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

Honestly, I’m sorry.Chekkāzu

Checkers tribute band TOYBOX “Honestly, I’m Sorry”

Released in 1988 as The Checkers’ 17th single.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and it became the last single released during the Shōwa era.

In 2002, Fumiya Fujii self-covered the song, and it was used in a Morinaga Milk Industry “Creeap” commercial in which he appeared.

Let’s trade kisses instead of talking about love.WANDS

WANDS - Let's share a kiss rather than talk about love

It was released in 1993 as WANDS’ fifth single.

It is the only WANDS single to top the Oricon chart for four consecutive weeks and marked their third straight million-seller.

The song was used in the “Boutique JOY” commercial, and it also drew attention in 2011 when Acid Black Cherry covered it.

Anxious LipsT-BOLAN

Anxious Lips

T-BOLAN, who rose to popularity in the ’90s with their straight-ahead rock sound.

Among their songs lies a hidden gem that captures the delicate side of love.

This track portrays a protagonist swayed by lingering anxiety and jealousy toward their lover.

Afraid that putting it into words might break the relationship, all they can do is hold on tightly—a clumsy kind of love that, paired with Arashi Moritomo’s husky vocals, really hits you in the heart.

The song appears on their fifth album, LOOZ, released in December 1993.

The way it shifts from a reggae-tinged rhythm into a driving rock sound in the chorus is incredibly cool to listen to.

On a night when a shadow falls over your relationship, this song will let you deeply relate to that frustrating, conflicted feeling.

loverSuzuki Masayuki

"Lover" by Masayuki Suzuki

It was released in 1993 as Masayuki Suzuki’s 15th single.

Issued as the lead single from his sixth album, “Perfume,” it was featured in a Lawson commercial and used as the theme song for Kansai TV’s series “Suspense: Ashita no 13-shō.” It is one of Masayuki Suzuki’s signature songs.

If only I had held you tighterWANDS

If I Had Held You Tighter

It’s a love song with a gentle atmosphere that seems to wrap up tender crushes and heart-fluttering feelings.

Released by WANDS in July 1992, this piece beautifully matches the soaring vocals of first-generation vocalist Sho Uesugi with a catchy melody line, achieving long-term sales success.

It became a massive hit, selling 1.663 million copies.

It was also used as a commercial song for Mitsui Life featuring Atsuko Asano, which greatly boosted its recognition.

Beginning with a scene of two people walking together at dusk as a slightly chilly wind blows, it carefully depicts the feelings of the protagonist, who harbors emotions bubbling up inside.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those who can relate to the poignant feeling of being in love yet unable to honestly put it into words.

Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Stand by me, Stand by you. (Lyric Video)

It’s a love song by Dai Hirai about a fateful encounter.

The track portrays the miracle and gratitude of meeting the one person in a vast world and walking through life together.

It gently sings of irreplaceable love blossoming in everyday calm, carried by a soothing acoustic sound.

Released in September 2020, the song is included on the album “Life Goes On” and gained attention as the theme for the Mynavi Wedding commercial.

It’s a piece that reminds you of the blessing of having a partner by your side.

I want you so badlyZYYG

Commercial (ZYYG – I Want You So Badly) Suntory Dynamic

It was released in 1993 as ZYYG’s debut single.

The song was used in a Suntory Beer “Dynamic” commercial featuring Hidekazu Akai, and it became ZYYG’s biggest hit.

The lyrics were written by Sho Uesugi of WANDS, and the music was composed by Tetsuro Oda, making it a classic.