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Lovely karaoke song

Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.

As a man in your 40s, what kind of music do you usually listen to?

Of course, you probably hear a lot of the latest hits, but chances are you still love the songs that were with you during your youth.

In fact, when it comes to songs popular among men in their 40s today, many of them are tracks that made waves around the 1990s.

In this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of Japanese songs—focusing on hits from that era—that are especially recommended for men in their 40s.

They’re full of classics perfect for karaoke or for listening to in the car, so definitely give them a listen.

They might just bring back memories from those days.

Songs popular among men in their 40s: Classic tracks that bring back memories (71–80)

If only I had held you tighterWANDS

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.

Until My Babe-kun falls asleepSha ran Q

Sharam Q “My Babe Until You Fall Asleep”
Until My Babe-kun falls asleepSha ran Q

Sharan Q is a band that gained popularity for its original musicality, combining the essence of kayōkyoku with rock.

They’re well-regarded for their ballads, and among them, “My Babe Kimi ga Nemuru made” is especially recommended as an easy song to sing.

The vocal range is quite narrow, from mid1 C# to mid2 G#.

They frequently use a technique called ‘hiccup’ at the start of each phrase, so mastering this will quickly elevate the overall quality.

Give it a try for reference.

POISON ~A world where you can’t even say what you want to say~Sorimachi Takashi

Takashi Sorimachi has not only been active as an actor but also as a singer.

Many women in their 40s have likely been captivated by his allure.

Speaking of his signature songs, it has to be “POISON ~I can’t even say what I want to say in a world like this~.” The track gained nationwide popularity, partly because it was used as the theme song for the hit drama GTO.

While the song features a lot of low notes, its range is quite narrow at mid1 B to mid2 E, so there’s plenty of room to raise the key.

If you sing it in the right key, there’s nothing particularly difficult about it, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel「HONEY」-Music Clip-
HONEYL'Arc〜en〜Ciel

This is L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 10th single, released on July 8, 1998.

It’s one of their most popular and widely known songs, so many of you may already be familiar with it.

Among their singles, it boasts the highest sales.

The band also made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen performing this song.

It’s famous for being released simultaneously with “Kasou” and “Shinsou ~lose control~.” At the time, it was featured as the ending theme for the TBS program “Super Soccer,” which drew a lot of attention.

SPARKTHE YELLOW MONKEY

This is a rock number by THE YELLOW MONKEY that sings of passionate love.

It paints a worldview where you close your eyes and share a space with the night, and within its sensual expressions lies a pure heart wishing for eternal love.

The energetic guitar riffs and rhythm section leave a strong impression, and Kazuya Yoshii’s distinctive vocals resound over the dynamic sound.

Released in July 1996, the song drew attention as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Handsome Man.” It was also included on the album “SICKS” and reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s a perfect song for enjoying karaoke with friends, full of a charm that lets everyone open their hearts and sing along.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

Known as a masterpiece that likens the pain of heartbreak to a tsunami, this work is a moving love song celebrated as one of Southern All Stars’ signature pieces.

It’s a gem of a ballad that expresses the sorrow of losing someone dear through a grand melody, fully showcasing Keisuke Kuwata’s exceptional songwriting and composing talent.

Released in January 2000, it topped the Oricon weekly charts and won the Japan Record Award the same year.

It was also selected as the theme song for the popular segment “Mirai Nikki III” on the TV program “U-nan no Hontoko!,” becoming a classic beloved across generations.

As a heartwarming song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of losing someone special, it’s also highly recommended for karaoke.

homeKiyama Yusaku

A moving ballad filled with warm father-to-child love and hopes for growth has been delivered by Yusaku Kiyama.

His gentle, calm voice conveys deep affection for family, and despite its straightforward storytelling, it leaves a lasting resonance in the listener’s heart.

Released in February 2008, the song was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” and it also led to his appearance at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

For karaoke, it’s recommended when you want to reflect on family memories or express gratitude to someone special.

It’s a tender, warmth-filled song—like softly returning someone’s hand squeeze under a bright sky.