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!
- Men’s enka: a collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their fighting spirit
- [Tears Guaranteed] Heartwarming songs I especially want men to hear
- Must-see for men: Songs that look cool if you can sing them at karaoke—numbers that women can’t help but be captivated by.
- Energetic songs recommended for men
- Coming-of-age songs for your 50s: heart-thumping × heartwarming classics and popular tracks [2026]
- Songs men like. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
- [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: A collection of masterpieces filled with manly valor and aesthetics (21–30)
YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA
One of CHAGE and ASKA’s hit songs, “YAH YAH YAH,” is a cool track with a macho worldview, sung with a fist thrust in the air.
It was the theme song for the TV drama “If You Turn Around, He’s There,” in which Yūji Oda played a very dangerous man.
It might be considered a quintessential song representing men.
SubaruTanimura Shinji
A signature solo song by Shinji Tanimura, who is also active as a member of Alice, it is notable for its soaring vocals that seem to carry far into the distance and its grand sound.
Blending acoustic tones that evoke elements of folk music with an expansive atmosphere enriched by strings, the piece conveys both strength and warmth.
It gives the impression of a man moving straight toward a distant dream, as if gazing up at a faraway starry sky and letting his thoughts wander.
[A Man’s Way of Life] Songs of Men: Classic tracks packed with manly valor and aesthetics (31–40)
HeroFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
Every now and then, we should show some appreciation for dads, right? The “hero” in the title is a word dedicated to hardworking fathers.
The lyrics are sung with great honesty and filled with love, and they make you feel like you can keep doing your best starting tomorrow.
My Adidas: Aspirations as a Human BeingTakehara Pisutoru
This is a song by singer-songwriter Pistol Takehara, whose appeal lies in the powerful message that encourages the importance of believing in yourself and the courage to keep moving forward.
The sheer number of words—almost rap-like—is striking, conveying a desperate urge to communicate and a sense of overflowing emotion.
It feels like an expression of a strong will to move ahead, even awkwardly, and the presence of sneakers in the title and lyrics evokes a vivid image of the strength to take a step forward.
1sec.10-FEET
This is their 11th single.
It was used as a song in the movie Crows Zero II.
The surreal music video is a must-see as well.
Featuring guitarist-vocalist TAKUMA’s striking roar, it’s a fiery track brimming with a rugged, masculine rock vibe.
Karajishi Botan (Chinese Lion and Peony)Takakura Ken
When you say “yakuza,” it does sound unsavory, but call them “kyokaku” (chivalrous outlaws) and it evokes a cool, ideal man—in other words, it brings to mind Ken Takakura.
Even from the intro it feels old-fashioned, but I think it’s a song any man who admires the Japanese masculine ideal can’t help but relate to.
The lyrics apologizing to the mother who gave birth to him are especially heartrending.
water lily blossomShonan no Kaze
This song by Shonan no Kaze really gets everyone hyped, doesn’t it? The rap part in the song is super exciting too.
In the music video, there’s footage that looks like a live performance, and the crowd is swinging towels around — it looks so much fun.