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.

Playlist

Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	RomancePENICILLIN		A famous song by PENICILLIN that depicts a heartrending love
2	my graduationSPEED		A moving coming-of-age song that captures the moment of graduation
3	Get WildTM NETWORK		TM NETWORK's signature song 'Get Wild' was a big hit.
4	SOUL LOVEGLAY		GLAY’s unforgettable classic, “SOUL LOVE”
5	That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando		Daiji MAN has a big hit with a Tohoku support song.
6	ROCKET DIVEhide with Spread Beaver		A masterpiece brimming with hide’s charm that resonates with the heart
7	Mermaid of ReminiscenceTHE YELLOW MONKEY		Mermaid of Remembrance, an eternal classic
8	Beyond the Night SkySMAP		A moving classic that tells the memories of youth
9	HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution		T.M.Revolution’s iconic summer song that portrays passion and youth
10	As I love you selfishly, I won’t hurt anyone but you.B’z		B’z’s smash hit, famous for its chorus title
11	There will be love there -A place with love-the brilliant green		BRIGLI's signature song, a moving classic
12	Pink Spiderhide with Spread Beaver		Masterpieces from the 1990s after hide’s sudden passing
13	TemptationGLAY		An iconic intro from GLAY’s classic songs, a massive hit from the CD bubble era
14	STORMLUNA SEA		A timeless rock classic brimming with speed and exhilaration
15	winter fallL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		A winter ballad, a classic that colors youth
16	Summer Colorsyuzu		Summer youth, a melody that colors memories
17	LOVE AFFAIR ~Secret DateSazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern's adultery song, a heartrending love ballad
18	Hold me tight, all of meKinKi Kids		A signature youthful pop song by KinKi Kids
19	PowerPoketto Bisuketsu		POWER, the smash-hit song by Pocket Biscuits
20	Robinsonsupittsu		Moved and inspired to take on a challenge by Spitz’s masterpiece
21	GLORIAZIGGY		80s hit songs with catchy choruses
22	HeartFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s song “Heart”: bittersweet and refreshing
23	Together forever…GLAY		GLAY “Always the Two of Us…”, Celebrating My Sister’s Marriage
24	I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka		A masterpiece by Yutaka Ozaki, a timeless song that weaves memories of youth.
25	LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.		A hit song of youth, singing of love and hope
26	Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children		Mr. Children's masterpiece moved generations.
27	Until the World Ends…WANDS		Ending song of Slam Dunk
28	to youMONGOL800		MONGOL800's “Anata ni” has a narrow vocal range and is easy to sing.
29	summer festivalJITTERIN’JINN		Summer festival, J-POP classics, loved across generations
30	Summer Days of 1993class		A signature song by Class that remains popular even 10 years after their debut.
31	Just by you being herekome kome CLUB		Being supported, supporting others, and the connections between people
32	I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN		T-BOLAN’s signature, a passionate love song
33	huge nuisanceUNICORN		UNICORN is a rock band from Hiroshima.
34	Hello, Again ~A place that has existed since long ago~My Little Lover		A classic by My Little Lover, with a heartrending vocal that resonates in the heart.
35	My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu		A classic Southern song, a love song that transcends generations
36	The sun is burning.THE YELLOW MONKEY		A classic hit by The Yellow Monkey that'll get the crowd going at karaoke
37	runnerbakufū suranpu		Baku-fu Slump’s signature song “Runner”
38	Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS		THE BLUE HEARTS had an impact on the music scene.
39	SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA		A classic by CHAGE and ASKA, a renowned ballad that sings of love.
40	DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS		The 80s hit song “Diamond”
41	Don’t avert your eyes.DEEN		DEEN's love song, a masterpiece with lyrics by Izumi Sakai
42	Close your eyes and come here.BARBEE BOYS		A rock band with male and female twin vocals; signature songs
43	single bedSha ran Q		Sharam Q hit songs produced by Tsunku
44	BoyhoodInoue Yosui		A Japanese masterpiece, a melody that shines forever
45	I can’t stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase		Nanase Aikawa’s debut song, a theme song for a Visual Kei drama
46	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		One of Noriyuki Makihara’s signature songs, with an impressive melody
47	Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS		Christmas song 'LOVE LOVE LOVE'
48	Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō		Tetsuro Oda’s signature song, “Pocari CM,” became a big hit.
