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. Masterpieces packed with manly bravery and aesthetics (1–10)
outdatedKawashima Eigo
It’s one of Eigo Kawashima’s signature songs, exuding a bittersweet mood as if spending a calm moment in a tavern while reflecting on one’s way of life.
The simple, piano-centered arrangement seems to further highlight Kawashima’s powerful yet warm vocals.
The lyrics, which feel like a portrait of a clumsy man’s way of living, are striking—you can picture someone who instinctively puts his family and friends before himself, and who takes pride in that self, even if no one else understands.
Runnerbakufū suranpu
While they were initially seen as a novelty band due to their outrageous performances, the four-piece rock band Bakufu Slump won popularity with catchy songs and solid musicianship.
This is their 12th single.
The lyrics were written for bassist Hojin Egawa, who at the time had decided to leave the band, and the arrangement—brimming with the sense of speed suggested by the title—helped make it a major hit.
Even if youth leads you down the wrong path, you still keep moving forward—that message truly captures the way of life of a man chasing his dreams.
Powerful yet tinged with melancholy and poignancy, this is one of Bakufu Slump’s signature songs.
No.1UVERworld
The 17th single by UVERworld, a six-member rock band known for their passionate, straightforward lyrics that have earned them the label “a band that makes men cry,” and for a robust yet delicate rock sound that’s won fans primarily through their live performances.
The bold lyrics, drawn from their own experiences and emotions, and the rapidly unfolding ensemble really crank up the adrenaline.
Their message—publicly declaring your dreams and goals and living to see them through—is something many men will admire and relate to.
It’s a modern rock tune that ignites the heart, packed with an ideal vision of how a man might live.
[A Man’s Way of Life] Songs of Men: Masterpieces Brimming with Manly Bravery and Aesthetics (11–20)
sonetACIDMAN
Within its grand melody, this song holds both the resolve to live boldly and a gentle tenderness.
Set against the vast nature of Hokkaido, it portrays life’s joys and sorrows through the moon and stars shining in the night sky, and the falling rain and snow.
Along the journey of chasing dreams, it leaves a deep afterglow that quietly speaks to the importance of living true to oneself.
The track was pre-released by ACIDMAN in December 2024, with the CD following in January 2025.
Chosen as the ending theme for the final episode of WOWOW’s drama “Renzoku Drama W Golden Kamuy — Hokkaido Tattooed Prisoner Contest Arc,” it is also complemented by striking footage shot on location in Hokkaido by film director Shigeaki Kubo.
When you stand at a crossroads in life or face an important decision, this is a song that will stay close to your heart.
My WayDef Tech
This song passionately sings about the importance of walking your own path.
It conveys a powerful determination to keep moving toward lofty ideals while staying grounded, offering strong encouragement to listeners.
The warmly enveloping melody and its positive message blend beautifully.
Featured on the album “Def Tech,” released in January 2005, the track garnered numerous tie-ins, including a Yokohama Tires commercial song, a theme song for high school baseball, and an insert song for the film “Crows Zero II.” Def Tech’s signature Jawaiian reggae sound will be a reliable companion when you need the courage to chase your dreams or a boost to fire yourself up.
an unfamiliar roadSHERBETS
SHERBETS is a four-piece rock band formed around Kenichi Asai, known as the former frontman of BLANKEY JET CITY.
“Shiranai Michi,” included on their 12th album Midnight Chocolate, became a talked-about track thanks to its music video, which is both surreal and unpretentious—featuring scenes like all the members riding bicycles.
The ensemble creates a lyrical atmosphere that, together with Asai’s distinctive vocals, evokes a sense of nostalgia.
It’s a rock tune brimming with a floating feel, delivering a pleasantly classic rock sound.
SymphonyHirai Dai
A song by Dai Hirai that powerfully sings of feelings for a loved one, as if telling a hero’s story of life.
Like the heroes we all admired, the determination to grow stronger for the sake of someone you must protect strikes a chord.
Produced in April 2023 as the theme song for the live-action film “TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room — The Movie,” it beautifully blends Hirai’s gentle, warm vocals with the grandeur of an orchestral sound.
The lyrics, linked to the film’s worldview, are sure to gently encourage everyone striving for the sake of someone dear.
Filled with love, Hirai’s voice makes this a song you’ll want to hear when your feelings for family, a partner, friends, or anyone special grow strong.