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

Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken81rank/position

PV Ken Matsudaira - Matsuken Samba II

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!

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Kei Takahata

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MoonlightKuwana Masahiro82rank/position

Masahiro Kuwana - Moonlight

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~')

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.

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kappamaki

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The White LoversKuwata Keisuke84rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

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?

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Kei Takahata

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White LoversKuwata Keisuke85rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A gem of a ballad, richly expressing the bittersweet feelings of winter love, has been delivered by Keisuke Kuwata.

It’s a moving piece that looks back on warm memories of love, as if wrapped in snow, with a sense of blessing.

Rather than lamenting a past romance as a mere failure, it impressively celebrates the moments of that love from the heart.

Accompanied by a beautiful, resonant melody, it conveys a gentle warmth within the chill of winter.

Released in October 2001, the song was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial and sold 520,000 copies on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a perfect choice for winter karaoke with family and close friends when you want to share heartwarming memories.