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

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi43rank/position

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer (2008 Ver.) [Music Video]

A timeless adult classic by Kazuyoshi Saito, celebrated for its deeply moving vocals and rich storytelling.

This exquisite ballad conveys heartfelt emotions for a loved one—feelings that are hard to say out loud—set to song with disarming honesty.

Its simple melody and resonant guitar gently enfold the lyrical world.

Since its release in November 1997, many artists have covered it, and in 2017 it was used as the theme song for the animated film “Lu Over the Wall.” In August 2022, a performance on THE FIRST TAKE drew significant attention, extending its appeal to a new generation.

With a relaxed tempo and a relatively narrow vocal range, it’s easy to sing with ease.

Why not sing it with all your heart, pouring your feelings for someone special into every note?

BELOVEDGLAY44rank/position

GLAY / BELOVED

GLAY’s “BELOVED,” known as a karaoke classic, resonates with a uniquely emotive melody.

It’s perfect for middle-aged men to express restrained feelings directly and rekindle the passionate memories of their youth.

Skillfully highlighting TERU’s high notes will liven up the atmosphere even more, and taking on that challenge tends to boost favorability with women.

That said, be mindful of the song’s high vocal range; adjusting the key can make it easier to sing.

With lyrics that strike the heart and an energetic appeal, “BELOVED” is beloved across generations.

If you’re unsure what to pick for karaoke, you can’t go wrong with this timeless hit.

White kiteMy Little Lover45rank/position

My Little Lover “White Kite”

Younger listeners probably felt that this My Little Lover track is quintessentially summery.

At the same time, those who spent their youth in the ’90s may have had the sensation of being suddenly pulled back into a summer of that decade.

Released as a single in December 1995, the song is a refreshingly breezy tune overflowing with summertime imagery.

Beyond akko’s crystalline vocals, its contemporaneous UK rock flavor leaves a strong impression.

In 2021, it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s chu-hi “Horoyoi Shiroi Sour,” drawing renewed attention as a perfect song for the summer vibe.

Love will winKAN46rank/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.

vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko47rank/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.

Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato48rank/position

Chisato Moritaka 'Watarase Bridge' (Music Video)

This is Chisato Moritaka’s 17th single, released in January 1993.

Chosen as the theme song for a travel program on TV Tokyo, it became widely beloved, spending 15 consecutive weeks on the Oricon charts.

As the lyrics quietly reflect on a past love while gazing at the city at dusk, Moritaka’s clear, translucent voice blends beautifully with the song.

Later adopted as the departure melody at Ashikaga Station, the piece has continued to be cherished by the local community.

The simple timbre of the alto recorder leaves a warm afterglow in the heart.

It’s a classic that gently stays by your side on nights when you want to softly unwind taut emotions.

I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN49rank/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!