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

TouchIwasaki Yoshimi43rank/position

“Touch” Yoshimi Iwasaki High-Quality Audio Anime Theme Song 1985

This is the 20th single by singer Yoshimi Iwasaki, who has been studying business administration in the master’s program at J.F.

Oberlin University Graduate School since 2021.

It became a massive hit as the opening theme for the TV anime Touch, and those in their 40s—regardless of gender—likely remember it along with scenes from the show.

Because the tempo is fast and the melody features a sharp drop from high notes to low, it’s a good idea to check it once before performing it at karaoke.

Overall, the pitch range isn’t very wide, so it’s an anime song recommended even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sign of LovePUFFY44rank/position

PUFFY “A Sign of Love” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Among people in their early 40s, PUFFY can be considered a very popular music duo.

Many of you may have imitated their fashion, too.

Of all PUFFY’s songs, the one I especially recommend is “Ai no Shirushi” (“The Sign of Love”).

Its vocal range is mid2B to hiB, which is low enough that it wouldn’t be unusual even for a male vocalist.

The highest note only appears twice in the chorus, so even those who tend to go off-pitch on high notes should be able to sing it without trouble.

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Ryo

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Longing, poignancy, and strength of heartShinohara Ryoko with t.komuro45rank/position

Ryoko Shinohara with Tetsuya Komuro 'Longing, Heartache, and Strength' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Ryoko Shinohara’s classic song “Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokorozuyosa to.” Since it was composed by Tetsuya Komuro, you can feel that distinctive Komuro sound throughout the track.

For men in their 40s, it likely stands out as the theme song for the legendary game Street Fighter.

The song features expansive, soaring vocals, but the overall range—mid2B to hiD—isn’t particularly wide, so it’s surprisingly easy to sing.

There’s no use of falsetto, and the melody is fairly simple, so as long as you set the key appropriately, you should be able to sing it without issue.

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Ryo

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White LoveSPEED46rank/position

SPEED / White Love -Music Video-

This is the fifth single by SPEED, a four-member female idol-style dance and vocal group, which was used as the commercial song for Shiseido’s “Tissela Angel Drop.” Released on October 15, 1997, it is known as SPEED’s biggest hit, having achieved double million sales.

With its catchy melody and dance, it’s a song that can really liven up a karaoke session for people of that generation.

The melody itself is simple, but because of the twin vocals and the wide pitch range, it might be difficult to sing alone.

If you team up with a friend whose comfortable range is different from yours and set the keys to suit each of you, it becomes much easier to sing—so give it a try!

I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN47rank/position

I want to take only you away just like this.

Released in March 1993 as DEEN’s debut single, this masterpiece has long been cherished as one of their signature songs.

Its poignant melody and lyrics that portray a deep longing for someone drifting away strike right at the heart.

Written by Sho Uesugi and composed by Tetsuro Oda, it was also used in an NTT DoCoMo “Pocket Bell” commercial and went on to become a million seller at the time.

The sweet, clear vocals gently cradle the pain of heartbreak, making it a song many find themselves wanting to listen to in quiet moments.

It’s also a karaoke staple, a classic ballad perfect for singing with poise while reminiscing about those days.

It’s included on the album “DEEN,” so be sure to enjoy it with a sense of nostalgia!

Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu48rank/position

Southern All Stars – Midsummer Fruit [Live at Chigasaki Park Baseball Stadium, 2023]

A classic song released in July 1990 that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love.

As the theme song for the film “Inamura Jane,” directed by Keisuke Kuwata, this ballad was presented to the world by Southern All Stars.

Set against the transition from late summer to autumn, it delicately weaves the feelings of a man reflecting on a past romance with subtle melodies and beautiful words.

Memories by the seaside, the lingering traces of love that remain in the heart, the loneliness of being drenched by the chill of autumn rain—its poetic world resonates deeply with listeners.

After its release, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a hit certified Platinum.

It’s a song that gently accompanies those nights when you want to dwell in the afterglow of summer and face your nostalgic memories.

threadNakajima Miyuki49rank/position

thread

Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito” evokes the warmth of human connection.

First released in 1992 as a track on the album “EAST ASIA,” it later became widely cherished as a double A-side single after being chosen as the theme song for the 1998 drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).

Its universal lyrics, likening life and encounters to the vertical and horizontal threads of a woven fabric, carry a gentle warmth that nestles close to the listener’s heart.

Loved for many years—including winning the Gold Award at the 2017 JASRAC Awards—this song is a timeless masterpiece filled with kindness, one that loosens the tautness of a weary heart under daily pressures.

Be sure to listen to it on a quiet night spent alone.