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Recommended Japanese Music Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Men in Their 50s [2026]

Once you’re in your fifties, some lyrics start to feel deeper, while there are also more songs that just don’t resonate anymore.

You might find it harder to come across new favorites, but we’ve put together a ranking of recommended Japanese artists and popular songs especially for men in their fifties.

Be sure to check it out!

Recommended Japanese Music Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Men in Their 50s [2026] (71–80)

Hold On MeKohiruimaki Kahoru78rank/position

Kahoru Kohiruimaki “Hold On Me” Official Music Video
Hold On MeKohiruimaki Kahoru

Kahoru Kohiruimaki is a female singer who garnered popularity for her strikingly low, cool vocal timbre and soulful singing.

It was an exceptional achievement for a Japanese artist at the time that she was recognized by figures like Maurice White and Prince.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Hold On Me.

While the track carries hints of soul and R&B, the vocal lines themselves contain elements of Showa-era kayōkyoku, making it easier to sing than it might sound at first.

The range isn’t very wide either, so it’s a good choice for women in their 50s with lower voices.

loveMatsuyama Chiharu79rank/position

Love Chiharu Matsuyama 1979
loveMatsuyama Chiharu

Released in 1980 as Chiharu Matsuyama’s eighth single.

The lyrics and music were written by Chiharu Matsuyama, and it reached No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It has been covered by many artists regardless of gender, and Matsuyama’s straightforward, soaring vocals make it a song that soothes the sadness of heartbreak.

Matsuken SambaMatsudaira Ken80rank/position

[Official] Ken Matsudaira “Matsuken Samba II” MV
Matsuken SambaMatsudaira Ken

Ken Matsudaira, well-known as an actor in period dramas, delivers a delightful song that plays on the contrast with his dignified on-screen persona.

It began as part of a kayō (popular song) segment in his stage performances and then spread throughout the country.

The uplifting feeling comes through from the bright, kimono-inspired costumes and the sound that evokes the lively atmosphere of samba.

Perhaps it’s a song that blends period-drama aesthetics with contemporary music into a vibrant world that brings joy to listeners of all generations.

Top Japanese Music Artists and Popular Songs Recommended for Men in Their 50s [2026] (Ranks 81–90)

Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken81rank/position

PV Ken Matsudaira - Matsuken Samba II
Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken

A single by Ken Matsudaira, who is mainly active in period dramas, released in July 2004.

As the title includes “II,” it seems there are a total of five releases in the Matsuken Samba series, but the one generally known is Matsuken Samba II, which we’re introducing here.

This is a song that just makes you feel happy as you listen, so there’s no need for difficult explanations to sing it! Just get into the bright, fun rhythm and enjoy! Despite being called a samba, the rhythm and arrangement aren’t really samba at all—but that’s part of its charm!

MoonlightKuwana Masahiro82rank/position

This is a song by Masahiro Kuwana, who sadly passed away and is still missed.

People tend to focus on his wild, unconventional lifestyle, but he also sang beautiful ballads like this one.

It may not be among the most popular choices for karaoke, but for those who know it, it’s a deeply moving, mature song.

Give it a try and sing it.

being teased; being pranked; being tampered withKuwata Keisuke83rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Teased (Kayō Suspense Video ver. + Trailer for the video work 'THE ROOTS ~With Gratitude to the Great Kayōkyoku~')
being teased; being pranked; being tampered withKuwata Keisuke

This song, strongly influenced by classic kayōkyoku to match the program’s concept, was unveiled as a new track on the show “Gratitude for the Great Kayōkyoku: Songs of Tokyo,” featuring Keisuke Kuwata.

Its playful spirit shines through in the sound and lyrics, sprinkled with touches that evoke kayōkyoku and suspense dramas.

With a gentle rhythm and minimal melodic leaps, it’s a piece you can sing in a relaxed manner.

The lyrics, depicting a romantic scene tinged with mystery, are another highlight—so be sure to sing it with an emphasis on mood.

The White LoversKuwata Keisuke84rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)
The White LoversKuwata Keisuke

As a solo artist, Keisuke Kuwata’s seventh single overall, released in October 2001.

It was used as the song for Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercials, in which Kuwata himself appeared, as well as for UNIQLO’s “LifeWear/HEATTECH: Winter Is the Time to Go Outside” commercials.

You could truly call this a staple of late-’90s to early-2000s J-pop.

Many songs from that era are very easy to sing, and this ballad is no exception—it’s something anyone can casually sing and enjoy.

It might even be fun to sing it while doing a Kuwata-style impression, don’t you think?