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

Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB1rank/position

Kome Kome Club “Roman Hikō” [SHARISHARISM ACE -THE 8TH OF ACE-]

Kome Kome Club’s “Roman Hikō” is the group’s tenth single, released in 1990, and one of their signature songs.

Its distinctive, floating sound layered with powerful vocals leaves a strong impression, clearly conveying a sense of fun and exhilaration.

It’s also noteworthy that the song was reportedly written with the aim of getting an airline commercial offer—and, just as intended, it was chosen for a JAL commercial, which drew further attention.

It’s a refreshing track that seems to capture the excitement of setting off on a journey to somewhere unknown.

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kappamaki

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Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi2rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA3rank/position

[MV] YAH YAH YAH / CHAGE and ASKA

It is an aggressive track emblematic of the ’90s, infused with power and passion for the future.

Even when faced with difficult circumstances, its message of unwavering resolve to stay true to oneself and keep moving forward, along with hope for the future, continues to resonate across generations.

The song channels the passion of chasing dreams and an unyielding stance in the face of trials through a powerful rock sound.

Released by CHAGE and ASKA in March 1993, it was used as the theme song for the drama “If You Turn Around, He’s There,” topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks, sold 2.419 million copies, and ranked first on the annual singles chart.

It’s highly recommended for those who want to challenge themselves in pursuit of their dreams without fear of failure, or for anyone standing at a major crossroads in life.

It’s sure to give you courage.

Get WildTM NETWORK4rank/position

TM NETWORK「Get Wild」Official Music Video

TM NETWORK’s hit number, “Get Wild.” Thanks to its use in the Paris Olympics’ “non-paying uncle” meme, the song has gained a certain level of popularity among younger generations as well.

The piece spans a fairly narrow vocal range of mid1 F# to mid2 G, making it easy to sing for both men and women.

Although the lyrics tend to be somewhat fast-paced, the tempo itself isn’t particularly high at BPM 132, so as long as you memorize the flow properly, you should be able to sing it without any issues.

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Ryo

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OverMr.Children5rank/position

Mr.Children “Over” from 30th Anniversary Tour Entrance to the Half Century – 2022.5.10 TOKYO DOME –

It captures the quintessential early-’90s Mr.Children vibe: a guitar-band driven rock sound that keeps a pop sensibility, matched with introspective lyrics and a bittersweet melody.

The overall range is D3 to A#4, which might be slightly higher than the average male range.

Especially that chest-voice G#4 after the run of F4s in the chorus—you want that to come out smoothly, right? The key here is explosiveness.

If you deliver every phrase with a bit of an accent, you’ll build momentum and make it easier to project the voice.

After that, switch to falsetto.

To keep the momentum, send your breath straight upward.

At that moment, lifting your facial muscles will help things go more smoothly, so keep those facial muscles raised.

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Kubota Mami

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Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa6rank/position

Love Story Suddenly – Kazumasa Oda

Released in February 1991, this song is a love ballad that expresses a bittersweet yet beautiful yearning.

As the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Love Story,” it became a massive hit and left a deep impression on many hearts.

Kazumasa Oda’s gentle vocals and the emotionally resonant lyrics are especially captivating.

Thanks in part to the synergy with the drama, this track became a pivotal work that cemented Oda’s status as a solo artist.

It’s perfect for those moments when, amid busy days of work or house chores, you suddenly want to reminisce about your youth.

It’s also easy to sing at karaoke and a great one to enjoy together with people of the same generation.

CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie7rank/position

CAN YOU CELEBRATE 2003 Namie Amuro

When it comes to Namie Amuro’s signature songs, this is the one.

Its grand atmosphere, beautiful melody line, and moving lyrics come together to create a highly polished track.

Released in February 1997, it was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Virgin Road.” It’s widely loved as a wedding classic and is a perfect fit for wedding scenes.

For women in their 40s, it may be a nostalgic song that brings back memories of their youth.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to get everyone of the same generation excited! Why not enjoy its heartfelt vocals while reminiscing about memories of love and marriage?