Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits
No matter how many years go by or how many times you listen, the songs you loved in your youth always stir something warm in your heart, don’t they?
In this article, we’ll introduce popular Japanese songs that colored the teenage years of women in their 40s.
We’ve gathered a trove of classics perfect for anyone thinking, “I want to hear that song again,” or “I want to sing the songs I sang as a student at karaoke.”
You’re sure to rediscover the tracks you loved back then!
Even if you’re busy every day with work and household chores, why not take a little break and bask in the memories of your youth?
Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s. Recommended classics and staples (1–10)
Love the islandAmi Suzuki
This song features a refreshing melody that evokes a tropical summer.
Released in July 1998, it was Ami Suzuki’s debut single.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, it was also used in a commercial for the Guam Visitors Bureau.
With lyrics that sing of the bittersweet memories of youth, it’s sure to resonate with women in their 40s.
It’s a karaoke staple, and its effortless, singable melody helps you forget the busyness of everyday life.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to step away from the daily grind of work and chores and immerse yourself in memories of your younger days.
First LoveHikaru Utada
This is a cut from Hikaru Utada’s debut album, First Love.
The lyrics, which vividly portray the pain of heartbreak and the memories of a first love, resonated deeply with many people.
The emotional depth expressed by a 16-year-old girl was shocking to many.
Released in April 1999, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon singles chart and became a huge hit, including spending 15 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the karaoke charts.
I recommend listening to this song alone during a quiet moment.
It will bring back the bittersweetness and nostalgia of first love and warm your heart.
Swaying feelingsZARD
Released in July 1993, this song is a masterpiece that delicately portrays wavering emotions in love.
Izumi Sakai’s clear, transparent vocals leave a gentle, intimate impression.
Included on the album “Yureru Omoi” (Wavering Feelings), it is cherished by many fans as one of ZARD’s signature works.
It had a major impact on the Japanese music scene and also achieved success on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics, meticulously crafted by Sakai, paint delicate scenes—shifts of the seasons, happenings within dreams, and more.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you pause amid busy days of work or housework and feel like looking back on your youth.
It’s also a karaoke staple, perfect for everyone to sing along to.
On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z
This song, which portrays deep love, inner conflict, and hope, resonates powerfully with listeners.
Released in February 2000, it is known as the theme song for the TBS drama “Beautiful Life.” It’s B’z’s 27th single and is also included on the album “ELEVEN.” The music video, filmed at a church in Los Angeles, is memorable as well.
The lyrics express a longing to understand a loved one’s feelings and a readiness to accept the pains of love.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to reminisce about your youth or convey your feelings to someone special.
It’s sure to be a hit at karaoke, too!
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
This song was released in November 1999 as Aiko’s fourth single.
Its lyrics paint such beautiful scenes, making it a truly lovely piece.
It’s a classic love song that many people know.
As a ballad, the melody rises and falls gently, so it’s very manageable to sing.
The chorus has a melody line that feels great to belt out.
It’s a song that lets you soak in its comfort while watching the reactions of those listening around you.
The piece portrays the delicate emotions of a woman in love alongside the changing seasons.
Combined with Aiko’s soft vocals, it’s a song that resonates deeply with listeners.
HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
Released in 1998, this song is a captivating love ballad that portrays a sweet yet dangerous romance.
Characterized by a simple, powerful band sound, it also marks a new beginning for L’Arc~en~Ciel.
At the time, it became such a major hit that the band made their first appearance at the 49th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Frequently performed at L’Arc~en~Ciel’s concerts and special events, the song holds a special place for fans.
For women in their 40s who spent their youth with it, the track feels both nostalgic and refreshingly appealing.
It’s also a great pick as a karaoke staple.
FriendsREBECCA
Friends, a signature song by REBECCA, the band that helped spark the late-1980s band boom, was released in 1985.
Used as the ending theme for the drama “Half Potato na Oretachi,” the song has been covered by many artists, including Shoko Nakagawa and His Excellency Demon Kogure.
It’s said that vocalist NOKKO sang about her first boyfriend, vividly portraying scenes that capture the slight awkwardness of a first relationship.
It’s a song that may bring back memories of that youthful time when you fell in love and grew just a bit more mature.