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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- Songs men like. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
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- [For Men] This song is perfect for hyping up the crowd at karaoke!
- Perfect for karaoke or background music! Energetic songs recommended for men of the Yutori generation
- An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.
- Iconic songs men will want to sing! Karaoke tracks recommended for Gen Z
- 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: Masterpieces Brimming with Manly Bravery and Aesthetics (11–20)
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
Kazuyoshi Saito is known for many cool, rugged, masculine tracks, but this song is a gentle, tender ballad.
It’s been covered by many artists, including Bank Band.
The protagonist, a singer, can say anything when he puts it into a song—even words of love that would normally be too embarrassing to speak.
If you find it hard to straightforwardly say you like someone or to express words of love, try putting those feelings into a song—you’ll look incredibly cool doing it!
Endless JourneyMr.Children
This is one of Mr.
Children’s signature works, featuring impressive lyrics that depict the journey of life and a grand, sweeping sound.
Its universal messages—about the importance of moving forward, the courage to face hardship, and the quest to find your ideal self—resonate deeply.
Released in October 1998 and used as the theme song for the TV drama “Naguru Onna,” it became one of their defining tracks.
It’s a song that will surely support those who keep striving toward their dreams and goals, as well as those standing at a crossroads or searching for themselves.
countrysideTamaki Kōji
This is a gem of a masterpiece by Koji Tamaki, depicting people who, while facing the weaknesses and conflicts hidden within, live with strength.
The song richly portrays life as it is: a solitary soul kicking a stone, eyes gazing at the night sky in prayer, and an oil-stained back fallen silent.
Its melody gently teaches the importance of not overreaching, but simply taking one step at a time and steadily doing what you can.
Released in July 1996, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Coach” and became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels lost or anxious in daily life, or who is searching for a way of living that is true to themselves.
Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman
A heartwarming message song that sings the value of those who support others and work hard behind the scenes.
Rather than glamorizing the people who shine on center stage, it brilliantly captures the spirit of those who keep supporting from the shadows.
Its lively sound—melding pop and R&B—stands out alongside a melodic progression.
Written by the three members of Beverly Goodman for broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” starting in December 2024, the song’s powerful energy and warm vocals resonate with everyone facing life head-on.
It’s a track meant for those who worry about going unnoticed at school or work, and for those who keep dedicating themselves to someone else.
The Goofy Man’s WayKanjani∞
A song by Kanjani Eight that evokes the pursuit of an ideal image of manhood, provided by Takeya Uenaka of the rock band THE Inazuma Sentai.
With a bright, groovy sound that incorporates funk elements and lyrics that feel like they’re calling out to oneself, the song clearly conveys a fun atmosphere.
While empathizing with the hardships we experience in everyday life, it also urges us to put on a brave face and live with strength.
homeKiyama Yusaku
A song from a father’s perspective by Yusaku Kiyama that weaves together the deep love of a parent cherishing their child and the joys of parenting, expressed through a gentle vocal and ballad melody.
It delivers to the heart, along with the warm tones of the piano, everyday moments shared with a child, a parent’s feelings as they watch their child grow, and messages to the child.
Released in February 2008 as his major-label debut on tearbridge records, it was chosen as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya.” In December of the same year, he performed at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
This is a song you’ll want to listen to during life’s important milestones—such as graduations and weddings—when you want to feel the bond between parent and child.
[A Man’s Way of Life] Songs of Men: A collection of masterpieces filled with manly valor and aesthetics (21–30)
Until the World Ends…WANDS
This is the eighth single by WANDS, a three-member rock band regarded as a leading act among Being artists who dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s.
The song was used as an ending theme for the TV anime Slam Dunk, and it’s a track packed with WANDS’ appeal, featuring a dramatic guitar-driven intro and a catchy melody.
The lyrics portray the lingering feelings of chasing someone’s memory after a breakup—something many men can likely relate to.
It’s a pop tune tinged with melancholy, conveying a straightforward sincerity and vulnerability that delve into a man’s inner emotions.
