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

vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko51rank/position

vexing lips

Mariko Takahashi has remained popular since the 1970s.

She’s an exceptionally long-running artist who stayed at the forefront into the 1990s.

Because of that, I think even women in their 40s are quite familiar with her songs.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Hagayui Kuchibiru (“Frustrated Lips”).

It’s a striking piece featuring vocals influenced by Showa-era kayōkyoku and the distinctive synth sounds of the early ’90s.

In this song, the chorus reaches the highest notes, but it stays within the mid-to-high range overall, and the long sustained notes only appear in the lower register.

As a result, it’s a very singable tune for women with lower voices.

Love will winKAN52rank/position

KAN - Love Will Win

When it comes to songs that give you an involuntary boost, this one is it.

Released in 1990, it was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Quiz Omoshiro TV,” and later as an insert song on Fuji TV’s “Houchan’s Yamada Katsutenai TV.” It carries a powerful message that love will triumph no matter what hardships you face.

KAN reportedly wrote this song after giving relationship advice to a friend.

He was also conscious of Billy Joel’s style when composing it, and together with the sound of the piano, its warm message resonates in the heart.

It’s recommended for when you’re feeling down or want to push yourself.

It’s sure to lift your spirits.

I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN53rank/position

I want to take only you away just like this.

Released in March 1993 as DEEN’s debut single, this masterpiece has long been cherished as one of their signature songs.

Its poignant melody and lyrics that portray a deep longing for someone drifting away strike right at the heart.

Written by Sho Uesugi and composed by Tetsuro Oda, it was also used in an NTT DoCoMo “Pocket Bell” commercial and went on to become a million seller at the time.

The sweet, clear vocals gently cradle the pain of heartbreak, making it a song many find themselves wanting to listen to in quiet moments.

It’s also a karaoke staple, a classic ballad perfect for singing with poise while reminiscing about those days.

It’s included on the album “DEEN,” so be sure to enjoy it with a sense of nostalgia!

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu54rank/position

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

Originally written for a television drama, this is the eighth single by the four-piece rock band Spitz.

Released in April 1994, it initially saw modest chart performance, but when it was later chosen as the theme song for the 1996 Fuji TV drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” it returned to the spotlight and became a million seller.

The song delicately depicts the turbulence of adolescence, a sense of awe toward an unseen, greater presence, and the budding conviction of freedom that arises when there’s someone who accepts you—all carried by Masamune Kusano’s clear, translucent vocals and a gentle guitar ensemble.

Not only sweet feelings of love but also the harshness of reality and the ache of loneliness seep through, and yet the protagonist’s determination to look ahead makes your heart swell.

Beloved as a graduation song, it’s a track that brings back memories as spring arrives.

As the season of new beginnings approaches, why not listen to it quietly and let it wash over you?

Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato55rank/position

Chisato Moritaka 'Watarase Bridge' (Music Video)

Looking up at the sky at dusk, I suddenly find myself remembering an old love.

That distinctly autumnal, sentimental mood is perfectly captured by Chisato Moritaka’s classic song.

With lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays the aching feelings of someone thinking of a past love, set on a real bridge in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture.

The vivid depiction of the sunset as seen from that spot paints a scene you can almost see, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in January 1993 as her 17th single, the song is also included on the album “Lucky 7.” It became well-known as the ending theme for the TV program “Ii Tabi, Yume Kibo.” It’s the kind of track you’ll want to savor on a slightly chilly evening, a warm drink in hand.

That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando56rank/position

That's important.

A powerful, encouraging song that lifts your spirits when times are tough or you feel like giving up.

Its lyrics preach the importance of not giving up, and the strong yet approachable melody resonates deeply.

With the warmth of a friend giving you a gentle push forward, this song has become a source of support for many.

Released by Daiji MAN Brothers Band in August 1991, the track was used as the ending theme for “Sports Frontier” and also served as the theme song for “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Television.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, selling an impressive 1.8 million copies.

When you find yourself troubled or at a standstill in life, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to move forward.

countrysideTamaki Kōji57rank/position

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)

For those now in their 40s who spent their youth in the 1990s, many probably think of Koji Tamaki more as an actor or solo singer than as a member of Anzen Chitai.

In particular, Den-en, released in 1996 as a solo single by Tamaki, was a massive hit that went double platinum and was frequently sung at karaoke back then.

Tamaki is a singer so highly regarded for his overwhelming vocal ability that he’s respected by fellow professionals, but Den-en is composed with a very singable melody and sits in a relatively low key overall, making it a song that can score high at karaoke regardless of vocal timbre.

The only caveat is that some parts are a bit fast-paced, so it’s a good idea to memorize the lyrics thoroughly and practice until you can sing it smoothly.

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KOH-1

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Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK58rank/position

Speechless… Summer (Speechless… Summer JAYWALK ORIGINAL EDITION 1 Al Version)

The 18th single by the rock band THE JAYWALK, who made their major debut in 1981.

Originally a rearranged “summer version” of a track included on their 1990 album DOWN TOWN STORIES, it became one of THE JAYWALK’s signature songs.

With its catchy, memorable chord progression and lyrical, bittersweet words, it’s a track that’s indispensable when discussing the J-POP scene of the 1990s.

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Hoshino Takashi

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TOMORROWMayo Okamoto59rank/position

TOMORROW

With its uplifting lyrics and buoyant piano melody, this is a pep song that gives courage to listeners.

Singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto’s debut single “TOMORROW,” released in May 1995, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Second Chance” and became a massive hit, achieving Double Platinum status.

Its message—that strength lies beyond the tears—will surely give a powerful push to graduates embarking on a new world.

Beloved enough to be selected as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Tournament in March 1996, this song is widely cherished.

Sing it with friends at a reunion, and your memories of youth are sure to come vividly rushing back.

Time Goes ByEvery Little Thing60rank/position

Time goes by – Every Little Thing (Full)

A gemlike love ballad that embraces everyone’s sense of incompleteness and loneliness with universal kindness.

Released by Every Little Thing in February 1998, this song beautifully portrays how lovers may hurt each other yet grow together through the experience of love.

Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday 10 p.m.

drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), it went on to sell over 1.4 million copies.

It has since become familiar as a commercial song for numerous brands, including Toyota and SoftBank.

With its gentle melody and lyrics whose depth resonates more and more with life experience, it’s sure to move you.