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. Classic tracks that bring back memories (141–150)

Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanī

Flower Companyz “Midnight Highway (25th Anniversary Mix)”

Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanī

A youthful rock anthem brimming with momentum and emotion, painting a grand portrait of life.

Powerfully delivered by The Flower Companyz, this song radiates a warmth that lights a ray of hope in an uncertain life.

Released in September 2004 as a track on the classic album “Setagaya Yoake Mae” (Before Dawn in Setagaya), it has continued to resonate closely with many hearts.

When you stand at a crossroads, when you feel anxious about the future, and for all who are doing their best to live in the present, this is an encouraging song that will gently push you forward.

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Let’s walkJUN SKY WALKER(S)

JUN SKY WALKER(S) – Let’s Walk

Let's walkJUN SKY WALKER(S)

This is “Aruite Ikō,” a signature song by JUN SKY WALKER(S), also known by the nickname Junsuka.

They debuted in 1988, disbanded in 1997, and reunited in 2007, and they continue to be active to this day.

Many celebrities are said to be fans of the band, and they seem to be invited to numerous events.

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LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – LA • LA • LA LOVE SONG

LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu

It was the theme song of the hugely popular trendy drama Long Vacation, and anyone who watched the show in real time would know it.

Since the ratings were quite high, it’s safe to assume a lot of people are familiar with the song.

I feel the positive mood and the bluesy vibe are exquisitely balanced.

It also made news that British fashion model Naomi Campbell participated as a background vocalist.

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astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tentai Kansoku” is a song you’ll want to listen to while reminiscing about the sweet and bittersweet summer romances of your youth.

Released in 2001, this track was also used as an insert song for a drama of the same title.

Its melody, full of drive and freshness, and lyrics that capture feelings you wanted to convey but couldn’t, will tug at your heart.

It’s a well-known and popular song, making it perfect for karaoke.

Give it a sing or a listen while you think back on young love.

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In conclusion

We’ve showcased plenty of songs popular among men in their 40s.

We focused mainly on tracks from around the 1990s—the ones today’s forty-somethings listened to in their youth.

Gathering them like this makes one thing strikingly clear: songs that have been loved for a long time still sound cool today.

This era, when J-pop was at its peak, truly produced so many classics.

Along with your memories of those youthful days, take this chance to enjoy the songs we introduced once again.