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!

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo48rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Prompted by the shocking events of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, Yo Hitoto wrote this fifth single as a prayer.

It’s said that the initial lyrics contained direct expressions, but after extensive revisions, they were refined into a gentle message wishing that the happiness of a loved one may continue forever.

Her warm vocals, carried by a magnificent sound woven from piano and strings, seem to quietly melt into the soft air of spring.

Released in February 2004, the song was used as the theme for NTV’s “Tuesday Suspense Theater” and in commercials for the JRA, and it spent a cumulative 136 weeks on the Oricon charts.

A film of the same title was also released in 2010.

Intertwining a prayer for peace with selfless love for someone dear, this is a track you’ll want to listen to during those spring moments when flowers are in full bloom.

My RevolutionWatanabe Misato49rank/position

My Revolution – Misato Watanabe (Full)

People in their 40s probably feel a strong sense of familiarity with this as a generational hit song.

Misato Watanabe’s “My Revolution” still has lyrics that resonate today.

Its friendly, catchy melody is easy to sing and easy to listen to, so it’s sure to get everyone hyped! Belting out the chorus line “My Revolution” feels amazing and will boost your confidence for tomorrow! Definitely sing it when you go to karaoke with friends from the same generation!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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