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

Over DriveJUDY AND MARY29rank/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.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM30rank/position

Kaze Ni Naritai (Samba, Novo)

A heartwarming message song woven from samba rhythms and Japanese lyrics.

It’s a gem that rides on a light, flowing groove to express the wish to be free together with a loved one.

Released in March 1995 as THE BOOM’s 16th single, it was also included on the previous year’s album “Kyokutou Samba.” Chosen for numerous commercials, including DC Card and J-PHONE, it left a lasting impression on many people.

With rich percussion and the gentle vocals of Kazufumi Miyazawa in perfect harmony, the song was featured in high school music textbooks and, in July 2013, realized a collaboration with a popular idol group on Fuji TV’s “FNS Uta no Natsumatsuri.” It’s a moving track to play when you want to feel the bond with someone special.

First LoveUtada Hikaru31rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A signature ballad by Hikaru Utada that offers a rewarding challenge for low-voiced women in their 40s.

The range spans E3–F5, with plenty of high notes, but it captivates with a conversational verse and expressive emotion.

Many people will know this song.

Because it’s sung with a whispery tone, it likely brings to mind a kind of head-voice feel.

Basically, head voice requires steady breath support.

If you tense up when taking a breath, you’ll end up chest breathing and won’t inhale enough air.

Diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing is crucial.

Also, since the song builds up a lot toward the end, be mindful of balancing your volume.

For the English parts, try singing fluidly along the melodic line to lock into the rhythm.

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Kubota Mami

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Longing, poignancy, and strength of heartShinohara Ryoko with t.komuro32rank/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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dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo33rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

This is the fifth single by Yo Hitoto, released in February 2004 as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama series Tuesday Suspense Theater.

It’s filled with a gentle warmth that makes you want to listen when you feel the fatigue and pressure of everyday life.

Written in the wake of the September 11 attacks in the United States, the song carries a profound message of prayer for peace and a wish for others’ happiness.

Its quiet melody layered with her distinctive vocals creates a superb ballad that slowly seeps into the heart.

A film of the same name was released in 2010, and the song continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a masterpiece that lets you relax and bask in a warm afterglow when you’ve pushed yourself too hard and your heart feels worn down.

Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS34rank/position

THE BLUE HEARTS – Be Kind to People

THE BLUE HEARTS are a quintessential Japanese punk rock band—spot-on for men in their late 40s.

Among their songs, the one I especially recommend for men in their 40s because it’s easy to sing is Hito ni Yasashiku (“Be Kind to People”).

Popular as the theme song of a drama with the same title, it features a catchy punk rock melody that anyone can sing along to.

Since the song stays in the mid-range, it can easily become monotonous.

If you want to add more expression, don’t hesitate to throw in some shouts and sing it with a bold, masculine edge.

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Ryo

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I can’t stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase35rank/position

Nanase Aikawa / I Can’t Be a Dreaming Girl

When it comes to songs that made a powerful impact on the rock scene of the ’90s, many people might recall Nanase Aikawa’s debut single.

Produced by Tetsurō Oda, the track was created under the concept of “dark rock that isn’t upbeat,” and, paired with Aikawa’s distinctive vocals, it garnered significant attention.

Released in November 1995, the song was included the following year on the 1996 album Red, which debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon album chart.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for the Fuji TV drama V no Honō (“Flames of V”), winning support from a wide audience.

Portraying the feelings of a woman with a strong, independent spirit, this song is one that everyone pursuing their true self should hear.