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

First loveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada “First Love” (Short Version)

Hikaru Utada’s “Hatsukoi” is a single released in 2018.

Many women in their 40s probably remember her debut days.

Of course, the songs from that time are wonderful, but she’s a songstress who has continued to create increasingly delicate and artistic music as the years go by.

Brimming with her many charms, this track was reportedly written as the image song for the TBS drama “Hana Nochi Hare: Hanadan Next Season.” Sink into Hikaru Utada’s world with its calm atmosphere, and enjoy singing it comfortably!

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Yuuko.S

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I just feel like crying.Nagayama Miho

I just feel like crying.

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.

flareSuperfly

Superfly “Flare” (Music Video) — Theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Scarlet”

Superfly’s “Flare,” which was used as the theme song for the 2019 NHK morning drama series “Scarlet,” was released in 2019.

The lyrics feel as if they cheer on women in their 40s who are busy with childcare and work, and the melody’s bright, Latin-like rhythm lifts your spirits just by listening.

So when you’re busy and starting to feel worn out, please try singing this song.

You’ll receive sun-like brightness and energy from it!

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Yuuko.S

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Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY

PUFFY 'Et Cetera Related to the Beach' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

PUFFY is a distinctive female duo whose music is striking for its unique sensibility: while their songs often have a bright, standout tone, they also carry a subtly ennui-laden atmosphere.

They’re also known as fashion icons, and I believe many women in their 40s admired their fashion and musical style.

Among PUFFY’s tracks, the one I especially recommend is Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Et Cetera.

Although it sits a bit on the higher side, the vocal range itself is relatively narrow—mid2B to hiC#—so as long as you sing it in an appropriate key, you shouldn’t struggle with vocal production.

Since much of it is sung in chest voice, trying to deliver the chorus in a speaking-like tone is a good approach.

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Ryo

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Love againglobe

globe / Love again #Theme song of “Love Jōtō” #BADLY_IN_LOVE #Bad Relationship

People in their 40s are the generation that matched perfectly with the Komuro Sound, right? globe, in particular, was incredibly popular.

However, many of globe’s songs are quite high, and as we get older, a lot of their famous tracks can feel harder to sing.

That’s why I recommend Love again.

While it does have some high notes, its range is slightly narrower for a female song—roughly from mid1F to hiC.

Because of that, you can lower the key by a wider margin, making it easier to find your ideal key, and the pitch movement is relatively simple compared to other globe songs.

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Ryo

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Don’t give upZARD

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

ZARD is an indispensable presence in the Japanese music scene of the ’90s, and for many women in their 40s today, their songs undoubtedly evoke the soundtracks of youth.

The late Izumi Sakai’s clear vocals and heartfelt lyrics never lose their luster, and they’re still hugely popular at karaoke.

“Makenaide” is one of ZARD’s most famous songs, a true classic with nationwide acclaim.

While the pitch is slightly on the higher side, it’s generally average overall, and the melody is straightforward without large leaps in range, making it a good candidate for high karaoke scores.

Aim to articulate each word of the lyrics clearly, and sing the chorus with crisp, powerful delivery!

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.