Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 40s [2026]

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki29rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

A signature work by Noriyuki Makihara that delivers a universal message about living true to yourself, carried by a powerful yet gentle melody.

It’s a classic imbued with a strong resolve to value your true self, even while grappling with doubts and anxieties in life.

Also included on the album “Who Will You Share a Happy Yawn With?”, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies within six months of its June 1991 release.

It was chosen as the entrance march for the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1992.

The melody is marked by an acoustic guitar and a calm tempo, making it easy to sing.

It’s a song that resonates at life’s crossroads or when you feel you might lose yourself, and it’s cherished by many.

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai30rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

This is the second single by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, a sweet-and-sour portrayal of irreplaceable days spent with a lover.

Released in December 2003, it was featured as the opening theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV” and the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!”, making it a familiar tune in households across Japan.

Its sprightly arrangement incorporating brass instruments and an irresistibly bouncy pop melody leave a strong impression.

The lyrics look back on memories shared with a partner over two years, depicting a deep bond so strong that even quarrels and hardships feel precious.

The charming image of two lovers is likened to a pair of fruits nestled together.

The song has also been adopted as the departure melody at JR West’s Sakuranomiya Station, so you may hear it often with the arrival of spring.

It’s the perfect number for rekindling the thrill of new love or getting everyone pumped up at karaoke.

A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi31rank/position

Fall in Love - Koibito ni Ochite by Akiko Kobayashi

With its exquisite key and tempo that suit a wide range of singers, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a fun, confidence-boosting song for karaoke-loving women in their 40s.

The sophisticated melody and lyrics by Yumi Matsutoya have been loved across generations, and when paired with the comfortable accompaniment, you’ll feel as if the karaoke room instantly transforms into a magical summer world.

Enjoy a wonderful moment with this song, which is upbeat yet composed, and cherished by a broad audience.

HELLOFukuyama Masaharu32rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – HELLO (Full ver.)

The song “HELLO,” distinguished by its acoustic guitar, is a hit released by Masaharu Fukuyama in the 1990s.

It also gained popularity as a TV drama theme song, and its appeal can be summed up in its pleasant melodic line.

Brimming with positive energy, the lyrics carry a power that moves many people.

Loved by a wide range of ages, this track is also recommended as a karaoke staple.

It’s easy to sing, and its melody—something everyone hums at least once—has a timeless, universal charm.

TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya33rank/position

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

Singer-songwriter Fumiya Fujii, who also took the nation by storm as the lead vocalist of The Checkers.

Written, composed, and produced by him, this ballad gently sings of memories with a lover who has gone.

The acoustic guitar tones and Fujii’s tender, comforting voice slowly seep into a taut heart.

Released as a single in November 1993, it became a major hit as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Asunaro Hakusho,” and was later included on the album “Angel.” It’s a track you’ll want to listen to leisurely with a warm cup of tea when the daily grind leaves you feeling breathless.

It’s sure to become a talisman-like song that quietly loosens your heart.

Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato34rank/position

Chisato Moritaka 'Watarase Bridge' (Music Video)

This is Chisato Moritaka’s 17th single, released in January 1993.

Chosen as the theme song for a travel program on TV Tokyo, it became widely beloved, spending 15 consecutive weeks on the Oricon charts.

As the lyrics quietly reflect on a past love while gazing at the city at dusk, Moritaka’s clear, translucent voice blends beautifully with the song.

Later adopted as the departure melody at Ashikaga Station, the piece has continued to be cherished by the local community.

The simple timbre of the alto recorder leaves a warm afterglow in the heart.

It’s a classic that gently stays by your side on nights when you want to softly unwind taut emotions.

for a long timeKiroro35rank/position

Kiroro “Nagaimono” Official Music Video

Nagaira, one of Kiroro’s signature songs released in January 1998.

The overall vocal range is A3 to C5, with F4 used the most, so this calm range should be very singable for women in their 40s.

The high notes come on the syllable “na” in the chorus, which is tricky to pronounce, so you need to project more firmly than you might think.

Try pinching your nose and saying syllables in the “na” and “ma” rows.

When you try it, your voice will usually sound nasal… However, once you can produce a good tone even with that nasal quality, the nasality drops away, and the usually nasal “na” and “ma” sounds become easier to pronounce.

Give it a try!

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Kubota Mami

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