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

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi57rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.

Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi58rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi – “Our Tomorrow”

This is a masterpiece imbued with a powerful, emotionally resonant rock sound and a vision of walking toward the future alongside friends.

The friendship and bonds portrayed in the music video, along with the courage to step into a new tomorrow, gently support anyone seeking strength for their heart.

Released in November 2007 by Elephant Kashimashi, led by Hiroji Miyamoto, the song was used in a commercial for House Foods’ Ukon no Chikara and came to be loved by a wide audience.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when standing at a crossroads in life, when renewing your resolve, or when you need hope for the future.

With its robust melody, it fills you with the courage to move forward—an uplifting song that warms the heart.

A café in a student districtGaro59rank/position

Garo 'The Student District Café'

There are some motivational songs that, when you listen to them, bring back old memories and make you feel ready to do your best again starting tomorrow.

Garo’s “Gakuseigai no Kissaten” is a good example.

For men in their 50s, it’s an especially nostalgic track.

Be sure to try singing it at karaoke.

A flower that blooms only hereKobukuro60rank/position

Kobukuro “A Flower That Blooms Only Here”

Kobukuro is a duo that’s popular across genders and generations.

Their song “Koko ni Shika Sakanai Hana” was released as a single in 2005 and was written as the theme song for the drama Ruri no Shima starring Riko Narumi.

It’s widely loved as a song that supports you through tough times and moments when you feel like giving up—one that’s sure to move anyone who listens.

Consider choosing it for karaoke when you want a song to really belt out or to showcase your vocals.

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utatane

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YELLKobukuro61rank/position

YELL ~A Cheer~ / Kobukuro

Released in 2001 as Kobukuro’s major-label debut single.

The song was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Ucchikuru!?”, a Tokyo Marine & Nichido commercial song, and the theme for TBS’s “Yell.” It reached No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With its beautiful harmonies and uplifting lyrics, it’s a song that gives you courage and energy.

Footprints of TimeKobukuro62rank/position

Kobukuro – Footsteps of Time

This uplifting song by Kobukuro—who have grown into artists boasting nationwide popularity thanks to their down-to-earth personas and deeply affecting vocals—builds a vibrant mood that will lift your spirits.

It’s a perfect fit for women in their 30s as well.

excuseSha ran Q63rank/position

Sharan Q 'Excuse'

One of Sharam Q’s biggest hit singles and a signature song.

Its lyrics portray the miscommunication and lingering feelings in romance with both humor and poignancy, resonating strongly with young people at the time.

Singing Sharam Q at karaoke inevitably gets everyone hyped! Tsunku’s distinctive slightly nasal tone really sets the mood.

If you’re not used to a nasal delivery, it can throw off your pitch, so I recommend not overthinking it and projecting your voice firmly.

Especially in the chorus, singing out strongly adds contrast and makes the song sound cooler overall!

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Kubota Mami

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