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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- [For men in their 40s] That nostalgic song you can enjoy at karaoke!
- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits
- Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.
- [Nostalgic Hits] Japanese dance music that resonates with people in their 40s.
- Easy-to-sing karaoke songs: Classic picks for women in their 40s
- [2026] Crowd-Pleasing Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics
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- [40s] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
- [For Men in Their 40s] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2026]
- You'll surely remember your youth. Spring songs recommended for people in their 40s.
Hype songs recommended for people in their 40s (31–40)
Runnerbakufū suranpu
The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.
Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.
Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.
This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.
Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.
Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko
A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.
With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.
Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.
Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.
Pink sighTakahashi Mariko
It is a masterpiece that fuses an exotic, Mediterranean-like atmosphere with an urban, sophisticated sound.
The song dreamily portrays a woman who blossoms like a flower when embraced by her lover, expressing both the beauty and the fragility of love.
Mariko Takahashi’s delicate yet powerful vocals further deepen the work’s unique world.
Released in May 1984 as the commercial song for Sanki’s “Camellia Diamond,” it was also included on the album Triad.
Highly acclaimed—including winning the Lyrics Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards—it became a long-running hit.
With a quiet mood that hints at hidden passion, this is a perfect track for spending peaceful moments with someone special.
See, spring has come.ushirogami hikaretai
A refreshing song celebrating the arrival of spring has been delivered by Ushirogami Hikaretai.
It expresses the exhilaration and anticipation that come with the changing seasons, set to a bright and lively melody.
The lyrics leave a strong impression with their gentle sensitivity to the love and happiness overflowing in nature—spring’s buoyant warmth, the murmur of a brook, and the hope of new romance.
The track was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuideni Tonchinkan,” and after its release in February 1988, it reached No.
6 on the Oricon chart.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear at the start of a new season, a work that lingers in the heart along with fond memories.
ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG
A powerful rock tune that depicts passionate love and determination has captured the hearts of many as one of HOUND DOG’s signature works.
With a strong message about believing in the power of love and the importance of holding on to dreams and passion, this song stands out.
After its release in August 1985, it was featured in Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles commercials and became a major hit, reaching No.
11 on the Oricon charts and No.
8 on The Best Ten.
Since March 2018, it has been used as the departure melody at JR East’s Sendai Station, and it has inspired cover versions by Akiko Wada and LGYankees.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you need courage to pursue your dreams or when you want to convey your feelings to someone important.
Recommended for women (41–50)
Cool and cute songs for women!
We started by introducing must-sing classics recommended for everyone, regardless of gender—how did you like them? From here, we'll share recommendations by gender! First up: songs recommended for women. We’ll include not only tracks by female artists, but also songs by male artists that are perfect for women to sing. Enjoy a full lineup of cool and cute hits that defined the era! Related articles:[2026 Edition] Karaoke Songs That Will Get the Crowd Going—Perfect for Women in Their 40s
Recommended for women (1–10)
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
Known as one of Ai Otsuka’s signature songs, this track is her second single, released in December 2003.
As an upbeat, bright love song, it captured the hearts of many.
The lyrics depict a sweet, always-together relationship like a pair of cherries, giving listeners energy and courage.
It’s also beloved in a wide range of settings, even being used as a cheer song for high school baseball.
If you sing it at karaoke, it’s perfect for relieving the stress of busy days at work or parenting.
Belt it out with full energy and get everyone pumped up!
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
Kohmi Hirose, whose YouTube channel has been generating major buzz, is active in many roles, including singer-songwriter, lyricist, composer, arranger, music producer, and vocal coach.
“Romance no Kamisama” was released on December 1, 1993 as a tie-in song for an Alpen commercial, sold over 1.7 million copies, and became her biggest hit.
It’s an upbeat pop song that frankly voices women’s true feelings.
It’s perfect for women in their 40s—who’ve been through all kinds of experiences—to sing at karaoke to blow off some steam!
