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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- An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.
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- Great songs recommended for men. Masterpieces and popular Japanese songs that resonate with the heart.
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
[A Man’s Way of Life] Songs of Men: Classic tracks packed with manly bravery and aesthetics (71–80)
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.
Is it okay if I cry?yashiki takajin
This song candidly lays bare a man’s vulnerability.
Takajin Yashiki’s distinctive voice rides a melody that is both heartrending and powerful, resonating deeply.
Released in April 1992, the track became a turning point in his career.
That September, he also released an album of the same name, “Naite mo Ii ka.” When you’re hurt by love and feel like voicing your weakness, listening to this song may give you courage.
Celebrated as a masterpiece that sings of a man’s delicate emotions, it continues to stay close to many hearts.
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.
A Man’s LifeKitajima Saburō
A heartfelt, powerful song that reexamines the joys and sorrows of life and celebrates living with sincerity.
It carefully weaves together a half-life spent overcoming hardships and trials while valuing duty and truth.
Released by Saburo Kitajima in January 2011, this work conveys the sentiments of his more than 50-year career in show business with a mature vocal performance that deeply resonates with listeners.
While honoring the traditional flavor of enka, the song features contemporary arrangements that give it a profoundly moving quality that sinks into the heart.
It is a gem of a masterpiece to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life or want to savor your gratitude toward someone important.
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.