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

Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS36rank/position

THE BLUE HEARTS – Be Kind to People

THE BLUE HEARTS are a quintessential Japanese punk rock band—spot-on for men in their late 40s.

Among their songs, the one I especially recommend for men in their 40s because it’s easy to sing is Hito ni Yasashiku (“Be Kind to People”).

Popular as the theme song of a drama with the same title, it features a catchy punk rock melody that anyone can sing along to.

Since the song stays in the mid-range, it can easily become monotonous.

If you want to add more expression, don’t hesitate to throw in some shouts and sing it with a bold, masculine edge.

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Ryo

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Don’t give upZARD37rank/position

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

ZARD is an indispensable presence in the Japanese music scene of the ’90s, and for many women in their 40s today, their songs undoubtedly evoke the soundtracks of youth.

The late Izumi Sakai’s clear vocals and heartfelt lyrics never lose their luster, and they’re still hugely popular at karaoke.

“Makenaide” is one of ZARD’s most famous songs, a true classic with nationwide acclaim.

While the pitch is slightly on the higher side, it’s generally average overall, and the melody is straightforward without large leaps in range, making it a good candidate for high karaoke scores.

Aim to articulate each word of the lyrics clearly, and sing the chorus with crisp, powerful delivery!

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KOH-1

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A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi38rank/position

Fall in Love - Koibito ni Ochite by Akiko Kobayashi

With its exquisite key and tempo that suit a wide range of singers, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a fun, confidence-boosting song for karaoke-loving women in their 40s.

The sophisticated melody and lyrics by Yumi Matsutoya have been loved across generations, and when paired with the comfortable accompaniment, you’ll feel as if the karaoke room instantly transforms into a magical summer world.

Enjoy a wonderful moment with this song, which is upbeat yet composed, and cherished by a broad audience.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko39rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

Aiko’s signature love song “Kabutomushi.” The overall vocal range is quite wide, from F3 to F5, but it’s very easy to sing if you switch between chest voice and falsetto.

The A and B sections sit firmly in a lower range, and while the chorus climbs higher than you might expect, it may help to switch decisively to a falsetto base from there.

To switch smoothly between registers, stable pitch is essential.

If you keep your eyebrows raised or make a surprised face, you can maintain accurate pitch centered between your eyebrows without letting it drop into your throat.

Also, when singing high notes, if you hold back and produce the sound halfway, it will definitely be harder to hit, so try projecting your voice solidly!

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Kubota Mami

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I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN40rank/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!

Kiss me right nowLINDBERG41rank/position

LINDBERG / Kiss Me Now

LINDBERG is a rock band that was hugely successful in the 1990s.

Known for their energetic, upbeat pop-rock sound, the group has produced many classic songs.

Among them, “Ima Sugu Kiss Me” stands out as a particularly memorable piece.

While the song leans toward pop rock and maintains tremendous energy throughout, it surprisingly doesn’t feature sustained long notes in the mid-to-high or higher registers.

The overall vocal range isn’t especially wide, so even women with lower voices should be able to sing it comfortably in an appropriate key.

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki42rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

A signature work by Noriyuki Makihara that delivers a universal message about living true to yourself, carried by a powerful yet gentle melody.

It’s a classic imbued with a strong resolve to value your true self, even while grappling with doubts and anxieties in life.

Also included on the album “Who Will You Share a Happy Yawn With?”, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies within six months of its June 1991 release.

It was chosen as the entrance march for the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1992.

The melody is marked by an acoustic guitar and a calm tempo, making it easy to sing.

It’s a song that resonates at life’s crossroads or when you feel you might lose yourself, and it’s cherished by many.