[40s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]

On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z85rank/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.

MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka86rank/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 Ai87rank/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 Nakanishi88rank/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 futureKiroro89rank/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.

threadNakajima Miyuki90rank/position

thread

Since her debut in 1975, Miyuki Nakajima has produced numerous hit songs as a genius singer-songwriter, all the while maintaining a mysterious, solitary presence that continues to shine even in the Reiwa era.

Among her many masterpieces, Ito is one of her most famous songs, first appearing on the 1992 album EAST ASIA.

From the 2010s onward, it was used as background music on television programs, boosting its household recognition, and in 2020 a film inspired by the song was released—testament to its immeasurable influence.

Of course, it’s challenging to capture the expressive nuance that someone like Nakajima brings, but the melody line is easy to sing, so in terms of karaoke difficulty it’s relatively low—making it a great choice for those aiming for a high score.

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KOH-1

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As I love you selfishly, I won’t hurt anyone but you.B’z91rank/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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