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

BELOVEDGLAY50rank/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.

I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN51rank/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).supittsu52rank/position

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

A signature song by Spitz that has been loved for years as a classic that resonates with people’s hearts.

Its refreshing melody and poetic lyrics are captivating, evoking a nostalgic feeling that brings back a page of youth.

Released in April 1994, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Shiro Sen Nagashi” starting in January 1996.

The song depicts the emotions of discovering hope through a special encounter, even while carrying innocence and uncertainty.

It’s a perfect track for men in their 40s who want to liven up a karaoke session.

Singing it with friends will surely bring back memories of your youth.

DEPARTURESglobe53rank/position

globe / 'DEPARTURES' (Starring: Ayaka Miyoshi)

A song that brilliantly captures the bittersweet feeling of winter.

Released in January 1996 as globe’s 4th single, it was also featured in JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercial.

It became a massive hit, achieving double million sales and ranking 2nd on the Oricon year-end singles chart.

The winter scenes woven by the electronic sound and KEIKO’s clear, transparent vocals are sure to resonate deeply with those in their 40s.

The lyrics, which express the desire to break free from a stagnant daily life, gently encourage anyone looking to take a new step forward—making it a heartwarming track.

Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato54rank/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.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto55rank/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 Thing56rank/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.