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.
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Popular songs among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories (91–100)
La La LaDaikoku Maki
This is Maki Ohguro’s 10th single “La La La,” released in 1995.
It’s her signature song, a million-seller and her biggest hit.
She has said that she sings the chorus together with the audience at the end of her concerts and plans to keep those recordings to enjoy in her old age.
It’s heartwarming to see how much she cherishes both the song and her fans.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
This is Kohmi Hirose’s third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” released in 1993.
It became the theme song for the ski equipment store Alpen’s commercials and was hugely popular at the time.
It’s a song about a woman at a group blind date who checks a man’s age, hobbies, and job at first meeting—and chooses love over friendship.
Written out like this it might sound awful, but strangely enough, when it’s sung, it’s truly wonderful.
WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Make a MovementH Jungle with T
H Jungle with t is a musical unit by Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and Tetsuya Komuro.
The unit was born from the popular TV show “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP,” and their track “WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You’ve Gotta Make a Move~” became explosively popular.
Classified in the genre known as jungle, this work is arranged with a reggae flavor throughout.
Although it features some somewhat loud sections, the overall vocal range isn’t wide, making it easy to sing and perfect for getting everyone hyped at karaoke.
Traveler ~The Longest Journeybakufū suranpu
Bakufu Slump has produced many classic songs and remains a band with enduring popularity even today.
Their track “Tabibito yo ~The Longest Journey~” is a comeback hit that revived their fortunes and was loved by many listeners, especially men.
While the vocal delivery has a distinctly masculine style, the song’s range sits comfortably in the mid-to-lower register, making it manageable even for men who struggle with low notes.
It’s also easy to sing even when your throat starts to get tired, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Pockets full of rainbowsYellow Magic Orchestra
Yellow Magic Orchestra is a music group recognized worldwide.
Needless to say, they are the pioneers who laid the foundation for Japanese techno.
They have many classic tracks, but the one I especially recommend is Pocket ni Niji ga Ippai (Pockets Full of Rainbows).
As you might expect from a group with strong instrumental roots, even though this piece has many vocal parts, the vocals themselves are very understated.
There are no complex vocal lines, and the range is extremely narrow, making it an excellent song in terms of singability.
Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu
This rock tune celebrating the joy of pure love is a fan favorite that showcases Ulfuls’ musicality to the fullest.
Its lyrics, which candidly express gratitude to a loved one, resonate deeply, and together with its bright, catchy melody, the song lifts listeners’ spirits.
Released in February 1996, it was included on the album “Banzai” and also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Goddess of Victory.” Moreover, it won the Excellence Award at the 38th Japan Record Awards.
It’s a perfect track for getting pumped up at karaoke with friends or for reminiscing about special memories with someone important.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.
Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.
The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.
Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.
It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.