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

LOVE RAIN ~Rain of Love~Kubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – LOVE RAIN ~Koi no Ame~ [Official Video Short ver.]

This is a single released by Toshinobu Kubota in 2010, written specifically for the Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Moon Lovers.” It reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Both the sound and the lyrics overflow with a heart-fluttering charm that makes you want to fall in love.

Hold Me TonightTahara Toshihiko

Toshihiko Tahara - Hold Me Tight Tonight

It was released in 1988 as Toshihiko Tahara’s 32nd single.

The song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Kyōshi Binbin Monogatari” and reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Thanks to its success, offers came in for the Kohaku Uta Gassen and the Yusen Taisho awards, but all were declined.

It has become one of Toshihiko Tahara’s signature songs, showcasing his singing and dancing.

North Wind ~May It Reach You~Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “North Wind ~May It Reach You~” (MV) [6th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara/Kitakaze - kiminitodokimasuyouni

It was released in 1992 as Noriyuki Makihara’s sixth single.

Originally, it was the B-side to his second single, “ANSWER,” but Makihara added his own arrangement to “Kitakaze” and released it as his sixth single.

It’s a classic distinguished by its warm sound and lyrics that don’t evoke the cold or chill of the “north wind.”

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)

A poignant longing wrapped in kindness strikes the heart in this ballad by BE:FIRST.

While yearning for closeness with a loved one, the vivid lyrics portray a man’s struggle to keep his distance because of mental illness, along with the feelings that remain unchanged.

The richly expressive vocals of all the members and the melody beautifully color the story’s world.

Included on the single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, the song was also selected as the theme for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered that February.

This piece invites deep reflection on the meaning of continuing to care for someone important and on human connection.

It is recommended for those wrestling with feelings for someone they love, or for anyone seeking a touching ballad that resonates with the heart.

Ti AmoEXILE

EXILE / Ti Amo

A story of forbidden love portraying a bittersweet, mature romance.

EXILE’s earnest vocals beautifully capture the feelings of a woman consumed by her relationship with a married man.

The melancholic love depicted alongside the passionate melody is sure to strike a chord with many listeners.

Released in September 2008, the song was also featured in a commercial for Meiji Seika’s Meltykiss chocolate, and went on to win the Grand Prize at both the 50th Japan Record Awards and the 41st Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.

The music video, set in 1920s Shanghai, superbly brings the work’s world to life.

It’s the perfect track for a late night in a lounge, gazing at the soft glow of candlelight and dreaming of adult romance.

Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / Precious Love

With a warm, translucent voice, EXILE ATSUSHI pens a wedding song themed around love and bonds.

Gently singing of the importance of affection felt in days walked together and vows to the future, this work carefully portrays the delicate emotions of a romance born in everyday life transforming into eternal love.

Released as a single in October 2014, it was featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy and earned the Best Vocal Performance at the 56th Japan Record Awards that same year.

It was subsequently included on the album Love Ballade, captivating listeners across a wide audience.

Whether for a moody evening spent savoring a drink while feeling the bond with someone special, or as wedding background music, it will surely stay close to your heart.

You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.