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

LOVE PHANTOMB’z81rank/position

B’z / LOVE PHANTOM

It was released in 1995 as B’z’s 18th single.

Serving as the lead single from their eighth album, LOOSE, it was chosen as the theme song for TV Asahi’s drama The X-Files (Season 1).

The song was a million-seller, and its lyrics are said to have been written with the image of an unusual protagonist’s love—such as Frankenstein or Dracula—in mind.

MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka82rank/position

Shizuka Kudo / MUGO… n… Irresistibly Sexy [Official Video]

This work, with its weighty arrangement and wistful melodic lines, has an irresistible charm that draws you in.

Shizuka Kudo delivers the protagonist’s delicate emotions—an inexpressible inner tremor and a quiet attempt to communicate through the eyes—with her distinctive husky voice and expressive singing, gripping the listener’s heart.

Released in August 1988 as Kudo’s fifth single, it was also used as the Kanebo Cosmetics “’88 Autumn Promotion Image Song.” The track reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart and was performed at the 39th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of the same year.

For karaoke, try singing it with a restrained, inward passion and a subtle hint of allure to deepen the song’s world even further.

planetariumOtsuka Ai83rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A treasured ballad by Ai Otsuka that weaves memories of love sparkling like a starry sky into gentle piano melodies.

With a clear, translucent voice, she conveys the aching emotions anyone who has experienced heartbreak can relate to.

Released in September 2005, it became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi.” Also included on the album “LOVE COOK,” this work remains etched in many hearts as one of Ai Otsuka’s signature songs.

For karaoke, we recommend singing it at a relaxed pace while recalling memories of someone special.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi84rank/position

The Last Rain

Yasushi Nakanishi’s classic, filled with gentle yet heartrending emotion, is a ballad about parting with a lover.

The breakup scene, overlaid with imagery of rain, along with the portrayal of deep affection, possessiveness, and the acceptance of being unable to make the other person happy, leaves a strong impression.

The beautiful arrangement of piano and strings further highlights the crystalline quality of his vocals.

Released in August 1992, it was later used as the theme song for Hitachi’s “Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and gradually gained support, ultimately becoming a massive hit with total sales of 900,000 copies.

In karaoke, its relaxed tempo and relatively narrow vocal range make it easy to sing calmly.

Why not sing it while carefully unfolding its story-like lyrics, together with your cherished memories?

To the futureKiroro85rank/position

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

Kiroro’s second single, a song of gratitude to a mother and hope for the future.

Released in June 1998, it was the first song written by vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro when she was in her third year of junior high school, inspired by her mother’s illness to put her feelings of gratitude into words.

While she once took her parents’ love for granted as a child, growing up made her realize its depth; the song reflects on times she couldn’t be honest, yet resolves to keep moving forward, all set to a simple melody.

It peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became widely loved across Asia, including Chinese-language covers.

In 2020, it drew attention again when Shuzo Matsuoka sang it in a P&G TV commercial.

Often performed at junior high and high school chorus contests and graduation ceremonies, it’s a perfect song for spring departures.

Before stepping into a new environment, give it a listen to reaffirm your gratitude to your parents.

On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z86rank/position

B'z / At the Hill Where the Moon Is Visible Tonight

A million-selling song by the two-piece rock unit B’z, who have produced a wide range of tracks from hard-hitting rock tunes to ballads.

Written as the theme song for the TV drama “Beautiful Life: Futari de Ita Hibi,” this gem portrays deep love, the conflicts that arise within it, and hope.

Released in February 2000, it ranked eighth on that year’s Oricon Annual Singles Chart, capturing the hearts of many in tandem with the drama.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to on a long autumn night, gazing at the moon with someone special.

As I love you selfishly, I won’t hurt anyone but you.B’z87rank/position

B'z / As Love Is, As Selfish As I Am, I Won't Hurt Anyone But You

“Ai no mama ni wagamama ni boku wa kimi dake o kizutsukenai” is a song released in 1993 by the rock duo B’z.

Sing it at karaoke and the length of the title alone will be a great conversation starter—instant crowd-pleaser! The track sold over two million copies and achieved an extraordinary run on the Oricon charts, ranking No.

1 for four consecutive weeks.

As a result, it’s beloved across generations as one of B’z’s signature songs.

It was also used as the theme song for the 1993 remake of the TV drama Journey to the West (Saiyuki).

If you’re from the same generation, it might help you bond with others who watched the show too!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Premium salted grilled Kuroge Wagyu tongue 680 yenOtsuka Ai88rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Grilled Kuroge Wagyu Top Salted Tongue 680 yen

This is a song about pure love for someone special.

Created by Ai Otsuka, this number was released in February 2005 as her seventh single.

It was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Black Jack and became a hot topic.

It’s a love song with an intriguingly unusual title, and its heartwarming lyrics and gentle melody are truly wonderful.

It reminds you that the ordinary moments of everyday life are the real treasures.

Brimming with that kind of charm, this piece will surely bring you a sense of calm when you listen to it!

StoryAI89rank/position

AI – Story

The AI with the famously husky voice.

While there are some high notes in the song, it’s mostly sung in a natural mid-range chest voice, so “Story” should be quite easy to sing! The tricky part of this song is definitely the high notes in the bridge.

My students practiced that same spot over and over.

If you sing it with the same feel as the chorus, you’ll run out of breath and your voice won’t carry.

It’s crucial to prepare before hitting the high notes! Since the song flows straight into the bridge after the end of the second verse, it can move on before you’ve had time to prepare… Take a quick breath right before the bridge and project your voice powerfully as if aiming into the distance! For the vowel “i,” it’s easy to spread the mouth sideways and tense up, so it’s easier to produce if you create space inside your mouth while pronouncing it.

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Kubota Mami

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Swaying feelingsZARD90rank/position

“Shaking Feelings” Music Video

When it comes to ZARD’s signature songs, many people would probably name this one.

Included on the album “Yureru Omoi,” released in July 1993, this track is characterized by Izumi Sakai’s clear, airy vocals and a melody that resonates with the heart.

The lyrics Sakai weaves delicately portray the wavering feelings of being in love, and the song has long been cherished for how it gently accompanies listeners’ emotions.

Its refreshing atmosphere—evoking memories of summer—is another part of its appeal.

It’s perfect as background music for a drive or for singing at karaoke.

It’s also recommended for people in their 40s who want to reminisce about those days, as it’s a song that lets you feel a pleasant summer breeze along with a touch of nostalgia.