Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits That Get 40-Something Men and Women Excited
There are plenty of chances to end up at karaoke—whether it’s drinks with coworkers or reunions with old friends—but do you ever find yourself struggling to pick the right songs?
I’m not too familiar with recent hits, and if it’s a gathering of people from the same generation, I’d rather get everyone hyped with nostalgic tunes we listened to in our youth.
So in this article, I’ll introduce some great crowd-pleasers recommended for people in their 40s!
I’ve focused mainly on nostalgic songs from around the 1990s, so if you’re in your 40s, these tracks should bring back memories of your younger days.
Not only are they perfect for getting everyone in the same age group excited together, but they’re also timeless classics from the Japanese music scene—so there are plenty of songs that people of all ages can enjoy together!
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Top 10 hype songs recommended for people in their 40s (1–10)
ROSIERLUNA SEA
LUNA SEA is a five-member rock band whose inimitable musicality has electrified fans, inspiring countless visual kei bands to emulate their style.
Their third single, “ROSIER,” became a major hit despite having no tie-in, even winning the Japan Record Awards’ Best Promotional Video.
Its thrilling, syncopation-heavy beat naturally sends your energy soaring just by listening.
While it has a driving sense of speed, the song sits in a lower key, making it a rock tune that’s relatively easy to sing at karaoke.
I just feel like crying.Nagayama Miho
A ballad deeply etched in the memories of those who spent their youth during the 1990s CD boom.
This beloved classic is known as one of Miho Nakayama’s signature songs.
Chosen as the theme for a TBS drama and cherished as a wedding staple, the piece features lyrics that delicately portray the complex emotions of a single woman, beautifully matched by Nakayama’s clear, translucent vocals.
Released in February 1994, the single reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts, selling a total of 1.048 million copies and earning the title of a million seller.
It was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, resonating with many listeners.
When singing it at karaoke, try emulating Nakayama’s gentle delivery.
I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN
For those in their 40s and older, the classic “Hanashitaku wa Nai” is one of T-BOLAN’s signature songs that sparked their popularity.
It’s a slow-tempo ballad, so pick the perfect moment to sing it.
People tend to think the key is high, but that’s not the case at all.
It’s also a tried-and-true move to reach out your hand toward your girlfriend or the woman you like at the end of the chorus!
Upbeat Songs Recommended for People in Their 40s (11–20)
HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
One of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s signature songs, this track showcases a straightforward, cool appeal.
Its driving band sound, delivered with a simple arrangement, is a major draw.
Despite the powerful and stripped-down sound, the lyrics express sorrow, depicting someone desperately struggling to convey their feelings.
It might be interesting to sing it while considering the contrast between the sound and the lyrical content.
It’s a song that makes you want to sing coolly with Hyde in mind.
Boys & GirlsHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki secured a firm position as a leading female singer of the 1990s.
Her signature song, released in 1999, is characterized by lyrics that depict hope for a radiant future alongside the loneliness and despair buried deep within the heart.
The track won the Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards and has since been widely recognized as a song that symbolizes Hamasaki’s career as a vocalist.
Also used in a cosmetics commercial, the song’s bright, rhythmic pop sound brims with uplifting energy.
It’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session or for refreshing yourself during busy days filled with work or childcare.
VALENTIBoA
Dubbed the “Queen of K-POP,” BoA burst onto the Japanese music scene like a comet in the early 2000s.
The single she released in Japan in August 2002 is a dance track distinguished by passionate Latin rhythms, which shocked music fans at the time.
The lyrics convey a will to believe firmly in oneself, to carve out the future as if in battle, and a fervent determination to stay true to love no matter the difficulties.
The album bearing this song’s title, VALENTI, was released in January 2003, debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart and achieving million-seller status.
It was also widely loved as the theme for the PS2 game PROJECT MINERVA and the music program JAPAN COUNTDOWN.
Sing it at karaoke and you’re sure to relive the heat of that era and get an instant boost of energy.
A gentle feelingChara
Released in 1997, this song is themed around innocent, pure love told from a woman’s perspective.
Its simple yet deeply emotional lyrics, combined with Chara’s distinctive vocals, captured the hearts of many listeners.
Upon release, it achieved commercial success, peaking at No.
7 on the Oricon chart.
It was also featured in a Shiseido “Tissera J” commercial, helping it gain popularity across a wide audience.
The lyrics, which portray the dynamics of a loving relationship and the struggle for freedom, resonate with those facing challenges in romance and human relationships.
When singing it at karaoke, it’s best to perform with honest, heartfelt emotion.