Great songs recommended for people in their 30s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.

Song of JoyMONGOL800

Song of Joy

MONGOL800 is a band from Okinawa.

While they have numerous hit songs such as “Chiisana Koi no Uta,” I’d like to recommend a slightly more niche track here: “Yorokobi no Uta.” Unlike most of their songs, this one features a reggae-style rhythm with distinctive off-beats on the 2 and 4.

The vocals are calm and somewhat languid, and since there aren’t many long sustained notes, it should be easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident in their vocal power or lung capacity.

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Ryo

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The beauties of nature — flowers, birds, wind, and the moon (a poetic expression appreciating nature’s elegance)Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Flowers, Birds, Wind, Moon”

Ketsumeishi is a music group that sparked a hip-hop boom in the overground scene in the 2000s.

Known for many songs about love and friendship, they’re recognized as a hip-hop group that won over a broad mainstream audience with approachable rap.

Among their tracks, “Kachou Fuugetsu” is particularly easy to sing.

The rap elements are relatively subdued, and the song as a whole is arranged with a melody that has a somewhat Okinawan folk vibe.

The vocal range is narrow and the vocal lines are simple, but there are many sustained notes in the chorus, so you need to pay attention to vocal power and key adjustments.

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Ryo

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Thank youOKAMOTO’S

OKAMOTO’S “Arigatou” Official Music Video

A heartwarming birthday song filled with gratitude.

It’s the lead track from the album “4EVER,” released in January 2025, and it’s been crafted as a special piece to commemorate OKAMOTO’S 15th debut anniversary.

While rooted in rock, the sound weaves in elements of soul and funk, gently enveloping the feelings toward those who have supported them so far.

This song is perfect for expressing thanks to someone special on their birthday, and if you sing it at karaoke, your love is sure to come through loud and clear.

A Tiny Bit of CourageFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 'A Tiny Bit of Courage'

Released in 2007, “Chippoke na Yuuki” was a milestone song for FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, achieving their then-highest position of No.

8 on the Oricon chart.

Many people in their 30s will fondly remember Tomohiro Waki being featured on the cover and in the music video, and for those who’ve spent a fair number of years in the working world, the lyrics that unexpectedly stir the heart are sure to make you want to belt it out at karaoke.

True to FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ straightforward melodies, there’s nothing particularly difficult, but the fast sections that incorporate rap-like vocals typical of 2000s J-pop can be sung smoothly if you memorize the lyrics well beforehand.

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KOH-1

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confessionFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Confession”

There must be plenty of people in their thirties today who can’t help but squint with nostalgia at the sight of Eiichiro Funakoshi’s jacket with an umbrella.

“Kokuhaku” (Confession) is a hit song released in 2008, a masterpiece that belts out incredibly straightforward, honest lyrics with all its might.

True to their style, the lyrics are packed with words and delivered at a slightly rapid pace, but it’s quintessential 2000s J‑POP, and for those who were in their teens to twenties back then and are now in their thirties, it likely feels like the melody of their youth—something they can sing with ease.

Just a heads-up: the final chorus modulates up by a half step!

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KOH-1

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Just, thank you.MONKEY MAJIK

MONKEY MAJIK – Just, Thank You [Official Music Video]

A gemlike ballad that gently and carefully expresses deep gratitude to someone precious.

Its striking lyrics, weaving Japanese and English together, overflow with a “thank you” that’s hard to say in everyday life and a pure wish to see the other person’s smile.

The calm melody and heartwarming words quietly stay close to the listener’s heart and stir deep emotion.

Released by MONKEY MAJIK in August 2008, the song drew attention as the theme for the TBS drama “Ando Natsu” and was also included on the album “TIME.” It’s often used as background music at weddings and in moments of expressing thanks, making it a perfect song for conveying your feelings to someone important.

Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / Precious Love

With a warm, translucent voice, EXILE ATSUSHI pens a wedding song themed around love and bonds.

Gently singing of the importance of affection felt in days walked together and vows to the future, this work carefully portrays the delicate emotions of a romance born in everyday life transforming into eternal love.

Released as a single in October 2014, it was featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy and earned the Best Vocal Performance at the 56th Japan Record Awards that same year.

It was subsequently included on the album Love Ballade, captivating listeners across a wide audience.

Whether for a moody evening spent savoring a drink while feeling the bond with someone special, or as wedding background music, it will surely stay close to your heart.