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: Classic tracks that bring back memories (121–130)
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.
I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki
A signature song by Noriyuki Makihara, distinguished by its heartwarming melody that embraces both the ache of heartbreak and a brave front.
It gently portrays memories of a former lover and the nostalgia of everyday life, while the protagonist’s resolve to move forward resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in May 1992, it was chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama “After the Children Are Asleep.” Included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” it became a major hit, ranking 7th on Oricon’s year-end chart.
This piece is a companion for those standing at life’s crossroads.
When you gather with friends for karaoke, its universally relatable lyrics and melody are sure to warm the heart.
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!
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.
Popular songs among men in their 40s. Classic tracks that bring back memories (131–140)
Unwavering WishTamura Naomi
Resounding with a sound that embodies an unyielding will to push forward without giving up on dreams and goals, it stirs the listener’s heart with fiery emotion.
Woven by Naomi Tamura, this rock-tinged, youth-infused piece carries a message of courage to overcome hardships time and again.
Released in November 1994, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth and was also included on the album N’ and the acclaimed GOLDEN☆BEST.
Mirroring the protagonist’s doubts and inner conflicts as well as their determined, forward-looking stance, it achieved remarkable synergy.
It’s the perfect song to gently nudge you from behind when you want to move forward but can’t quite take that first step.
Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu
A love song woven by Masaharu Fukuyama, a gem of a ballad overflowing with warm affection.
Its gentle melody tenderly embraces the precious feelings you share, harmonizing beautifully with heartwarming lyrics that focus on marriage and family bonds.
It carefully portrays gratitude toward one’s partner and hope for a future walked together, making it a timeless masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in August 2011, the song was featured in the commercial for Recruit’s wedding magazine Zexy and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It has continued to be cherished at many weddings ever since.
This is a song that stays close to the heart—one to listen to when you want to feel the bond with someone special or when you’re about to take a new step in life.
Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko
A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.
With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.
Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.
Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.