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For men in their 30s: Nostalgic music. Recommended popular songs

In your busy 30s, juggling work and personal life, it’s easy to have fewer chances to listen to music in your daily routine.

Of course, you probably still hear the latest hits, but the songs that really stay with you are likely the ones from your student days, when you listened to music the most, right?

People in their 30s today were likely students in the ’90s to ’00s, and there are so many songs from that era whose lyrics you can still sing along to even now.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of popular tracks that still resonate with men in their 30s!

You’re sure to come across songs that make you feel nostalgic!

[For men in their 30s] Nostalgic music: Recommended popular songs (91–100)

You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"
You're no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.

I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

"Slam Dunk Theme Song" vol. 2 BAAD - 'I Want to Shout That I Love You' sung by Kaname Kawabata (Short Ver.)
I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

It’s a timeless masterpiece etched in my heart along with memories of my nostalgic youth.

Beginning with a fresh morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they waver between friendship and romantic feelings, conveyed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.

A signature work by BAAD, it was released as a single in December 1993 and used as the first opening theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

In March 2021, it won the Users’ Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With lyrics that explore universal themes such as the frustrations of love and the courage to take a step forward, it’s perfect for moments when you want to indulge in sweet, bittersweet memories of romance.

For men in their 30s: Nostalgic music. Recommended popular songs (101–110)

Last chanceSomething ELse

The popular variety show “Susume! Denpa Shōnen,” which aired in the 1990s, is a nostalgic program for those in their 30s.

The music unit Something ELse broke through thanks to the “Raiha Shōnen Last Chance” segment within its spinoff show “Raiha Shōnen.” Having focused on street performances since their student days, they made their major debut in 1996.

Their familiar, catchy melodies and gentle vocals sink right into your heart.

Be sure to check out songs other than “Last Chance,” which was born from “Raiha Shōnen.”

Cheering Song feat. MOOMINShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Cheering Song feat. MOOMIN” MUSIC VIDEO
Cheering Song feat. MOOMINShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze are always by our side, cheering us on.

Sometimes they raise their fists high to fire us up; other times they gently give us a push on the back—their style of encouragement is ever-changing.

This song, “Ouenka feat.

MOOMIN,” is one you’ll want to listen to when life wears you down.

“Don’t give up on your dreams—what happened to the bold, spirited you?” It holds up your faltering heart with a powerful boost.

This manly pep song—like an older brother or a father— is a must-listen for those long, contemplative autumn nights.

If you don’t want to give up on something, give it a spin!

countrysideTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)
countrysideTamaki Kōji

This is a gem of a masterpiece by Koji Tamaki, depicting people who, while facing the weaknesses and conflicts hidden within, live with strength.

The song richly portrays life as it is: a solitary soul kicking a stone, eyes gazing at the night sky in prayer, and an oil-stained back fallen silent.

Its melody gently teaches the importance of not overreaching, but simply taking one step at a time and steadily doing what you can.

Released in July 1996, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Coach” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels lost or anxious in daily life, or who is searching for a way of living that is true to themselves.

I want to love rather than be lovedKinKi Kids

I Want to Love Rather Than Be Loved / KinKi Kids (covered by Rune) [Theme song of the drama “Bokura no Yuuki: Miman City”]
I want to love rather than be lovedKinKi Kids

This song is one of KinKi Kids’ signature tracks.

Many men may relate to the lyrics, which convey genuine, down-to-earth feelings.

It’s also memorable that the title appears as-is in the chorus.

It’s really fun to sing at karaoke while doing the choreography.

1106WANIMA

WANIMA-1106 (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
1106WANIMA

WANIMA’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

With many catchy, hype-inducing songs, they’re especially popular among teens and people in their twenties.

“1106” is a song dedicated to the singer’s late grandfather.

Whether you know that fact or not, the lyrics hit hard—but the more you listen, the more you’ll find feelings and conflicts that resonate particularly well with men in their thirties.

It’s a song that sinks in when you’re feeling down or worn out.