Recommended love songs for men in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks.

An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata “An Always-Unfinished Love Song” Music Video

Written specifically as the theme song for the film “A Love Letter on Our 35th Year,” this gem of a ballad gently and warmly portrays a love that deepens with the passage of time.

Motohiro Hata’s clear, luminous vocals resonate as if tenderly enveloping feelings for a cherished person.

The track began streaming in February 2025, and a CD single was released in March ahead of the film’s premiere.

The movie depicts a husband who, upon retiring, struggles to write a love letter to his wife; accompanying the protagonist’s emotions, Hata carefully weaves his words like a letter.

It’s a song we recommend to anyone who, in the course of days shared with someone precious, has rediscovered the profound significance of their presence.

Primalorijinarurabu

Primal / Original Love

A heartwarming love song that begins with the bittersweet feeling of gazing up at a loved one’s window in the stillness of a snowy, pre-dawn winter morning.

It’s one of ORIGINAL LOVE’s signature tracks, brimming with the joy and ache of love and a yearning for eternity.

Takao Tajima’s emotionally rich vocals blend beautifully with arrangements infused with soul and funk, creating a sophisticated, urban soundscape.

Released in February 1996, it drew attention as a TV drama theme song and reached No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a song I recommend when you want to cherish pure feelings for someone you love—one that gently stays by your heart.

Its beautiful lyrics and melody continue to captivate many listeners to this day.

PairingOnda Masanori

"Pairing" / Masanori Onda

A heartwarming love song by Masanori Onda, featuring a powerful message like a vow of love to a partner and the gentle sound of acoustic guitar.

The lyrics tenderly portray a couple walking hand in hand up a hill and the everyday happiness of leisurely weekends, reminding us of the precious promises shared between lovers.

Released in February 2024, this is a song you’ll want to sing with heartfelt warmth and a relaxed mood as you feel the bond with someone special.

It’s also perfect for listening while reminiscing about dates with your partner.

SOUL LOVEGLAY

GLAY / SOUL LOVE

It was released in 1998 as GLAY’s 14th single.

Chosen as the campaign song for Kanebo’s “Bronze Love ’98 Summer,” it became a million-seller.

Written and composed by TAKURO, it’s a bright, pop, and refreshing love song.

The PV highlights the close friendship among the members.

POISONHotei Tomoyasu

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – POISON

It was released in 1995 as Tomoyasu Hotei’s ninth single.

The song was used in a commercial for Mitsutaka’s “Boutique JOY,” and it reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It became Hotei’s biggest hit single and is said to be a turning point in his career.

Only for youShonentai

Only for you ✨ Shonentai

It was released in 1987 as Shonentai’s sixth single.

As Shonentai’s first slow ballad, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and with this song they appeared on the 38th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The performance in which the members snap their fingers during the song was widely imitated.

Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW

DAN DAN Kokoro Hikareteku / FIELD OF VIEW (ZARD) with Lyrics [Dragon Ball GT Theme Song] Covered by GBG

It was released in 1996 as FIELD OF VIEW’s fourth single.

The song was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime Dragon Ball GT, with lyrics written by ZARD’s Izumi Sakai, and parts of the lyrics evoke the storyline developments of Dragon Ball GT.