[40s] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN92rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

A timeless masterpiece that has captured the hearts of countless generations continues to resonate with many people today.

Released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in February 2002, this song is known as one of the band’s signature tracks and was also used as an insert song for a Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama.

Included on the album “jupiter,” it became a million-seller.

Its lyrics contrast the innocence of childhood with the complex emotions of adulthood, portraying a willingness to face unanswerable questions—an approach that resonates with those standing at life’s crossroads.

As a song that gives listeners the courage to move forward without fearing failure, it has become a source of support for many.

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai93rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

Released in December 2003 as Ai Otsuka’s second single, this song is a sweet and cute love tune.

Composed when Otsuka was around 18–19, at a time when upbeat tracks were in vogue, it portrays the sugary dynamics of a couple in love.

Like a cherry—sweet and irresistible—the lyrics express a desire to always be together.

Combined with Otsuka’s adorable, lively vocals, the song gives listeners energy and courage.

Known as one of her signature tracks, it has continued to be loved across many settings, including as a high school baseball cheer song and a brass band “chance theme.”

threadNakajima Miyuki94rank/position

thread

Since her debut in 1975, Miyuki Nakajima has produced numerous hit songs as a genius singer-songwriter, all the while maintaining a mysterious, solitary presence that continues to shine even in the Reiwa era.

Among her many masterpieces, Ito is one of her most famous songs, first appearing on the 1992 album EAST ASIA.

From the 2010s onward, it was used as background music on television programs, boosting its household recognition, and in 2020 a film inspired by the song was released—testament to its immeasurable influence.

Of course, it’s challenging to capture the expressive nuance that someone like Nakajima brings, but the melody line is easy to sing, so in terms of karaoke difficulty it’s relatively low—making it a great choice for those aiming for a high score.

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KOH-1

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Sign of LovePUFFY95rank/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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budKobukuro96rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Kobukuro’s “Tsubomi” is also quite a masterpiece, so it’s a song I’d love for you to sing whether solo or as a duo.

Since Kobukuro are a duo, the vocal range is fairly wide at A#2–A#4, and Kuroda’s part is quite low, so if you’re singing with two people, taking Kuroda’s part might be a good idea! By the way, when I sang this song I had a male partner; I left all the main melody to him and stuck to the harmony! The harmonies in this song are beautiful, so if you have a partner, definitely try tackling the harmonies too! Overall, try singing it with a calm vibe so it doesn’t become too forceful.

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Kubota Mami

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AutomaticUtada Hikaru97rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Automatic

Hikaru Utada’s debut single, released in December 1998, brought a genuine R&B breeze into the world of J-pop.

Depicting feelings so strong that your body moves unconsciously when a call comes from a lover, the song blends a mature groove with the purity of teenage years to perfection.

Remarkably, this debut achieved double million sales.

Those who experienced that impact in real time likely remember it vividly.

Even now, its stylish sound hasn’t faded at all—an enduring classic that’s perfect for moments when you want to bask in memories.

SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA98rank/position

[MV] SAY YES / CHAGE and ASKA

With a beautifully orchestrated string intro that seems to symbolize a glittering era and harmonies so exquisite they overwhelm the listener, this is CHAGE & ASKA’s 21st single.

It became a massive hit as the theme song for the TV drama “101st Proposal” and remains a beloved classic to this day.

The feelings of lovers who cherish each other are conveyed with sincerity in every word, touching the heart.

Please let it wrap you in the sensation of your heart unwinding as you recall happy moments with someone special.

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hiyori

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