Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits That Get 40-Something Men and Women Excited

CHA CHA CHAIshii Akemi

CHA CHA CHA

This song portrays a heroine living freely and with confidence.

It beautifully captures the image of an independent woman of its time, while the distinctive Latin-inspired rhythm leaves a striking impression.

Akemi Ishii’s husky vocals vividly convey both an unwavering inner strength that resists temptation and an urban coolness.

Released as her debut in August 1986, the song was used as the theme for the drama “Otoko to Onna Nanatsu no Natsu Monogatari” (Men and Women: Seven Summer Stories) and topped the Oricon annual singles chart.

It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 59th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1987.

It’s a highly recommended track when you want to be reminded of the importance of living true to yourself.

Well then,NEW!SURFACE

SURFACE – Now then

Let me introduce a song that revives that rush of speed that makes you want to break into a run, alongside nostalgic anime visuals.

SURFACE’s single “Saa,” released in November 1998, electrified viewers at the time as the opening theme for the TV anime Mamotte Shugogetten! There’s a famous episode about how the lyrics and melody each member brought in miraculously clicked the moment they tried them together with a “Ready, go!” It’s a straightforward rock number that blasts away hesitation.

It was featured on a TV program in October 2015 and drew fresh attention again—proof that it continues to be loved across generations.

If you thrust your fist into the air with your friends to the striking chant at the start of the chorus, the passion of that era will come flooding back, and your karaoke room will instantly be wrapped in the feverish energy of a live venue.

A third of pure-hearted feelingsNEW!SIAM SHADE

A third of pure-hearted feelings

Do you know the passionate love song that colored the late-’90s J-Rock scene? Released as a single by SIAM SHADE in November 1997, it was used as the ending theme for the hugely popular anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story and became the band’s biggest hit.

Also included on the album SIAM SHADE IV: Zero, this classic masterfully fuses hard-edged instrumentation with a catchy melody.

One of its greatest charms is that, despite the band’s high level of musicianship, the chorus is so familiar and easy for anyone to sing along to.

It’s incredibly well-known—just the intro is enough to trigger cheers.

Try singing it when you want to create a sense of unity at a get-together with friends from the same generation!

TacticsNEW!THE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Tactics -2022 Remaster- (Official Audio)

Many people might feel nostalgic about it as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.

It’s a rock number marked by the glamour of glam rock and a danceable beat that makes you want to move.

Kazuya Yoshii’s sultry vocals blend perfectly with the band’s distinctive sensual vibe, captivating listeners.

Released in February 1996 as a double A-side single, this track was a recut from the classic album FOUR SEASONS.

There’s even an anecdote that Yoshii strongly pushed to release it as a single at the time, making it a song that captures the band’s upward momentum.

The chorus has a wonderful sense of openness, making it perfect for getting fired up with friends of the same generation.

Run, Honest OneNEW!Saijō Hideki

ED2 – Run, Honest Man

Superstar Hideki Saijo, who captivated countless fans with his passionate vocals and performances.

Among his many classic hits, this is an unmissable anime song that always fires up a karaoke crowd.

Released as a single in April 1991, it became beloved as the ending theme for the nationally treasured anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

Its brisk beat infused with ska rhythms and lyrics packed with playful, comical wordplay are irresistibly catchy.

The collaboration came about because the original creator, Momoko Sakura, was a fan of Saijo, with Tetsuro Oda handling the composition.

The unique phrase said to be inspired by a commercial from that era also leaves a strong impression, and listening to it will surely bring back memories of those days.

No tricky techniques required—belt it out with energy and power, and it’s a song that will put smiles on the faces of friends from the same generation.

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children

Mr.Children 「Tomorrow never knows」 MUSIC VIDEO

Mr.Children is a four-piece rock band famed for melodies that pair lyrics in distinctive ways and for songs whose words span themes from the intimate to the global.

Their sixth single, “Tomorrow never knows,” used as the theme song for the TV drama All About Youth (Wakamono no Subete), is known as a major hit that sold over two million copies.

Its message, which traces the journey of life, may resonate differently with listeners in their 40s than it did when they were younger.

As a song everyone knows, it’s also a great, slightly wistful pick for karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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single bedSha ran Q

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

The song “Single Bed,” which became a major hit in 1994, is likely one many people in their 40s and older used to sing at karaoke.

This track, which became Sharan Q’s first million-seller, is a classic ballad about a breakup.

If you’re singing it at karaoke, you can go for a gentle, heartfelt rendition—or hype things up by doing a Tsunku impression.