49	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		A classic by Spitz, a nostalgic song that resonates with the heart.
50	CLOUDY HEARTHimuro Kyosuke		A famous song by BOØWY’s Kyosuke Himuro
51	I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN		A poignant portrayal of the feelings of a man who cannot take action
52	Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo		Shogo Hamada’s masterpiece: a soul-stirring song for adults
53	Kiss me right nowLINDBERG		80s classic songs—getting energized by powerful vocals
54	Swaying feelingsZARD		Izumi Sakai’s powerful vocals, a refreshing blue-sky tune
55	Goodbye, Humanitytama		Tama’s signature song “Goodbye, Humanity”
56	suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW		The 90s classic “Totsuzen” — refreshing and moving.
57	To be happyFLYING KIDS		The classic song by the funk band FLYING KIDS
58	SaudadePorunogurafiti		A famous Porno Graffitti song that depicts summer memories
59	B.BLUEBOØWY		Legendary single by BOØWY has had a major impact on music
60	Time goes byEvery Little Thing		A heartwarming love song with soothing vocals
61	ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN		A classic hit by X JAPAN, a beloved anthem sung in unison at large venues.
62	SPARKTHE YELLOW MONKEY		Love Song of The Yellow Monkey
63	everything; the whole lot; lock, stock, and barrelKREVA		A classic song that captures a resort-like vibe and the bittersweetness of the season.
64	Until My Babe-kun falls asleepSha ran Q		Ballads by Sharam Q that are easy to sing and recommended
65	ALONEB’z		B’z’s iconic song “ALON” that resonates with the heart
66	BambinaHotei Tomoyasu		Tomoyasu Hotei’s classic song “Bambina,” a rodeo rock
67	I can see you againKetsumeishi		A summer love song that lets you feel like you’re on vacation
68	I’ve always liked you.Saitō Kazuyoshi		Saito Kazuyoshi’s Lyrical Love Song
69	Choo Choo TRAINZoo		Theme song of JR Ski Ski, the classic hit by ZOO
70	PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY		A classic song by an R&B duo from a talent competition show
71	A Beautiful Burning ForestToukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora		A sentimental song by Tamio Okuda and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
72	Love and a Machine GunFlipper’s Guitar		A band emerging from neo-acoustic, with captivating musicality
73	HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		L’Arc〜en〜Ciel’s popular single “HONEY”
74	If only I had held you tighterWANDS		A classic that gently sings of love, a voice that resonates with the heart.
75	TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu		A representative song by Southern All Stars with a heartbreak theme
76	homeKiyama Yusaku		A ballad that sings of a father's love for his child
77	Give me an unbalanced kissTakahashi Hiro		A beloved classic ending theme from Yu Yu Hakusho that transcends generations
78	Spring ~spring~Hysteric Blue		A bittersweet melody of memories and springtime youth
79	The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi		Yasushi Nakanishi’s classic song “Love With No Place to Go.”
80	Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		A classic by L’Arc~en~Ciel, a track bursting with a sense of speed
81	countrysideTamaki Kōji		Koji Tamaki’s gem of a masterpiece, gently advising on the journey of life
82	MarionetteBOØWY		The Appeal of BOØWY’s Classic Song “Marionette”
83	Love will winKAN		Award-winning signature song that's pop and catchy.
84	ROSIERLUNA SEA		Signature song of LUNA SEA, with striking guitar and vocals
85	TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya		Fumiya Fujii’s solo hit songs, memorable classics
86	POISON ~A world where you can’t even say what you want to say~Sorimachi Takashi		Takashi Sorimachi’s POISON has a narrow vocal range and is easy to sing.
87	BE MY BABYCOMPLEX		COMPLEX’s signature song “BE MY BABY”
88	La La LaDaikoku Maki		Maki Ohguro’s signature song “La La La”
89	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		The iconic song “TOMORROW” that brings courage and hope
90	God of RomanceHirose Kōmi		A song of a woman seeking love at a group blind date
91	The Door of TimeWANDS		Toki no Tobira, the theme song of the neo-drama
92	By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi		A smash-hit Christmas song is born
93	JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY		The Yellow Monkey's classic song 'JAM' is easy to sing.
94	SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama's classic song 'Sakurazaka' is easy to sing.
95	Kotodama of Love ~ Spiritual MessageSazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern All Stars’ classic “Kotodama of Love” is popular at karaoke.
