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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- 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 filled with manly bravery and aesthetics (51–60)
Daddy’s SongImawano Kiyoshirō
It’s both a cheer song for working fathers and a song dedicated to children.
A dad isn’t defined only by who he is at home.
At home he may not look so cool.
But in the daytime, Dad shines.
Used as a commercial jingle, it resonated with fathers who feel invisible at home, while also drawing attention as an anthem supporting tired salarymen.
Real FaceKAT-TUN
It’s their debut single, released on March 22, 2006.
It sold 1.046 million copies and topped the Oricon annual singles chart.
The lyrics were written by Shikao Suga and the music was composed by Takahiro Matsumoto.
Suga, who wrote the lyrics, later covered the song himself on his own album.
With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira
This is an uplifting track whose charm lies in the seamless harmony between a powerful vocal style grounded in Akira Kobayashi’s enka and a stylish sound that incorporates Eiichi Ohtaki–like strings.
The expansive, panoramic feel of both the vocals and the arrangement evokes the emotions felt on a journey and the memories accumulated along the way.
The Western-film atmosphere in the sound and the train-like rocking rhythm convey a straight, vivid image of traveling the world.
Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu
A love song woven by Masaharu Fukuyama, a gem of a ballad overflowing with warm affection.
Its gentle melody tenderly embraces the precious feelings you share, harmonizing beautifully with heartwarming lyrics that focus on marriage and family bonds.
It carefully portrays gratitude toward one’s partner and hope for a future walked together, making it a timeless masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in August 2011, the song was featured in the commercial for Recruit’s wedding magazine Zexy and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It has continued to be cherished at many weddings ever since.
This is a song that stays close to the heart—one to listen to when you want to feel the bond with someone special or when you’re about to take a new step in life.
[A Man’s Way of Life] Songs of Men: Classic tracks packed with masculine bravado and aesthetics (61–70)
Naked HeroVaundy
This is a song by the singer-songwriter Vaundy, which was also used as the theme song for the anime Ranking of Kings.
Its powerful sound, as if rousing one’s inner courage, is striking, and it conveys emotions of a man’s strong will and determination.
The lyrics, which depict the kindness of trying to protect what’s important and the resolve to gain the strength to do so, resonate deeply and bring the story’s themes to mind.
Vaundy’s slightly raspy vocals are also memorable, conveying a strong sense of gentleness and fragility.
When singing it at karaoke, it’s worth keeping that distinctive vocal quality in mind.
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.
It’s Tough Being a ManAtsumi Kiyoshi
A signature song by Kiyoshi Atsumi that has been loved across generations.
His warm voice and lyrics that capture the subtleties of life really sink into the heart.
While depicting a man’s struggles and inner conflict, it also carries the hope that any hardship can be overcome.
Known as the theme song for the film series of the same name that began in 1969, it was released as a single in February 1970.
The films became such a popular series that 48 installments were produced and it was recognized by Guinness World Records.
It’s a song that lets you savor the feelings men usually keep inside, at an unhurried pace.
The kind of piece you want to listen to when you’re lost in life, or on a quiet, long night.