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

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – TSUNAMI MV

Released in January 2000, this song by Southern All Stars is a classic that portrays both the joy and sorrow of love.

Its tie-in with the TBS TV program “Unnan no Hontoko!” also drew attention.

The lyrics by Keisuke Kuwata reflect the social anxieties of the 1990s and the sense of desolation in the 2000s, resonating with many listeners.

The work offers a deep meditation on lost love and fate, evoking nostalgia—especially for men in their 40s who recall their youthful days.

Showcasing the wide musical range of Southern All Stars, it’s a great track to enjoy on a drive or while relaxing at home.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi

The Last Rain

This song, which depicts the bittersweet pain of heartbreak, was released in August 1992 as Yasushi Nakanishi’s second single.

Selling over 900,000 copies, it became a massive hit and established Nakanishi as a ballad singer.

The lyrics delicately portray the emotions of lovers parting ways, perfectly matched by Nakanishi’s soulful vocals.

The imagery—like a rain-soaked umbrella and the figure giving chase—symbolically captures the sorrow of the moment of farewell and leaves a strong impression.

Recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of a broken heart or look back on a past love.

It’s also a karaoke favorite, so be sure to give it a try.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

This song is one of singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara’s signature tracks, and even though it was released in 1992, you still hear it often.

Makihara’s gentle voice resonates over a mid-tempo, softly nuanced melody.

The lyrics depict a man who’s just gone through a breakup trying to act tough.

But the more he puts on a brave face, the more memories of her resurface and the more he realizes how important she was to him—making it a poignant heartbreak song.

It’s a recommended track for men who can’t easily shake off their lingering feelings.

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I want to hug you.Mr.Children

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” Mr.Children [(an imitation) blood orange] Tour

This Mr.Children song is one I want you to listen to while recalling the bittersweet romances of your youth.

Released in December 1992, it was reportedly created for a friend’s wedding.

Its simple yet moving melody and lyrics filled with pure expressions of love will tug at your heart.

It’s a well-known, popular track, making it perfect for karaoke.

Try singing or listening to it while reminiscing about young love.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

A signature song by Masaharu Fukuyama that candidly sings about raw, unfiltered feelings.

Released in April 2000, this track was used as the theme song for TBS’s variety show “Uunnan no Hontoko!” segment “Mirai Nikki V,” and became a massive hit.

In its first week, it sold 751,000 copies, setting the all-time record for first-week single sales by a male solo artist.

With the arrival of spring, it portrays the poignant emotions of looking back on a lost love.

The lyrics, said to be based on real experiences, resonated with many people.

It’s also great to listen to while driving.

If you play it during cherry blossom season, it will feel even more moving.

I for YouLUNA SEA

Luna Sea – I For You

A classic song by LUNA SEA, a visual kei rock band representing the 1990s.

Released in July 1998, it became a hot topic as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “God, Please Give Me More Time.” The original piece composed by SUGIZO was revised by RYUICHI.

It’s a warm, heartfelt track that even features SUGIZO’s mother on cello.

The lyrics gently express how the protagonist—who believed they were incapable of truly loving someone—comes to understand the meaning of love through meeting someone special.

A massive hit, the song has remained one of LUNA SEA’s signature tracks, loved for many years.

It’s perfect for when you want to remember what it feels like to be in love or to reaffirm your feelings for someone important.

Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

A popular song by Ulfuls sings of gratitude and joy for a loved one.

Released in February 1996, the track was also included on the album “Banzai.” For a Fujicco commercial, a version sung by Tomoko Ikeda (formerly of Shiggy Jr.) was used, and in the film “UDON,” Tortoise Matsumoto and Yusuke Santamaria perform it as a duet.

The chorus, which bursts in with a soaring vocal, is guaranteed to fire up any karaoke session! Feel the bond with someone special and be sure to sing or listen to it.