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

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko36rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

Aiko’s signature love song “Kabutomushi.” The overall vocal range is quite wide, from F3 to F5, but it’s very easy to sing if you switch between chest voice and falsetto.

The A and B sections sit firmly in a lower range, and while the chorus climbs higher than you might expect, it may help to switch decisively to a falsetto base from there.

To switch smoothly between registers, stable pitch is essential.

If you keep your eyebrows raised or make a surprised face, you can maintain accurate pitch centered between your eyebrows without letting it drop into your throat.

Also, when singing high notes, if you hold back and produce the sound halfway, it will definitely be harder to hit, so try projecting your voice solidly!

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Kubota Mami

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Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato37rank/position

Chisato Moritaka 'Watarase Bridge' (Music Video)

Looking up at the sky at dusk, I suddenly find myself remembering an old love.

That distinctly autumnal, sentimental mood is perfectly captured by Chisato Moritaka’s classic song.

With lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays the aching feelings of someone thinking of a past love, set on a real bridge in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture.

The vivid depiction of the sunset as seen from that spot paints a scene you can almost see, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in January 1993 as her 17th single, the song is also included on the album “Lucky 7.” It became well-known as the ending theme for the TV program “Ii Tabi, Yume Kibo.” It’s the kind of track you’ll want to savor on a slightly chilly evening, a warm drink in hand.

I can’t stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase38rank/position

Nanase Aikawa / I Can’t Be a Dreaming Girl

When it comes to songs that made a powerful impact on the rock scene of the ’90s, many people might recall Nanase Aikawa’s debut single.

Produced by Tetsurō Oda, the track was created under the concept of “dark rock that isn’t upbeat,” and, paired with Aikawa’s distinctive vocals, it garnered significant attention.

Released in November 1995, the song was included the following year on the 1996 album Red, which debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon album chart.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for the Fuji TV drama V no Honō (“Flames of V”), winning support from a wide audience.

Portraying the feelings of a woman with a strong, independent spirit, this song is one that everyone pursuing their true self should hear.

FriendsREBECCA39rank/position

Friends – Rebecca (Full)

Rebecca, a band emblematic of the late ’80s.

Their popular song “Friends,” released in 1985 as their fourth single, is a rock number tinged with poignancy and is highly recommended for those who want to sing their hearts out with raw emotion.

The explosive, rousing chorus is the highlight, so open your mouth wide and project from your diaphragm.

It feels great for listeners too when someone goes all-in, regardless of how technically good they are! Let’s blow away everyone’s stress with a powerful singing voice!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko40rank/position

vexing lips

Mariko Takahashi has remained popular since the 1970s.

She’s an exceptionally long-running artist who stayed at the forefront into the 1990s.

Because of that, I think even women in their 40s are quite familiar with her songs.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Hagayui Kuchibiru (“Frustrated Lips”).

It’s a striking piece featuring vocals influenced by Showa-era kayōkyoku and the distinctive synth sounds of the early ’90s.

In this song, the chorus reaches the highest notes, but it stays within the mid-to-high range overall, and the long sustained notes only appear in the lower register.

As a result, it’s a very singable tune for women with lower voices.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM41rank/position

Kaze Ni Naritai (Samba, Novo)

A heartwarming message song woven from samba rhythms and Japanese lyrics.

It’s a gem that rides on a light, flowing groove to express the wish to be free together with a loved one.

Released in March 1995 as THE BOOM’s 16th single, it was also included on the previous year’s album “Kyokutou Samba.” Chosen for numerous commercials, including DC Card and J-PHONE, it left a lasting impression on many people.

With rich percussion and the gentle vocals of Kazufumi Miyazawa in perfect harmony, the song was featured in high school music textbooks and, in July 2013, realized a collaboration with a popular idol group on Fuji TV’s “FNS Uta no Natsumatsuri.” It’s a moving track to play when you want to feel the bond with someone special.

B-BlueBOØWY42rank/position

B-Blue

Among men in their late 40s, many probably listened to BOØWY quite a bit.

BOØWY left behind numerous memorable rock classics, and among them, the song I especially recommend for its ease of singing is B-Blue.

While its heart-pounding melody is striking, the vocal range is surprisingly narrow and the vocal line doesn’t fluctuate much.

It’s a song you can handle even when your voice is worn out after a second party, so definitely add it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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