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

for a long timeKiroro71rank/position

Kiroro “Nagaimono” Official Music Video

Nagaira, one of Kiroro’s signature songs released in January 1998.

The overall vocal range is A3 to C5, with F4 used the most, so this calm range should be very singable for women in their 40s.

The high notes come on the syllable “na” in the chorus, which is tricky to pronounce, so you need to project more firmly than you might think.

Try pinching your nose and saying syllables in the “na” and “ma” rows.

When you try it, your voice will usually sound nasal… However, once you can produce a good tone even with that nasal quality, the nasality drops away, and the usually nasal “na” and “ma” sounds become easier to pronounce.

Give it a try!

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Kubota Mami

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OH MY LITTLE GIRLOzaki Yutaka72rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki – Oh My Little Girl

This is the 14th single by singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, who commanded immense popularity with powerful messages that spoke for the youth and overwhelming charisma, yet tragically passed away at the young age of 26.

A ballad that secured numerous tie-ins with dramas and films and became a million seller.

Its lyrics, which make you feel you are loved wholeheartedly and sincerely, are likely to resonate deeply with women in their 40s.

Influenced by many cover versions by various musicians, this gem of a love song is cherished by a wide range of listeners.

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Hoshino Takashi

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La La LaDaikoku Maki73rank/position

La La La

Maki Ohguro’s classic “La La La.” Among her works, this track especially harmonizes J-pop and pop rock, presenting an overall upbeat, powerful, yet refreshing melody.

In this song’s vocal lines, the pre-chorus (B section) is the most powerful, followed by the verse (A section), while the chorus is arranged with a lighter, more straightforward vocal line.

The tricky part is the pre-chorus, but it doesn’t require a wide vocal range; you just need to focus on crisp articulation at the start of the lines, so even women in their 40s with lower voices should be able to sing it without any problem.

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Ryo

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I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka74rank/position

I LOVE YOU – Yutaka Ozaki (Full)

It’s one of Yutaka Ozaki’s signature songs, released in 1983! I imagine many people in their 50s listened to it in real time back then.

It’s a ballad about the bittersweet love of young men and women, with a piano melody that really resonates.

Ozaki’s husky voice beautifully captures the loneliness and restlessness of youth.

After being included on the album “Seventeen’s Map,” it was released as a single in 1991 and was also used in a JR Tokai commercial.

It’s a song that everyone can get excited about at karaoke, so why not sing it together with people of all ages?

Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu75rank/position

Ulfuls – Banzai ~I'm Glad I Fell in Love~

This rock tune celebrating the joy of pure love is a fan favorite that showcases Ulfuls’ musicality to the fullest.

Its lyrics, which candidly express gratitude to a loved one, resonate deeply, and together with its bright, catchy melody, the song lifts listeners’ spirits.

Released in February 1996, it was included on the album “Banzai” and also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Goddess of Victory.” Moreover, it won the Excellence Award at the 38th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect track for getting pumped up at karaoke with friends or for reminiscing about special memories with someone important.

A gentle feelingChara76rank/position

Chara “Yasashii Kimochi” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Chara, a female singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her distinctive musicality.

Many women in their 40s might have been fans of hers, right? Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Yasashii Kimochi.

It’s a track that balances both a gothic feel and cuteness.

The vocal range is on the higher side at mid2 A# to hi D#, but the overall span is relatively narrow.

Using breath-based techniques such as hiccups can instantly elevate the quality, so try singing while referencing her breathing style.

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Ryo

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EverythingMISIA77rank/position

MISIA – Everything （Official HD Music Video）

Released in October 2000 and made familiar to households as the theme song for the drama “Yamato Nadeshiko,” this work soaks into the heart with MISIA’s embracing vocals and a warm melody that seems to melt the winter chill.

The poignant lyrics—wishing for reconciliation after missed connections and for reunion—resonate even more deeply now that we’ve gained more life experience.

Not only did it ship over two million copies as a single, it also became the centerpiece of the album “MARVELOUS,” a renowned ballad.

The music video, filmed at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, further highlighted the song’s beauty.

In the midst of busy days, it’s a track that gently loosens the heart—why not give it another listen after a long while?

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai78rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

This is the second single by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, a sweet-and-sour portrayal of irreplaceable days spent with a lover.

Released in December 2003, it was featured as the opening theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV” and the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!”, making it a familiar tune in households across Japan.

Its sprightly arrangement incorporating brass instruments and an irresistibly bouncy pop melody leave a strong impression.

The lyrics look back on memories shared with a partner over two years, depicting a deep bond so strong that even quarrels and hardships feel precious.

The charming image of two lovers is likened to a pair of fruits nestled together.

The song has also been adopted as the departure melody at JR West’s Sakuranomiya Station, so you may hear it often with the arrival of spring.

It’s the perfect number for rekindling the thrill of new love or getting everyone pumped up at karaoke.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki79rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

A signature song by Noriyuki Makihara, distinguished by its heartwarming melody that embraces both the ache of heartbreak and a brave front.

It gently portrays memories of a former lover and the nostalgia of everyday life, while the protagonist’s resolve to move forward resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in May 1992, it was chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama “After the Children Are Asleep.” Included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” it became a major hit, ranking 7th on Oricon’s year-end chart.

This piece is a companion for those standing at life’s crossroads.

When you gather with friends for karaoke, its universally relatable lyrics and melody are sure to warm the heart.

Snow BlossomNakajima Mika80rank/position

Mika Nakashima 'Yuki no Hana' Music Video

A poignant ballad about a winter romance themed around snow, its aching emotions resonate deeply.

Released in November 2003, it is one of Mika Nakashima’s signature songs, with lyrics by Satomi and composition by Ryoki Matsumoto.

Included on the million-selling album “LOVE,” it was also used in a Meiji Seika commercial.

The lyrics portray the joy of spending time with a lover amid snowy scenery, along with a premonition of a farewell that may come someday.

It’s perfect for a quiet winter night shared with someone special, and is also recommended for those looking to enhance the Christmas atmosphere.