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

vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko50rank/position

vexing lips

Mariko Takahashi has remained popular since the 1970s.

She’s an exceptionally long-running artist who stayed at the forefront into the 1990s.

Because of that, I think even women in their 40s are quite familiar with her songs.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Hagayui Kuchibiru (“Frustrated Lips”).

It’s a striking piece featuring vocals influenced by Showa-era kayōkyoku and the distinctive synth sounds of the early ’90s.

In this song, the chorus reaches the highest notes, but it stays within the mid-to-high range overall, and the long sustained notes only appear in the lower register.

As a result, it’s a very singable tune for women with lower voices.

White kiteMy Little Lover51rank/position

My Little Lover “White Kite”

Younger listeners probably felt that this My Little Lover track is quintessentially summery.

At the same time, those who spent their youth in the ’90s may have had the sensation of being suddenly pulled back into a summer of that decade.

Released as a single in December 1995, the song is a refreshingly breezy tune overflowing with summertime imagery.

Beyond akko’s crystalline vocals, its contemporaneous UK rock flavor leaves a strong impression.

In 2021, it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s chu-hi “Horoyoi Shiroi Sour,” drawing renewed attention as a perfect song for the summer vibe.

Love will winKAN52rank/position

KAN - Love Will Win

When it comes to songs that give you an involuntary boost, this one is it.

Released in 1990, it was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Quiz Omoshiro TV,” and later as an insert song on Fuji TV’s “Houchan’s Yamada Katsutenai TV.” It carries a powerful message that love will triumph no matter what hardships you face.

KAN reportedly wrote this song after giving relationship advice to a friend.

He was also conscious of Billy Joel’s style when composing it, and together with the sound of the piano, its warm message resonates in the heart.

It’s recommended for when you’re feeling down or want to push yourself.

It’s sure to lift your spirits.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro53rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

This is a song whose gentle vocals and guitar tones resonate in the heart.

The lyrics, which sing about the bond with a loved one and caring for each other, can bring you to the verge of tears.

Released in 2014 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it moved many people.

Motohiro Hata’s warm singing voice deepens the emotion of the story.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to express gratitude to someone important to you, or when you want to be there for someone.

Also recommended as wedding background music.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu54rank/position

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

Originally written for a television drama, this is the eighth single by the four-piece rock band Spitz.

Released in April 1994, it initially saw modest chart performance, but when it was later chosen as the theme song for the 1996 Fuji TV drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” it returned to the spotlight and became a million seller.

The song delicately depicts the turbulence of adolescence, a sense of awe toward an unseen, greater presence, and the budding conviction of freedom that arises when there’s someone who accepts you—all carried by Masamune Kusano’s clear, translucent vocals and a gentle guitar ensemble.

Not only sweet feelings of love but also the harshness of reality and the ache of loneliness seep through, and yet the protagonist’s determination to look ahead makes your heart swell.

Beloved as a graduation song, it’s a track that brings back memories as spring arrives.

As the season of new beginnings approaches, why not listen to it quietly and let it wash over you?

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi55rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

This is a Maker’s Mark commercial featuring Shun Oguri in the role of Dracula.

Oguri speaks to the woman he loves, telling her he wants to spend the next life together as well, but she replies, “You’re immortal—there is no next life for you, is there?” It’s a poignantly bittersweet story.

The ad is striking in that there is no spoken audio; the dialogue appears only as subtitles, while the background music is Masayoshi Yamazaki’s “One more time, One more chance.” The lyrics, which depict a man endlessly searching for someone precious he has lost, make for a touching, heartrending ballad.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

White LoveSPEED56rank/position

SPEED / White Love -Music Video-

This is the song used in the Shiseido Tissera Angel Drop commercial that aired in the late 1990s.

Members of SPEED also appeared in the ad, so many of you may remember it vividly.

Released in 1997, this track is one of their signature songs and was included on the following year’s album, RISE.

Set against a winter backdrop, the lyrics—vowing eternal love while feeling anxious that it might someday end—resonated deeply and moved many listeners.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem