Recommended Japanese pop songs for karaoke for men in their 40s

sonetACIDMAN

ACIDMAN – sonet Music Video (WOWOW “W Series Drama: Golden Kamuy — Hokkaido Tattooed Prisoner Competition Arc” Final Episode Ending Theme)

Within its grand melody, this song holds both the resolve to live boldly and a gentle tenderness.

Set against the vast nature of Hokkaido, it portrays life’s joys and sorrows through the moon and stars shining in the night sky, and the falling rain and snow.

Along the journey of chasing dreams, it leaves a deep afterglow that quietly speaks to the importance of living true to oneself.

The track was pre-released by ACIDMAN in December 2024, with the CD following in January 2025.

Chosen as the ending theme for the final episode of WOWOW’s drama “Renzoku Drama W Golden Kamuy — Hokkaido Tattooed Prisoner Contest Arc,” it is also complemented by striking footage shot on location in Hokkaido by film director Shigeaki Kubo.

When you stand at a crossroads in life or face an important decision, this is a song that will stay close to your heart.

ultra soulB’z

B’z / ultra soul【B’z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2018 -HINOTORI-】

This is a hard rock number by B’z that powerfully expresses a soul’s cry to keep pushing the limits.

The lyrics, which portray facing oneself and chasing dreams, brilliantly capture the doubts and inner struggles we all encounter at life’s crossroads.

Takahiro Matsumoto’s dynamic guitar and Koshi Inaba’s soaring vocals blend perfectly, injecting a strong surge of energy into the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2001, it was chosen as the official theme song for the FINA World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka that same year.

Also included on the album “GREEN” and performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this track gives a boost to anyone striving in their work or life.

It’s the perfect cheer song to belt out with close friends when you get together.

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.

MARIONETTEBOØWY

BOOWY [Marionette] Music Video BOØWY Kyosuke Himuro

Released in 1987, this BOØWY track is a legendary song that came out just before the band’s breakup.

Its lyrics, themed around the emptiness of a life stripped of freedom and controlled by others, leave a strong impression.

The expression “Marionette in the Mirror” is symbolic, urging the importance of not losing one’s true self.

The sharp rock sound pairs perfectly with Kyosuke Himuro’s powerful vocals, gripping listeners’ hearts and never letting go.

This work earned the band their first No.

1 on the Oricon singles chart and continues to shine, unfaded, as one of BOØWY’s signature songs.

It’s a track that blends nostalgia with freshness, and if you belt it out at karaoke, the exhilaration of youth is sure to come rushing back.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

This is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s third single, released in March 2001.

It was used as an insert song in the drama “Tentaikansoku” (Stargazing).

While there are many key points to master if you really delve into the singing, the melody itself is crafted to be easy and fun to hum along to.

So even people who don’t sing often can casually pick it at karaoke and enjoy it.

For men in their 40s, I bet quite a few of you covered this song in a band back when you were in your teens or twenties.

Go back to those younger days and enjoy belting it out to your heart’s content.

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Kei Takahata

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My WayDef Tech

Def Tech – My Way【Official Music Video】

This song passionately sings about the importance of walking your own path.

It conveys a powerful determination to keep moving toward lofty ideals while staying grounded, offering strong encouragement to listeners.

The warmly enveloping melody and its positive message blend beautifully.

Featured on the album “Def Tech,” released in January 2005, the track garnered numerous tie-ins, including a Yokohama Tires commercial song, a theme song for high school baseball, and an insert song for the film “Crows Zero II.” Def Tech’s signature Jawaiian reggae sound will be a reliable companion when you need the courage to chase your dreams or a boost to fire yourself up.

lipsGLAY

GLAY / Lips

An erotic number that captures both aching infatuation and passionate love.

Swept up by irresistible desire, the protagonist’s heart grows increasingly unsettled by feelings for their partner—expressed powerfully against GLAY’s signature, high-velocity sound.

The striking guitar riff and melody sung in a higher key further accentuate the emotions swirling within.

Released in May 1997, the song was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP” from April to June of the same year, and became a major hit as the band’s first Oricon No.

1.

It’s the perfect track for cranking up the energy with friends at karaoke or letting your feelings out.