Lovely karaoke song

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

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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.

Popular songs among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories (91–100)

Runnerbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump “Runner” MUSIC VIDEO (HD)

Runnerbakufū suranpu

The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.

Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.

Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.

This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.

Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW

[Duet with the original artist] DAN DAN Kokoro Hikareteku / FIELD OF VIEW’s Yuya Asaoka & CHIAKI

Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW

This song is characterized by its refreshing melody and lyrics that gradually intensify the feeling of being in love.

Captivated by the other person’s smile, it conveys a positive determination to break free from the darkness and the courage to embark on a new adventure.

Released in March 1996 by FIELD OF VIEW, the track features a powerful performance by the band and emotive vocals in perfect harmony, and it also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime Dragon Ball GT.

With heartwarming lyrics by Izumi Sakai and a memorable melodic line by Tetsurō Oda, this is a highly recommended song for those who want to relate to the feelings of being in love or look back on memories of their youth.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories (101–110)

Turn the roulette of fateZARD

SARD UNDERGROUND 'Spin the Roulette of Fate' MV

Turn the roulette of fateZARD

A supreme track woven from lyrical lyrics that capture the subtleties of life and a light, buoyant melody.

While questioning the role of fate’s coincidences and the meaning of our choices, it gently reminds us of the importance of facing forward and living on.

Composed by Seiichiro Kuribayashi, it beautifully harmonizes ZARD’s heartwarming message with a refreshing sound.

Since its release in September 1998, it has been beloved as the opening theme of the anime Detective Conan and is also included on the album ZARD BEST The Single Collection: Kiseki.

It’s an uplifting song I’d recommend to anyone hesitating yet ready to take a step forward, or to those who want to move ahead without fearing change.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

The Door of TimeWANDS

The Door of Time

The Door of TimeWANDS

This is WANDS’ fourth single, “Toki no Tobira,” released in 1993.

It was the theme song for the TV Asahi drama series Neo Drama.

Regarding this song, vocalist Uesugi said, “When I was feeling down, I wanted a song that could encourage myself.”

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki, Kōmi Hirose – Around the Time of the Christmas Carol

By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

A song released by Junichi Inagaki in 1992 as his 27th single.

It became his biggest hit, was covered by many artists, and in 2009 a duet version with Kohmi Hirose was also released.

There’s even a story that during the Christmas season, the instrumental of this song plays in supermarkets, making Inagaki so embarrassed that he can’t go shopping.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke

Just hearing that light, tinkling piano intro instantly brings back memories of those summers… It’s a Heisei-era masterpiece that colored the early 2000s! No explanation needed: “Naminori Johnny,” the smash hit released in 2001 under the solo name of Keisuke Kuwata, vocalist of Southern All Stars, is a karaoke staple and has been sung across generations.

With Kuwata’s signature style in full bloom and a wide vocal range, the melody darts busily between low and high notes, which might feel surprisingly challenging when you actually try to sing it.

At the same time, it’s so catchy you can memorize it right away just by listening.

If you sing it with clear contrast—keeping the soaring parts and the rhythmic parts in mind—you can aim for a high score at karaoke!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Kotodama of Love ~ Spiritual MessageSazan Ōrusutāzu

Kotodama of Love ~Spiritual Message~ [2024 Remaster]

Kotodama of Love ~ Spiritual MessageSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars’ classic song “Kotodama of Love ~Spiritual Message~.” Many people have probably heard it often at karaoke but didn’t know the title.

Among Southern All Stars’ songs, this one boasts one of the narrowest vocal ranges.

Not only is the range narrow, but it also centers on the low-to-mid register where male voices are most comfortable, so you’re unlikely to find it difficult from a vocal production standpoint.

The vocal line is gentle with little ups and downs, so be sure to give it a try.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem