Great songs recommended for men. Masterpieces and popular Japanese songs that resonate with the heart.

Ultraman Gaia!Tanaka Masayuki, Daimon Kazuya

Ultraman Gaia! / Masayuki Tanaka & Kazuya Daimon full Ultraman Gaia OP

This is the opening theme of Ultraman Gaia, the final installment of the Heisei Ultraman Trilogy.

Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu liked Ultraman Gaia when he was a child, and he says that skating to this song encouraged him and made him want to continue skating.

heartbeatFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Heartbeat <31st Anniv. Live “Slow Collection”> (Short ver.)

A poignant yet warm ballad that captivatingly portrays the turmoil of an unexpected love.

The protagonist, who had decided never to fall in love, grapples with confusion and a loneliness hidden behind a brave front, all conveyed through Masaharu Fukuyama’s richly emotive vocals.

Included on his original album “AKIRA,” released in December 2020—his first in six years and eight months—the song was chosen as the theme for the drama “#Remolove: Normal Love Is for the Weak.” Its delicate melody reflects the nuances of the protagonist’s emotions, making it a deeply satisfying listen.

Try listening while thinking of someone special.

From the Open-Air Bath Above — A Poem of Comedian SpiritNO PLAN

NO PLAN "Zenryaku, rotenburo no ue yori ~ Geinin damashii no uta ~"

“Zenchaku, From the Open-Air Bath ~Poem of the Comedian’s Spirit~” is a track included on NO PLAN’s debut album released in 2004, and if you watched ‘Uchimura Produce,’ you’ll definitely enjoy listening to it.

I really hope Uchi-P comes back.

A Colorful WorldJUDY AND MARY

Colorful World JUDY AND MARY

“Irotoridori no Sekai” is a single by JUDY AND MARY released in 1998, which reached number 11 on the Oricon charts.

There is also a self-cover version by TAKUYA, who wrote and composed the song.

JEEPNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

JEEP

It’s a track that vividly conjures the image of a lone man racing down the bayside road before dawn.

As he confronts past regrets and lingering anxieties, a cup of coffee by the sea resets his heart, solidifying his resolve to move forward once again.

The brisk rhythm of the acoustic guitar and the faintly wistful harmonies seem to reflect the protagonist’s emotional nuances with striking clarity.

Released in July 1990 as the lead single from the landmark album “JEEP,” the song also speaks to Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s strong will—evident in the story that he declined commercial tie-ins to uphold his musical convictions.

For anyone feeling stuck, this song may quietly stay by your side and gently nudge you toward taking a step into tomorrow.

Song of the Old Man of Nishi-ShinjukuNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Song of the Old Man of Nishi-Shinjuku

This is a deeply human song that portrays the life of a bar owner in Nishi-Shinjuku—awkward in some ways, yet unwavering in his principles.

The father’s oft-repeated catchphrase may inspire some listeners to live fully in the present so they won’t look back with regret.

Released on the August 1990 album “JEEP,” the track was also used as an insert song in the drama “From the North Country ’92: Departure.” For those standing at a crossroads in life or hesitating before a new challenge, it carries a warm yet powerful message that gently, firmly nudges you forward.

Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: Wasted Nights [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

“I want to sprint through the present with everything I’ve got so I won’t have any regrets!” This is ONE OK ROCK’s grand anthem that stirs up that fiery feeling.

Its powerful message—like a shout that there’s no such thing as a wasted night—ignites the passion that’s been sleeping deep in your heart.

Don’t be bound by the past; the way it cherishes each moment spent with friends is sure to give you courage.

Released in February 2019, this song was created as the theme for the film “Kingdom” and is included on the album “Eye of the Storm.” You can sense the impact from the episode in which the film’s producer said it made his soul “tremble with heat.” Listen to it on anxious nights before taking on a challenge or when you want to reaffirm your bonds with friends, and it will surely give you a push forward.