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

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.

countrysideTamaki Kōji

Pastoral – Koji Tamaki (Full)

Released in 1996 as the 11th single, it was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday Theater drama “Coach,” in which Koji Tamaki himself also appeared.

It became one of his signature songs and, as a solo artist, his first to reach the top three on the Oricon charts.

It’s an inspiring anthem that gives you a push when you’re going through tough times.

If you’re feeling down, try singing this song.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

Masaharu Fukuyama is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most iconic figures, both as a singer-songwriter and as an actor.

It’s truly remarkable that he has continued to release hit songs from the 1990s through the Reiwa era.

While each generation likely has its own “Fukuyama songs,” Sakura-zaka, released in 2000, is a quintessential Heisei-era classic that achieved a record-breaking double million in sales.

Some may find ballads challenging, but the simply crafted melody line makes it easy to sing, and the relatively low key makes it approachable for those with lower voices.

If you carefully follow the scale, you can definitely aim for a high karaoke score; at the same time, the song’s charm lies in its lower register, so if you’re not confident with low melodies, this is a great piece to practice with.

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KOH-1

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globeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

This piece was created as the theme song for a film directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

The gentle sound of the piano and the grand sweep of the strings resonate deep in the heart.

The lyrics, which sing of the loneliness of parting and loss, and the courage to face one’s own emotions, are sure to strike a chord with listeners.

Released in July 2023, it drew attention through its tie-in with the film The Boy and the Heron (How Do You Live?).

Following Kenshi Yonezu’s tender yet powerful vocal style, why not try singing it while thinking of someone dear to you? With its slow tempo, it’s easy to sing, and performing it at karaoke will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on those who hear it.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

This is Masaki Suda’s third single, released in February 2018.

It was used as the theme song for the NTV drama series “Kiss that Kills.” The vocal melody doesn’t require a particularly wide range, and the tune itself flows very naturally.

It’s also up-tempo and easy to get into, so I think it’s a song many men can casually pick for karaoke and enjoy.

In the B-melody and elsewhere, the spacing between vocal phrases becomes a key point for delivering a good performance, so when you sing it, pay close attention to the beat of the backing track and make sure you can feel it firmly as you sing.

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Kei Takahata

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dragonflyNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

dragonfly

Known as a song that stirs a man’s heart, this masterpiece portrays the struggles of people who came to Tokyo chasing their dreams.

The soothing resonance of the acoustic guitar and the powerful vocals blend into an exquisite harmony.

Released in October 1988, it was also used as the theme song for a TBS TV drama starring Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi.

Topping the Oricon charts for five consecutive weeks and becoming a million-seller, this work is also regarded as one of Nagabuchi’s signature songs.

It vividly depicts the resolve to face the harsh realities of city life and the inner turmoil of moments when one feels like giving up, striking a deep chord with listeners.

Belt it out with friends, and it will surely awaken the passion sleeping in your heart.

Point Of No ReturnCHEMISTRY meets S.O.S.

CHEMISTRY “My Gift to You” Official Video

CHEMISTRY is a male duo known for their overwhelming vocal prowess.

“Point of No Return” is a heartbreak song that aches over parting with someone precious.

The scenes evoked by the lyrics are romantic, yet they also seem to carry a sense of melancholy.

It would be great if you could sing it while expressing that bittersweet feeling as well.

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gummy

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