A Man’s Way of Life: Songs of Men. Masterpieces packed with manly valor and aesthetics.
We’ve gathered a collection of classic songs packed with the aesthetics of manhood.
Across every genre—rock, pop, enka—you’ll find the way men live sung about in many forms.
Men may usually keep things inside, yet hold firm convictions; their willingness to take on challenges, or conversely, the strength to face their own vulnerabilities, also feels distinctly masculine.
A broad-minded generosity and single-minded devotion can be especially attractive from a woman’s perspective, too.
In this article, we introduce many timeless tracks that touch on the path of a man’s life and on love.
Every song is valiant and stirring.
Music by men that even men admire—let’s listen closely and take it all in!
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[A Man’s Way of Life] Songs of Men: Classic tracks packed with manly bravery and aesthetics (71–80)
Man BoatHosokawa Takashi
Set in Esashi, Hokkaido, this is a powerful enka song that portrays the heart of a fisherman braving rough seas while thinking of his mother.
The melancholic blend of Tsugaru shamisen and trumpet leaves a strong impression, and the piece was released in July 2024 to commemorate Takashi Hosokawa’s 50th anniversary in the performing arts.
Through the fisherman’s way of life, it depicts the harshness of life and the pursuit of dreams, delivering a moving experience for listeners.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to savor traditional Japanese musicality or who need the courage to face life head-on.
ComradeToba Ichirō
This is a work that passionately sings of bonds between men.
Released in February 2025, it features the distinctive vocal ornamentation unique to enka throughout.
Toba’s singing powerfully conveys the feelings of men who have weathered life’s rough seas, which is particularly striking.
You can sense both a humble acceptance of one’s place and a proud appreciation of ties with friends.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to in moments when you want to savor life together with your comrades.
to the point of being reportedSION
This song by singer-songwriter SION is striking for its husky voice that sinks deep into the heart and a vocal delivery that feels as if he’s speaking directly to you.
The calm, unhurried soundscape seems to further enhance the huskiness of his voice.
While gently accompanying the pain we all experience as we live our lives, the song offers words of encouragement to keep moving forward.
Its passionate message, urging us to steadily head toward the future, resonates straight to the heart—amplified by the distinctive vocal style.
While listening to a distant train whistleArisu
A masterpiece whose expansive, crystal-clear melody seeps into the heart.
It’s included on the 1976 album “ALICE V.” The lyrics, which sing of the passage of time and the bittersweetness of youth, are deeply moving.
You can feel the strong will to overcome life’s hardships and challenges, entrusted to the sound of a distant train whistle.
It was also performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1996 and 2005, stirring the hearts of many.
When you want to reassess your path or take a new step forward, this song will surely give you a gentle push.
Why not lend an ear to Alice’s soulful singing?
When I turn around, the Sea of JapanItsuki Hiroshi
The man who appears in this song is a traveler.
There’s a common saying that you only become a true man by traveling alone, and this song really makes you think about that.
It’s a track by the double-Itsuki duo, and it was revealed at the time of its release about 13 years ago that this was actually their first collaboration.
mountainKitajima Saburō
Saburo Kitajima’s portrayal of a man’s way of life is deeply moving.
This work expresses an unwavering will like a majestic mountain.
You can gradually feel the strength to overcome life’s rough seas.
Although released in January 2022, it’s a masterpiece that conveys a timeless universality, like the earth itself.
Its life philosophy, linked with a yearning for mountains, is also superb.
It’s imbued with the resolve to fear no hardship and stay true to one’s own path.
A song you should listen to when you’re uncertain about work or life.
Kitajima’s voice, steeped in a masculine aesthetic, will surely give you a push forward.
Northern SpringSen Masao
A warm timbre that evokes the arrival of spring resonates pleasantly.
The lyrics, which carefully depict nostalgia for one’s hometown and feelings for family, are truly moving.
Masao Sen’s powerful yet emotionally rich vocals gently envelop the listener’s heart.
Released in April 1977, this song won the Japan Record Award’s Long Seller Prize.
It became a massive hit, selling over three million copies, and was performed many times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
A perfect track to listen to in the spring season.
Highly recommended for those living away from their hometown or those carrying feelings for someone dear.