each phrase carefully.
I’m a bit concerned about the breathing in the bridge towards the end, but you should be fine as long as you avoid pushing your voice all at once.
For the high notes in the chorus, project firmly to sing them grandly.
A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE
Do you know the passionate love song that colored the late-’90s J-Rock scene? Released as a single by SIAM SHADE in November 1997, it was used as the ending theme for the hugely popular anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story and became the band’s biggest hit.
Also included on the album SIAM SHADE IV: Zero, this classic masterfully fuses hard-edged instrumentation with a catchy melody.
One of its greatest charms is that, despite the band’s high level of musicianship, the chorus is so familiar and easy for anyone to sing along to.
It’s incredibly well-known—just the intro is enough to trigger cheers.
Try singing it when you want to create a sense of unity at a get-together with friends from the same generation!
Well then,SURFACE
Let me introduce a song that revives that rush of speed that makes you want to break into a run, alongside nostalgic anime visuals.
SURFACE’s single “Saa,” released in November 1998, electrified viewers at the time as the opening theme for the TV anime Mamotte Shugogetten! There’s a famous episode about how the lyrics and melody each member brought in miraculously clicked the moment they tried them together with a “Ready, go!” It’s a straightforward rock number that blasts away hesitation.
It was featured on a TV program in October 2015 and drew fresh attention again—proof that it continues to be loved across generations.
If you thrust your fist into the air with your friends to the striking chant at the start of the chorus, the passion of that era will come flooding back, and your karaoke room will instantly be wrapped in the feverish energy of a live venue.
TacticsTHE YELLOW MONKEY
Many people might feel nostalgic about it as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.
It’s a rock number marked by the glamour of glam rock and a danceable beat that makes you want to move.
Kazuya Yoshii’s sultry vocals blend perfectly with the band’s distinctive sensual vibe, captivating listeners.
Released in February 1996 as a double A-side single, this track was a recut from the classic album FOUR SEASONS.
There’s even an anecdote that Yoshii strongly pushed to release it as a single at the time, making it a song that captures the band’s upward momentum.
The chorus has a wonderful sense of openness, making it perfect for getting fired up with friends of the same generation.
Run, Honest OneSaijō Hideki
Superstar Hideki Saijo, who captivated countless fans with his passionate vocals and performances.
Among his many classic hits, this is an unmissable anime song that always fires up a karaoke crowd.
Released as a single in April 1991, it became beloved as the ending theme for the nationally treasured anime Chibi Maruko-chan.
Its brisk beat infused with ska rhythms and lyrics packed with playful, comical wordplay are irresistibly catchy.
The collaboration came about because the original creator, Momoko Sakura, was a fan of Saijo, with Tetsuro Oda handling the composition.
The unique phrase said to be inspired by a commercial from that era also leaves a strong impression, and listening to it will surely bring back memories of those days.
No tricky techniques required—belt it out with energy and power, and it’s a song that will put smiles on the faces of friends from the same generation.