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

White LoveSPEED61rank/position

SPEED / White Love -Music Video-

This is the fifth single by SPEED, a four-member female idol-style dance and vocal group, which was used as the commercial song for Shiseido’s “Tissela Angel Drop.” Released on October 15, 1997, it is known as SPEED’s biggest hit, having achieved double million sales.

With its catchy melody and dance, it’s a song that can really liven up a karaoke session for people of that generation.

The melody itself is simple, but because of the twin vocals and the wide pitch range, it might be difficult to sing alone.

If you team up with a friend whose comfortable range is different from yours and set the keys to suit each of you, it becomes much easier to sing—so give it a try!

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi62rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

Masayoshi Yamazaki is a singer-songwriter known for stylish musicality and moving lyrics.

His classic songs still hold up today and continue to be popular among younger generations.

Among his works, the song I recommend for women in their 40s is “One more time, One more chance.” As we age, it can become harder to hit high notes.

This song has a relatively narrow vocal range, making it easy to sing even for those who tend to strain their voices, so women who are prone to throat fatigue should find it comfortable to perform.

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Ryo

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TemptationGLAY63rank/position

GLAY / Temptation

I bet many of you were totally hooked on GLAY back then.

This is a signature song by the rock band that represents Japan.

The fast-paced melody feels incredibly good, and whether you’re listening or singing along, it draws you right into its world.

Give it a go and sing it cool and with confidence!

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Murakami Shinpei

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WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Make a MovementH Jungle with T64rank/position

WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes Start a Movement~ (Two Million Mix)

H Jungle with t is a musical unit by Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and Tetsuya Komuro.

The unit was born from the popular TV show “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP,” and their track “WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You’ve Gotta Make a Move~” became explosively popular.

Classified in the genre known as jungle, this work is arranged with a reggae flavor throughout.

Although it features some somewhat loud sections, the overall vocal range isn’t wide, making it easy to sing and perfect for getting everyone hyped at karaoke.

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Ryo

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I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko65rank/position

Kyoko Koizumi – I'm Glad I Met You (Official Video)

Kyoko Koizumi’s classic song “I’m Glad I Met You.” Although Kyoko Koizumi has solid vocal ability, she actually has a narrow vocal range, and most of her songs don’t feature long high notes.

Among her tracks, this one is especially recommended.

The key changes in the chorus, but just as the energy rises, the melody drops in pitch, making it a comfortable vocal line for women with lower voices or those who struggle with high notes.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

Winter, againGLAY66rank/position

GLAY / Winter, again

A song whose intro and lyrics evoke Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, captivating many listeners.

It’s GLAY’s 16th single and was used as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKI SKI.” Widely loved as a track that heralds the arrival of winter, it’s also perfect as entertainment for seasonal events like year-end and New Year parties.

This rock number truly shines when heard in the cold season, and was written and composed by TAKURO with the desire to share the scenery of his hometown.

Released in 1999, this work holds a special place in GLAY’s discography.

HELLOFukuyama Masaharu67rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – HELLO (Full ver.)

The song “HELLO,” distinguished by its acoustic guitar, is a hit released by Masaharu Fukuyama in the 1990s.

It also gained popularity as a TV drama theme song, and its appeal can be summed up in its pleasant melodic line.

Brimming with positive energy, the lyrics carry a power that moves many people.

Loved by a wide range of ages, this track is also recommended as a karaoke staple.

It’s easy to sing, and its melody—something everyone hums at least once—has a timeless, universal charm.

366 daysHY68rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

An evocative ballad that poignantly portrays the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

The piano melody and soul-stirring vocals convey the agony of days spent unable to forget a former lover.

Released in 2008 and included on the album “HeartY,” the song drew attention as the theme for Fuji TV’s drama and film “Akai Ito” that same year.

Filled with the charm of artists who cherish Okinawan culture while winning the hearts of music fans across Japan, this track is sure to leave a deep impression when sung at karaoke with someone special.

PRIDEImai Miki69rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A heartfelt love song that Tomoyasu Hotei wrote for Miki Imai.

It’s said to be a track that symbolizes the bond of the two, who later became husband and wife.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Doc.” The vocal range is F3 to C#5, and while there are some slightly higher parts, the relaxed tempo makes it easy to sing in chest voice.

It’s more of a spoken-style song, so it’s best to sing lightly without forcing it.

Keep your facial muscles lifted and your throat open at all times.

If you open your mouth, you’ll notice the soft palate at the back of your throat.

Try to open that area and let your breath flow steadily—this will help you produce sound with ease.

Also, placing the voice as you sing can create a gentle atmosphere, which might work nicely.

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Kubota Mami

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HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel70rank/position

HONEY [15th L’Anniversary Live]

When it comes to artists that men in their 40s often listened to, doesn’t L’Arc~en~Ciel come to mind? This time, I’d like to introduce “HONEY.” One of my students practiced this song too.

L’Arc~en~Ciel’s vocal range is surprisingly on the lower side.

I think it’s easy to sing for people with a typical male range plus the ability to use falsetto.

The chorus is very clear and uplifting, so it’s easy to add dynamics, and rock fans will love it! On the flip side, the key might be how to keep the low notes from getting muffled.

If you’re not used to a certain range, both low and high notes can require a lot of breath.

When singing low notes, imagine releasing a slow, steady mass of air—your body will resonate more easily and you’ll hear your own voice better.

And above all, the groove matters! It also makes it easier to project your voice, so sing with energy and get into the groove!

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Kubota Mami

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