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

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro50rank/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.

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi51rank/position

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer (2008 Ver.) [Music Video]

A timeless adult classic by Kazuyoshi Saito, celebrated for its deeply moving vocals and rich storytelling.

This exquisite ballad conveys heartfelt emotions for a loved one—feelings that are hard to say out loud—set to song with disarming honesty.

Its simple melody and resonant guitar gently enfold the lyrical world.

Since its release in November 1997, many artists have covered it, and in 2017 it was used as the theme song for the animated film “Lu Over the Wall.” In August 2022, a performance on THE FIRST TAKE drew significant attention, extending its appeal to a new generation.

With a relaxed tempo and a relatively narrow vocal range, it’s easy to sing with ease.

Why not sing it with all your heart, pouring your feelings for someone special into every note?

BELOVEDGLAY52rank/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 should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu53rank/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.

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi54rank/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.

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Hane Keisuke

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White LoveSPEED55rank/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.

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Hane Keisuke

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Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato56rank/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.