Popular Japanese songs among women in their 30s. Recommended masterpieces and classic tracks.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

This is “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo,” Superfly’s fourth single, released in 2008.

It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama Mother of Edison.

I believe this song is truly complete only with Shiho’s voice—firm and powerful, yet imbued with gentleness.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

This is “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing), the second single by BUMP OF CHICKEN, released in 2001.

Back then, you heard it everywhere you went.

Songs like this make you feel nostalgic when you listen later, bringing back the people and places you were with at the time.

It’s a fast-paced track that makes you want to jump on a bike and race through a summer night.

happiness!!!Kimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “happiness!!!” [short ver. ]

Singer-songwriter Kaela Kimura, who garnered popularity with her rock sound that retained an air of ennui.

While her recent, more pop-leaning style is wonderful too, many women in their 30s probably prefer the rock flavor from this period.

Her track “happiness!!!” is a perfect work for savoring her rock side.

Although the average pitch is high and it may seem difficult, the overall range itself isn’t that wide at mid2A to hiF, and there’s plenty of room to lower the key, making it a song that’s relatively easy to score high with at karaoke.

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scene of carnage; chaotic situation; crisis (literally: battlefield of asuras)Toukyou Jihen

Tokyo Incidents – The Battlefield (Shuraba)

Tokyo Jihen is a band that has consistently produced hit numbers and classic songs up to the present day.

Their single ‘Shuraba’ is their third release, and unlike their earlier rock-leaning sound, it features a jazzy, decadent melody with a kayōkyoku-like flavor that aligns more closely with their current musical style.

Although the vocal range is fairly wide (mid1F to hiF), the piece is relatively easy to sing because the vocal line is simple and the lyrics are sparse.

The impassive, mechanical vocal delivery also means it doesn’t demand much expressive nuance, which further contributes to its singability.

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crescent moonayaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

This is “Mikazuki,” Ayaka’s fourth single, released in 2006.

It’s a ballad about a long-distance relationship, but even if you’re not in one, you can deeply relate to the feelings of longing for a loved one.

There are surely people who have shed tears listening to this song when struggling with love.

Love, Day After TomorrowKuraki Mai

Mai Kuraki "Love, Day After Tomorrow"

Mai Kuraki’s signature song “Love, Day After Tomorrow.” This piece is notable for its light vocal delivery, reminiscent of Hikaru Utada.

It’s often said to have strong R&B elements, but authentic R&B techniques—such as vocal runs—don’t appear at all.

While the pitch tends to be somewhat high, the overall range is quite narrow at mid2 A to high D#, so with a key adjustment it’s easy for anyone to sing.

Personally, I think the most comfortable range is one where you can sing steadily with a light mixed voice.

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StoryAI

AI – Story

This is “Story,” AI’s 12th single, released in 2005.

Paired with AI’s husky voice, the lyrics resonate deeply with women in their 30s who are grappling with various struggles.

It’s no wonder this masterpiece has remained consistently and enduringly popular over the years.