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