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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Recommended for women (1–10)
Cold Flowerthe brilliant green
This is a gem of a love song released by the brilliant green, who made a striking debut on the late-’90s music scene.
Set to a heartrending melody, the lyrics deftly portray the emotions wavering between love and despair, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in August 1998, it proudly claimed the No.
1 spot on the Oricon monthly singles chart.
As a major hit from the height of the CD boom, it remains etched in the memories of many.
Tomoko Kawase’s clear, translucent vocals should be comfortable even for women in their 40s to sing.
If you’re heading to karaoke between work or house chores, why not give this song a try?
Good-bye daysYUI
The film Midnight Sun, in which YUI herself also starred, features this touching masterpiece sung under her character’s name as an insert song.
Accompanied by delicate acoustic guitar picking, it weaves a single-hearted love within limited time and a fervent wish for the future.
Her vocals, overflowing with the protagonist’s emotions, strike a chord in listeners and stir deep feelings.
Released in June 2006 under the name “YUI for Kaoru Amane,” the song garnered major attention as the movie’s theme and reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
It is also included on the album CAN’T BUY MY LOVE, among others.
Recommended for those moments when you want to sing slowly and wholeheartedly, layering it with feelings for someone important—it’s sure to bring back the pure emotions of those days.
LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.
At the end of the 1990s, when J-pop was shining at its brightest, this number by Morning Musume swept Japan into a frenzy.
It’s an irresistibly upbeat dance tune that makes your body move just by listening, and it’s no exaggeration to say it gave immeasurable energy to Japan at the time.
The friendly melodies crafted by Tsunku♂ and the gorgeous, funky sound produced by Dance☆Man continue to set our hearts dancing across generations.
Released in September 1999 as their seventh single, the song became a defining track for the group, setting a huge record with total sales of about 1.64 million copies.
It was even featured in an NHK drama, making it a national anthem that people of all ages can hum along to.
Belt it out at karaoke with friends from your generation, and that excitement from back then will come rushing back—perfect for creating the best memories.
Song of LoveKōda Kumi
Kumi Koda, who dominated the 2000s music scene with her sensuality and power.
The exquisite ballad she wrote—reflecting a shift in her view of love and themed around “love is something you give”—was released in September 2007 and remains a beloved classic that still grips many hearts.
The lyrics portray the protagonist’s poignant wish and strong resolve to stay true to an unwavering love, even as she senses the end of her relationship with the one she loves—something that truly tugs at the heart.
The song also became widely known as the CM track for MTI’s “music.jp” and the support song for “World Judo 2007.” On busy days, when you want to pause and reflect on the pure form of love, try singing it with feeling.
It’s sure to fill you with warmth and a touch of nostalgia!
This is my way of life.PUFFY
PUFFY made a striking debut on the music scene in 1996.
When it comes to their signature song, it has to be that fresh, pop number written and composed by Tamio Okuda.
It was also featured in commercials and quickly became a nationwide hit.
The lyrics carry a powerful message about facing the anxieties and joys of everyday life head-on and moving forward.
Sprinkled throughout are homages to The Beatles, making it a track that music aficionados can enjoy as well.
It has been used in anime such as “KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops” and “Atashin’chi,” and is loved across generations.
When singing it at karaoke, try to channel PUFFY’s characteristically light and breezy vocal style.
Can’t Stop Fallin’ in Loveglobe
A signature hit by globe that colored the winter of 1996.
Its lyrics poignantly depict the moment of falling in love, set to a danceable rhythm with synth-pop elements.
It sold over 1.3 million copies in total and became a major hit, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks.
It was also chosen as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR ski ski,” making it a defining track of the winter season at the time.
If you sing it at karaoke, you can take on KEIKO’s distinctive tone and expressive vocals.
Try practicing before a ski trip with friends and liven up the slopes.
Unwavering WishTamura Naomi
This song is a masterpiece that drove the anime song boom of the 1990s.
Featuring Naomi Tamura’s powerful vocals and a melody that resonates deeply, it captured the hearts of many.
The lyrics, which sing about holding fast to your own wishes and moving forward toward the future with courage, still touch people today.
Released in November 1994, it peaked at No.
7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and became a major hit with total sales exceeding 1.2 million copies.
Used as the opening theme for the TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth, it stands as one of Tamura’s signature works.
When singing it at karaoke, it’s best to deliver it with strength and a positive spirit.
This is a recommended track for those who refuse to give up on their dreams amid busy days of work or childcare.