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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Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories (101–110)
See, spring has come.ushirogami hikaretai
A refreshing song celebrating the arrival of spring has been delivered by Ushirogami Hikaretai.
It expresses the exhilaration and anticipation that come with the changing seasons, set to a bright and lively melody.
The lyrics leave a strong impression with their gentle sensitivity to the love and happiness overflowing in nature—spring’s buoyant warmth, the murmur of a brook, and the hope of new romance.
The track was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuideni Tonchinkan,” and after its release in February 1988, it reached No.
6 on the Oricon chart.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear at the start of a new season, a work that lingers in the heart along with fond memories.
Saint Seiya Myth ~Soldier Dream~Kageyama Hironobu & BROADWAY
It’s a landmark anime song that unfolds a dramatic, grand-scale worldview.
Featuring Hironobu Kageyama’s powerful vocals and BROADWAY’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound, it’s an irresistibly compelling track.
The lyrics, depicting the mission and friendship of warriors who fight with their lives shining, and their hope for the future, are sure to set listeners’ hearts ablaze.
Released in May 1988, it gained popularity as the opening theme for a TV Asahi anime.
In May 2019, a male contestant who performed this song on NHK Nodo Jiman was crowned the first Reiwa-era anime song champion.
Highly recommended not only for those who enjoyed anime in their youth, but for anyone with a fiery spirit.
My WayDef Tech
This song passionately sings about the importance of walking your own path.
It conveys a powerful determination to keep moving toward lofty ideals while staying grounded, offering strong encouragement to listeners.
The warmly enveloping melody and its positive message blend beautifully.
Featured on the album “Def Tech,” released in January 2005, the track garnered numerous tie-ins, including a Yokohama Tires commercial song, a theme song for high school baseball, and an insert song for the film “Crows Zero II.” Def Tech’s signature Jawaiian reggae sound will be a reliable companion when you need the courage to chase your dreams or a boost to fire yourself up.
A person who loves springGLAY
A gem of a ballad born from the inspiration of witnessing people endure Iceland’s harsh winter while longing for spring.
It poetically depicts the changing of the seasons and human emotions, and its heartwarming melody—woven by delicate piano tones and the band’s dynamic groove—leaves a strong impression.
Included on the album “BELOVED,” released in November 1996, this GLAY number also gained popularity the following year as the B-side to the single “Kuchibiru,” and has been featured on numerous classic releases, including the best-of album “DRIVE-GLAY complete BEST.” It’s a song we especially recommend to those who, while awaiting the arrival of spring, hold dear the feelings they have for someone special.
HURRY GO ROUNDhide with Spread Beaver
A delicate yet grand number by hide with Spread Beaver that symbolically portrays a life that keeps circling on.
Though it employs irregular rhythms, its soothing melody and pop-leaning arrangement gently envelop the listener.
It expresses the profound themes of life and death through the changing seasons and the cycles of nature.
Released in October 1998, the track was also included on the album Ja,Zoo.
A recommended song for those who wish to quietly reflect on life’s repetitions with the arrival of spring.
Songs popular among men in their 40s: timeless classics that bring back memories (111–120)
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
Makihara Noriyuki—fondly known as “Makkī”—is an indispensable figure when talking about the music scene of the 1990s and a genius singer-songwriter whose name is etched in Japanese music history, leaving behind many timeless songs.
His naturally smooth, unadorned, and expansive voice that reaches listeners’ hearts directly; melodies that are not swayed by passing trends; and lyrics that superbly capture vivid scenes and shifting emotions through simple word choices—his talent is universally acknowledged.
Among his many classics, the 1991 release “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo” is relatively easy to sing, and the signature high notes typical of Makihara are somewhat restrained, making it a good recommendation for those who struggle with high registers.
Be mindful of the shuffle rhythm, and take care to stay on pitch!
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most iconic figures, both as a singer-songwriter and as an actor.
It’s truly remarkable that he has continued to release hit songs from the 1990s through the Reiwa era.
While each generation likely has its own “Fukuyama songs,” Sakura-zaka, released in 2000, is a quintessential Heisei-era classic that achieved a record-breaking double million in sales.
Some may find ballads challenging, but the simply crafted melody line makes it easy to sing, and the relatively low key makes it approachable for those with lower voices.
If you carefully follow the scale, you can definitely aim for a high karaoke score; at the same time, the song’s charm lies in its lower register, so if you’re not confident with low melodies, this is a great piece to practice with.