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

God of RomanceHirose Kōmi11rank/position

Kohmi Hirose / God of Romance

Singer-songwriter Kōmi Hirose, known for her high musicality and distinctive personality, is beloved by a wide range of generations.

Her third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” which became a massive hit as the theme song for the ski equipment store Alpen’s commercial, cemented her image as the “Queen of Winter.” The chorus features a suddenly soaring melody that makes the song challenging, but it’s still fun to power through it with friends of the same generation.

For women in their 40s, it’s a brisk, pop tune that will likely bring back memories of the era.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Just by you being herekome kome CLUB12rank/position

Just By You Being Here – Kome Kome Club (Full)

A heartwarming love song that gently wraps up gratitude for a loved one.

Released in 1992, this track was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Sugao no Mama de” and became a mega-hit, selling 2.89 million copies.

Reportedly written by Tatsuya Ishii in just 30 minutes, the song weaves not only romance but also a view of life, resulting in a piece that resonates with a wide audience.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to savor time with someone important or when your heart feels like it might break.

It’s sure to leave you with a warm feeling.

HOWEVERGLAY13rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

This classic song by GLAY is filled with feelings for a loved one.

Its poignant yet powerful vocals and heart-touching melody are truly captivating.

While lamenting that the meeting with their beloved came too late, the lyrics also express that precisely because of that lateness, they can cherish the happiness they have now—something many listeners can relate to.

Released in 1997 and later used as a TV drama’s ending theme, this piece has continued to be beloved as a staple in live performances.

If you sing it at karaoke when you want to convey your feelings to someone special, it will surely resonate with them.

Why not try singing it while imagining GLAY’s soul-stirring vocals?

single bedSha ran Q14rank/position

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

This is the sixth single by Sharam Q, a rock band centered around Tsunku♂, who is now primarily active as a producer.

1994年10月にリリースされたこの曲は、日本テレビのアニメ『D・N・A² 何なんだ、この男！？』のエンディングテーマに起用され、バンド初のミリオンセラーとなった。

Many listeners may find that the protagonist’s realization of the true value of love—something once taken for granted—resonates even more deeply now, after accumulating various life experiences.

It’s a classic, laid-back rock ballad.

Summer Days of 1993class15rank/position

Summer Days of 1993

When it comes to early Heisei-era summer songs, many people now in their 40s will probably think of this track first.

As the title suggests, “Natsu no Hi no 1993,” released in 1993, was a massive hit by the male duo class, selling over a million copies.

Its melody line is set in a relatively low key, making it very easy to sing—even those who struggle with high notes can take it on without worry, and it seems promising for scoring high in karaoke.

If you’re confident in your singing, try recreating the harmonies and backing vocals with your friends!

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KOH-1

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SaudadePorunogurafiti16rank/position

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

Among people in their early 40s, Porno Graffitti could be considered a very popular music group.

Many might associate them with a high-pitched vocal image, but surprisingly, their songs tend to have a relatively narrow vocal range.

One of their most popular tracks, Saudade, is also set within a fairly limited range of mid2B to mid2G#.

Because it features many slightly rapid phrases, it’s a good idea to plan your breathing carefully between lines.

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Ryo

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Robinsonsupittsu17rank/position

Spitz / Robinson

The moment that introductory guitar arpeggio starts to play, many of you probably find the scenes from those days vividly coming back, don’t you? This is a song by Spitz that I want you to listen to when you feel like pausing for a moment amid the hustle of work and home life.

Released in 1995 as their 11th single, it became a massive hit that put their name on the map.

It’s also well known for being used as the ending theme of the variety show “Imada Koji no Shibuya-kei Uraringo” and as an insert song in the drama “Hakusen Nagashi.” Masamune Kusano’s high, crystal-clear voice and the bittersweet yet warm melody are sure to gently comfort a tired heart.

Included on the album “Honey,” this classic is a song that resonates all the more deeply now that we’re adults.

I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN18rank/position

I Don’t Want to Let Go

The four-piece rock band T-BOLAN, which brightened the 1990s, released “Hanashitaku wa Nai” as their second single.

It was used as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “Hotel Woman.” While it wasn’t a runaway hit, the sultry delivery and melody of the chorus linger in your memory, don’t they? Even though they weren’t a visual-kei band, they left an impression of having a certain allure, and the straightforward lyrics bring back memories of a time when human connections felt deeper.

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miyabi

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JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY19rank/position

THE YELLOW MONKEY – JAM

For rock fans in their 40s, many of you probably once admired THE YELLOW MONKEY.

The band, known for producing numerous classics, has a particularly moving ballad I’d like to recommend—one that resonates deeply.

While portraying laments and inner conflict toward an absurd society, this song carries a message of holding on to hope and continuing to live.

Kazuya Yoshii’s soul-stirring vocals are sure to set your heart ablaze every time you listen.

Released as a single in February 1996, it was used as the ending theme for the music program “Pop Jam.” It also drew attention when it was performed on the 2016 “Kohaku Uta Gassen.” It’s a masterpiece that men in their 40s, especially those feeling pressure at work or at home, should hear—a song that fuels you for tomorrow.

DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS20rank/position

[MV] Diamonds / Misaki Aono

Released in 1989, this song is a rock ballad that vividly portrays the feelings of being in love.

Its straightforward lyrics from a woman’s perspective and powerful vocals leave a strong impression.

It was featured in a Sony audio tape commercial and became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

Total sales surpassed 1.7 million copies.

As one of Princess Princess’s signature songs, it continues to be loved by many.

It’s perfect for when you want to rekindle feelings of love or convey your feelings to someone special.

Sing it at karaoke and it’s sure to get the crowd going.