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 (41–50)

SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] SAY YES / CHAGE and ASKA

SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA

This was CHAGE and ASKA’s 27th single, released on July 24, 1991—a mega-hit that became their first Oricon No.

1 and a million seller.

It’s also widely known for being tied in as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “101st Proposal.” Many people of that generation likely remember it together with the drama’s iconic scenes.

The lyrics express a man’s wish to be “together forever” with a woman, but the song as a whole conveys a love so vast it can’t be fully captured by words—an elegant, medium-tempo love ballad.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Songs popular among men in their 40s: classic tracks that bring back memories (51–60)

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Itoshi no Ellie [Live at Southern All Stars Kickoff Live 2018 “A Slightly Naughty La-La Old Man”, 2018]

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu

This song is the Southern All Stars’ third single, released in 1979.

It was a hit in Japan, and after being covered by Ray Charles in 1989, it became famous worldwide, so many people of that generation are likely very familiar with it.

There’s an anecdote that Keisuke Kuwata even sang it at his own wedding, which helped make it popular as a perfect fit for wedding scenes.

However, it’s said that before their marriage, Kuwata wrote the song to express an apology to Yuko Hara.

Be sure to listen closely to the lyrics.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Kiss me right nowLINDBERG

LINDBERG / Kiss Me Now

Kiss me right nowLINDBERG

“Kiss Me Now.” It’s LINDBERG’s big hit number.

For those in their 40s, I think it’s a very nostalgic song.

The image of the petite, short-haired female vocalist singing powerfully was so cool.

It’s a powerful song that always gave me energy whenever I listened to it.

If you sing it at karaoke, it’s guaranteed to relieve stress.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS

They are THE BLUE HEARTS, a leading Japanese punk rock band.

Many men in their 40s may find themselves reminiscing about their youth.

The impact THE BLUE HEARTS had afterward was tremendous, influencing not only the music scene but also a wide range of prominent figures.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Swaying feelingsZARD

Swaying Feelings – ZARD (Full)

Swaying feelingsZARD

A song released by ZARD in 1993 as their eighth single.

It fully showcases vocalist Izumi Sakai’s clear yet powerful voice, and is said to be ZARD’s biggest hit after “Makenaide.” The performance evokes the clear blue skies of early summer, making it a pleasantly refreshing track.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

I can’t stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase

Yume Miru Adolescence 'I Can't Be a Dreaming Girl'

I can't stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase

This is Nanase Aikawa’s debut single, “Yume Miru Shoujo Ja Irarenai,” released in 1995.

It was used as the ending theme for the Fuji TV drama V no Honoo.

Her powerful, dynamic vocals are really cool, and she’s an artist respected by men as well.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Goodbye, Humanitytama

Tama “Goodbye, Humanity” [Official Music Video]

Goodbye, Humanitytama

This is “Sayonara Jinrui,” a signature song by Tama, who appeared on the popular 1989 band audition show Ikkasu Band Tengoku.

While rooted in folk music, their unique musical style drew a lot of attention.

Their melody, fashion, and vocals combine to make them a group you won’t easily forget after seeing them once.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem