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.

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.

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo

EXILE ATSUSHI – Sake, Tears, Men and Women (EXILE ATSUSHI SPECIAL SOLO LIVE in HAWAII)

This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.

It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.

Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.

Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Cheers

This is a renowned song that has continued to resonate with many as an anthem celebrating life’s new beginnings.

Originally released in September 1980 on the album “Kampai,” it vividly depicts a celebratory scene lit by candlelight and carries a warm message of encouragement for a friend taking their first step forward.

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s powerful vocals deliver hope and courage for the future.

In 1988, it was re-recorded and released as a single, becoming a major hit that reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

In the early 1990s, it was also featured in commercials for Kirin Lager Beer, further boosting its recognition.

To this day, it remains a timeless song passed down through the years, often chosen to convey heartfelt feelings to loved ones at important milestones in life, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.

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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FRIENDSHIPH Jungle with T

FRIENDSHIP (Original Mix)

This is the 3rd single by the music unit H Jungle with t, formed by Masatoshi Hamada and Tetsuya Komuro, released in April 1996.

It was used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Leave it to Ryoma!” Compared to the unit’s 1st single “WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes Movement is Necessary~” and their 2nd single “GOING GOING HOME,” this pick is a bit more on the niche side, but precisely because of that, I thought it would be a great recommendation for men in their 40s who want to show a slightly different taste from their peers, so I’m introducing it here.

There aren’t any particularly difficult parts when singing it at karaoke, so feel free to choose it and have fun.

Just note that the key changes in the final chorus, so watch out for that part.

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Kei Takahata

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