[40s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
Introducing the latest top 100 all at once, ranked by the number of views from people in their 40s, taken from this year’s age-group popularity charts!
By looking at the rankings, you’ll see what people in their 40s—who have accumulated a wealth of experiences, still have plenty of energy, and are often in the most fulfilling period of their lives—were listening to at the time.
The playlist is updated weekly.
- [2026 Edition] Youth Anthems for Your 40s! A Roundup of Popular Heart-Pounding × Heartwarming Songs
- [40s] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
- [40s] Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [2026]
- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits
- Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.
- [50s] Popular Song Ranking by Generation [2026]
- [40s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2026]
- [30s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
- [2026 Edition] Karaoke Songs That Will Get the Crowd Going—Perfect for Women in Their 40s
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 40s [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Nostalgic Songs and Classics [2026]
- Nostalgic Songs Perfect as Driving BGM for People in Their 40s
- Band Rankings Popular Among People in Their 40s [2026]
[40s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026] (51–60)
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto57rank/position
With its uplifting lyrics and buoyant piano melody, this is a pep song that gives courage to listeners.
Singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto’s debut single “TOMORROW,” released in May 1995, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Second Chance” and became a massive hit, achieving Double Platinum status.
Its message—that strength lies beyond the tears—will surely give a powerful push to graduates embarking on a new world.
Beloved enough to be selected as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Tournament in March 1996, this song is widely cherished.
Sing it with friends at a reunion, and your memories of youth are sure to come vividly rushing back.
Time Goes ByEvery Little Thing58rank/position
A gemlike love ballad that embraces everyone’s sense of incompleteness and loneliness with universal kindness.
Released by Every Little Thing in February 1998, this song beautifully portrays how lovers may hurt each other yet grow together through the experience of love.
Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday 10 p.m.
drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), it went on to sell over 1.4 million copies.
It has since become familiar as a commercial song for numerous brands, including Toyota and SoftBank.
With its gentle melody and lyrics whose depth resonates more and more with life experience, it’s sure to move you.
That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando59rank/position
A passionate commercial features various teams—such as soccer and cheerleading—forming huddles.
Watching them speak about their goals and unite their voices lights a fire in our own hearts.
The song playing in the background of this wonderful footage is the classic cheer anthem “Sore ga Daiji,” which celebrates the importance of never giving up.
The original is a 1991 track by Daiji MAN Brothers Band, but this commercial uses a choral version.
TemptationGLAY60rank/position
I bet many of you were totally hooked on GLAY back then.
This is a signature song by the rock band that represents Japan.
The fast-paced melody feels incredibly good, and whether you’re listening or singing along, it draws you right into its world.
Give it a go and sing it cool and with confidence!
[40s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026] (61–70)
countrysideTamaki Kōji61rank/position
For those now in their 40s who spent their youth in the 1990s, many probably think of Koji Tamaki more as an actor or solo singer than as a member of Anzen Chitai.
In particular, Den-en, released in 1996 as a solo single by Tamaki, was a massive hit that went double platinum and was frequently sung at karaoke back then.
Tamaki is a singer so highly regarded for his overwhelming vocal ability that he’s respected by fellow professionals, but Den-en is composed with a very singable melody and sits in a relatively low key overall, making it a song that can score high at karaoke regardless of vocal timbre.
The only caveat is that some parts are a bit fast-paced, so it’s a good idea to memorize the lyrics thoroughly and practice until you can sing it smoothly.
Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK62rank/position
The 18th single by the rock band THE JAYWALK, who made their major debut in 1981.
Originally a rearranged “summer version” of a track included on their 1990 album DOWN TOWN STORIES, it became one of THE JAYWALK’s signature songs.
With its catchy, memorable chord progression and lyrical, bittersweet words, it’s a track that’s indispensable when discussing the J-POP scene of the 1990s.
WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Make a MovementH Jungle with T63rank/position
H Jungle with t is a musical unit by Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and Tetsuya Komuro.
The unit was born from the popular TV show “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP,” and their track “WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You’ve Gotta Make a Move~” became explosively popular.
Classified in the genre known as jungle, this work is arranged with a reggae flavor throughout.
Although it features some somewhat loud sections, the overall vocal range isn’t wide, making it easy to sing and perfect for getting everyone hyped at karaoke.