96	Linda LindaZa Burū Hātsu		Punk rock classic, a famous song anyone can sing
97	crimsonX JAPAN		A masterpiece where metal and dramatic developments move the heart
98	Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi		A masterpiece that sings of loneliness and passion for the future
99	WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Make a MovementH Jungle with T		H Jungle, a popular reggae-style song
100	Traveler ~The Longest Journeybakufū suranpu		A classic hit by Bakufu Slump, popular among men
101	Pockets full of rainbowsYellow Magic Orchestra		YMO’s classic songs and diverse music are captivating.
102	Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke		'Naminori Johnny' is a masterpiece and one of Keisuke Kuwata's signature songs.
103	OCEANB’z		B’z’s “OCEAN” is a love song like the sea.
104	ultra soulB’z		B’z’s hard rock, a song about a life chasing dreams
105	I want to shout that I love you.BAAD		The classic youth anthem, the theme song of SLAM DUNK
106	YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA		90s rock, a strong will to chase dreams
107	Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW		A refreshing song filled with young love and courage
108	lipsGLAY		A fast-paced song that portrays GLAY’s earnest love
109	A person who loves springGLAY		An inspiring masterpiece that sings of spring in Iceland
110	forever; for good; indefinitelyGReeeeN		A ballad depicting memories and love with a lover
111	Endless JourneyMr.Children		A signature work by Mr.Children. It depicts the courage to keep moving forward.
112	HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~T.M.Revolution		A timeless masterpiece of loneliness and hope that stirs the soul
113	TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS		A classic in rock history, an anthem of courage and hope
114	Turn the roulette of fateZARD		A heartwarming masterpiece that brings the courage to live
115	HURRY GO ROUNDhide with Spread Beaver		A moving piece of music depicting the cycle of life
116	See, spring has come.ushirogami hikaretai		A song that celebrates the arrival of spring and the exhilaration of the season
117	The rattlesnake is comingTonneruzu		Thanks to Tunnels (Tunnels no Minasan no Okage desu)
118	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		An anthem that cheers you on to overcome hardships and seize hope
119	Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu		A rock song by Ulfuls that sings about love
120	ForeverGosuperāzu		A masterpiece that sings of an eternal bond with a loved one
121	cherrysupittsu		A classic song that looks back on youth and faces forward
122	A Tearful RequestChekkāzu		The Checkers’ heartbreak song sets a record with a massive hit
123	Beard and Boobsyunikōn		The male psyche wavering between work and love
124	Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki		A musical piece of respect and inspiration for the unnamed people
125	I’m only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki		A woman's bittersweet feelings as she changes herself for love
126	For loveOkuda Tamio		Okuda Tamio’s solo debut song “Ai no Tame ni”
127	Saint Seiya Myth ~Soldier Dream~Kageyama Hironobu & BROADWAY		A monumental anime song, the fiery anthem of warriors
128	I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki		Makihara Noriyuki’s signature breakup song
129	Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki		Introduction to Noriyuki Makihara’s “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo”
130	Runnerbakufū suranpu		A classic by Bakufu Slump portrays youth and the bonds of friendship
131	Unwavering WishTamura Naomi		A song about the courage to overcome difficulties without giving up on your dreams
132	Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu		A famous song themed around Masaharu Fukuyama’s marriage
133	Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko		Sneaker Blues: A Love Breakup
134	DEAR ALGERNONHimuro Kyosuke		Kyosuke Himuro’s urban rock single portrays humanity.
135	In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA		A gemlike melody portraying the strength to overcome dreams and setbacks
136	My WayDef Tech		A song that sings about the importance of moving forward as yourself
137	ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG		HOUND DOG’s signature work: powerful rock of love and dreams
138	Embracing SummerTUBE		A huge hit summer song by TUBE that expresses a wistful love
139	Lover of Möbiusushirogami hikaretai		A song of eternal love like a Möbius strip
140	Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanī		Flower Companies' youth rock fight song
141	cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro		The signature song by Naotaro Moriyama, the scenery of sakura (cherry blossoms)
142	Let’s walkJUN SKY WALKER(S)		Masterpieces and achievements of JUN SKY WALKER(S)
143	LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu		Theme song of the 1990s drama “Long Vacation”
144	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		A classic BUMP song that portrays youthful love