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

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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B-BlueBOØWY30rank/position

B-Blue

Among men in their late 40s, many probably listened to BOØWY quite a bit.

BOØWY left behind numerous memorable rock classics, and among them, the song I especially recommend for its ease of singing is B-Blue.

While its heart-pounding melody is striking, the vocal range is surprisingly narrow and the vocal line doesn’t fluctuate much.

It’s a song you can handle even when your voice is worn out after a second party, so definitely add it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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TouchIwasaki Yoshimi31rank/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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First LoveUtada Hikaru32rank/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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beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko33rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

Aiko’s signature love song “Kabutomushi.” The overall vocal range is quite wide, from F3 to F5, but it’s very easy to sing if you switch between chest voice and falsetto.

The A and B sections sit firmly in a lower range, and while the chorus climbs higher than you might expect, it may help to switch decisively to a falsetto base from there.

To switch smoothly between registers, stable pitch is essential.

If you keep your eyebrows raised or make a surprised face, you can maintain accurate pitch centered between your eyebrows without letting it drop into your throat.

Also, when singing high notes, if you hold back and produce the sound halfway, it will definitely be harder to hit, so try projecting your voice solidly!

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Kubota Mami

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Longing, poignancy, and strength of heartShinohara Ryoko with t.komuro34rank/position

Ryoko Shinohara with Tetsuya Komuro 'Longing, Heartache, and Strength' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Ryoko Shinohara’s classic hit “Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokorozuyosa to.” Since Tetsuya Komuro composed it, you can hear that signature Komuro sound throughout the track.

It was also the theme song for the legendary game Street Fighter, so it probably left a strong impression, didn’t it? While the song is characterized by its soaring vocals, the range itself isn’t very wide—roughly mid2B to hiD—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 right, you should be able to sing it without any trouble.

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Ryo

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I want to become the wind.THE BOOM35rank/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.