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

Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato57rank/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.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto58rank/position

TOMORROW

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.

That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando59rank/position

Daiji MAN Brothers Band – That's Important

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.

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Hane Keisuke

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countrysideTamaki Kōji60rank/position

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)

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.

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KOH-1

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Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK61rank/position

Speechless… Summer (Speechless… Summer JAYWALK ORIGINAL EDITION 1 Al Version)

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Time Goes ByEvery Little Thing62rank/position

Time goes by – Every Little Thing (Full)

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.

TemptationGLAY63rank/position

GLAY / Temptation

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!

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Murakami Shinpei

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