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)
Timing ~Timing~Burakku Bisukettsu
Black Biscuits is a music unit that originated from a variety show in the late ’90s.
Sung by a comical trio, this song uses the keyword “timing” to capture everyday misunderstandings and frustrations, resulting in a catchy, approachable track.
Released on April 22, 1998, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts and became a million-seller with around two million copies sold.
The song enjoyed a resurgence on TikTok in 2022, surpassing 2 billion plays, and it continues to be loved by many.
In karaoke, its upbeat rhythm and relatable lyrics make it a crowd-pleaser across generations—perfect for getting the group energized.
Recommended for women (11–20)
The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo
Shiina Ringo’s signature song “Koufukuron” (“The Theory of Happiness”).
Unlike her current style, this was a hit from the period when she was singing fairly mainstream pop.
It’s an upbeat track, but the melodies in the A and B sections are deliberately dropped by a semitone to create a sense of unease.
As a result, even though it’s bright pop, it somehow comes across with a bit of a punk edge.
DEPARTURESglobe
Globe is a music unit formed by music producer Tetsuya Komuro—who created the “Komuro Family” and defined an era—together with Marc Panther and KEIKO.
Released on January 1, 1996, DEPARTURES became a massive hit, achieving double million sales and standing as one of their signature songs.
It was also used as the CM song for JR East’s JR Ski Ski campaign, which makes it the kind of track you can’t help but want to listen to in winter! The vocal key is on the higher side, but it’s a song that feels great to sing.
Why not try singing it while reminiscing about the romances of your youth?
Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover
From the emotion-filled intro that instantly makes you go “Wow, this is so nostalgic,” My Little Lover’s “Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Always Been~” never loses its shine.
Released in 1995, it’s often recommended as a classic go-to for women at karaoke.
The clear vocals and expansive sound feel wonderful whether you’re singing or listening.
It’s like time-traveling in an instant, so sing it while reminiscing about your youth!
Single AgainTakeuchi Mariya
“Single Again” is Mariya Takeuchi’s 18th single, released in 1989.
It’s well known that her husband is Tatsuro Yamashita.
The song was used as the 8th theme for Nippon TV’s Tuesday Suspense Theater from 1989 to 1990, so many people may have first discovered it when it was playing on TV back then.
More recently, it has become hugely popular overseas thanks to YouTube videos, and its recognition abroad has grown.
It does take a bit of vocal ability to sing, but its nostalgic vibe is sure to lift your spirits.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
When it comes to aiko’s signature songs, “Kabutomushi” definitely comes to mind! Her previous single “Hanabi” was also a huge hit, but this one shifts to a gently soothing ballad.
It’s a heartrending track where she compares her inability to be honest in love to a rhinoceros beetle.
Insects like beetles are covered in a shell and seem strong at first glance, but aiko apparently thought that if you were to peel off that shell, they might actually be weak and lonely creatures.
It’s also a popular karaoke pick, so it’s a recommended number for ballad lovers!
Shape of LoveMISIA feat.HIDE(GReeeeN)
Released in 2018, MISIA’s “Ai no Katachi” is a collaboration song with HIDE from GReeeeN.
The track was used as the theme song for the TBS TV drama “Stepmom and Daughter’s Blues.” It was also featured in a commercial for SUBARU’s Levorg, which speaks to how outstanding the song is.
Beyond the song itself, MISIA enjoys immense popularity among women of the same generation.
Many people in their 40s likely sing MISIA at karaoke, don’t they? With its slow tempo and easy-to-remember melody, it’s a song you’ll definitely want to try singing.
Let’s all sing along to the exhilarating build-up in the latter half!