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

TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya21rank/position

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

For those of you now in your 40s who spent your teenage years in the 1990s, you might associate Fumiya Fujii more with his work as a solo artist than with The Checkers.

Fujii is active in many fields beyond music, but his most famous song as a solo singer is TRUE LOVE, released in 1993 as his solo debut single.

It’s fascinating that there are many anecdotes surrounding the song’s creation—such as the fact that Fujii had no prior experience composing before writing it, and that the odd time signature in the intro came from a mistake he made while recording the demo, which was kept as is.

It’s a massive hit so iconic it appears in textbooks and remains a karaoke favorite, yet it’s based on classic chord progressions and features a straightforward melodic development, making it very easy to sing.

One point to note: in the first chorus he sings certain parts in falsetto, while in the second chorus he sings those parts in chest voice—so keep that in mind and deliver it with strength.

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KOH-1

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Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS22rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'Rose of Passion' [6th Single (1990/7/25)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Jyounetsu no Bara

Released on July 25, 1990, this signature song—written and composed by vocalist Hiroto Kōmoto—became the band’s first to reach No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “High School Graffiti 2” and in commercials, and its driving punk rock sound and upbeat lyrics have continued to be loved across generations.

A distinctive feature is that the chorus appears only once in the latter half of the song, which I think really hits listeners hard.

I want to sing solidly building up to that chorus.

By the way, I always thought the beginning was the chorus, so I was surprised when I realized it wasn’t…! The opening is also very important, and it seems best to sing it clearly and crisply.

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Kubota Mami

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Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover23rank/position

My Little Lover "Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long Ago~

Just hearing the guitar phrase in the intro can instantly bring those scenes from back then flooding back—many of you may know that feeling.

My Little Lover’s third single, released in August 1995, was used as the theme song for the NTV drama “Owaranai Natsu” and became a massive hit, selling approximately 1.85 million copies in total.

The lyrical guitar riff by Kenji Fujii and akko’s translucent vocals weave a nostalgic sound that perfectly matches the lyrics, which portray both the bittersweetness and hope of leaving a familiar place.

JUJU’s 2010 cover also drew attention, and the song continues to be loved across generations.

It’s the quintessential spring classic that tightens your chest when you listen to it during graduation season—perfect for karaoke with friends from the same generation, too!

The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo24rank/position

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

Shiina Ringo’s song is one that deeply resonates with women in their 40s.

Released as her debut single in 1998, it was later included on the acclaimed album “Muzai Moratorium.” With melodies and lyrics that gently accompany the listener’s heart, it makes you realize that the very existence of the person you love is happiness itself.

This work reminds busy, grown women of the preciousness of love in its purest form.

Listening between work or housework will likely bring a sense of calm.

frecklesJUDY AND MARY25rank/position

[4K] Judy and Mary WARP Tour Final (07/24) Freckles (Sobakasu)

A legendary four-piece rock band synonymous with the category of female-vocal rock bands, JUDY AND MARY’s ninth single.

Used as the opening theme for the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story-, the song’s lyrics and arrangement were deliberately crafted to be unrelated to the anime itself, which likely shocked many listeners at the time.

The cute vocals riding over the eccentric arrangement instantly take many in their forties—regardless of gender—back to their youth.

It’s a massive hit and the band’s only million-selling single.

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Hoshino Takashi

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FriendsREBECCA26rank/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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The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE27rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – Future Prediction Map II ~VERSION '07~ (from Live from DWL 2015 Live Ver.)

Celebrated as a classic song depicting youthful romance, it continues to be loved by many.

Included on DREAMS COME TRUE’s album “LOVE GOES ON…” released in November 1989, this piece sings of a deep bond between lovers and unwavering affection.

A popular track used in films and commercials, it was also featured in 2007 as an insert song for the movie “The Man in the Future: The Sign of I Love You.” With lyrics that read like a diary, it deftly captures the feelings of someone in love, making it a song you’ll want to listen to with someone special.

cherrysupittsu28rank/position

Spitz / Cherry

A signature song by Spitz that sings of parting and new beginnings.

Released in April 1996, this single was a massive hit, selling over 1.613 million copies.

It depicts someone stepping forward into a hope-filled future while holding memories of a loved one close, and its refreshing yet slightly wistful melody feels like a pleasant spring breeze.

Many listeners may have been moved by the straightforward lyrics about feeling as if the mere sound of words of love could make you stronger.

The song is also included on the classic album Indigo Chiheisen, and in recent years it has been featured in NTT East’s commercials.

It’s sure to make the start of a new season even more wonderful.

wailing in griefKudō Shizuka29rank/position

Shizuka Kudo / Doukoku [Official Video]

Among Shizuka Kudo’s discography, which has produced numerous hit songs since her solo debut in the late 1980s, the best-selling is Dokoku, released in 1993.

It’s a masterpiece with lyrics by Miyuki Nakajima and music by Tsugutoshi Goto, and many women in their 40s today likely have this song in their karaoke repertoire.

The song is set in a relatively low key for a female vocal, making it a great choice for women with lower voices who struggle with high notes.

Kudo’s characteristic, sultry vibrato is applied naturally, yet the difficulty level is modest, with a very memorable and easy-to-sing melody line.

It’s also recommended for those aiming for high scores at karaoke.

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KOH-1

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Over DriveJUDY AND MARY30rank/position

JUDY AND MARY – Over Drive (MV)

It’s a classic song known for its exhilarating melody and bittersweet lyrics.

Released by JUDY AND MARY in June 1995, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit, selling over 600,000 copies.

The track is also included on the album “MIRACLE DIVING.” YUKI’s clear, translucent vocals and TAKUYA’s catchy guitar riffs blend perfectly, capturing the liberating spirit and sense of adventure of summer.

It’s ideal as background music for summer drives or when you want to liven things up at karaoke, and for those of that generation, it will surely bring back a wave of nostalgia and reignite those passionate feelings from back then.