Lovely karaoke song

Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!
Keyboard playerSAKI
I play Electone, piano, and piano with vocals, and I upload performance videos to social media like YouTube! I’ve loved Disney music since I was little and have played many pieces on the Electone. I’ve been a fan of GLAY since junior high, and from there I started listening to all kinds of music, both Japanese and international. In Western music, I like Avril Lavigne♫

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 masterpieces and classic tracks (61–70)

BOYS & GIRLSAyumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki / Boys & Girls (Short Ver.)

BOYS & GIRLS Ayumi Hamasaki

“BOYS & GIRLS” is Ayumi Hamasaki’s ninth single, released in 1999, and it enjoyed fervent support from women in their 20s at the time.

With this song, she received her first Excellence Award at the 41st Japan Record Awards and made her debut appearance on the 50th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Its catchy melody is one many people in their 40s can still find themselves humming even after all these years.

The sparkling sound, reminiscent of summer sunshine, is perfect for a drive! It not only evokes nostalgia for those in their 40s, but also rekindles the feeling of wanting to fully enjoy summer—just like back then.

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Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Angela Aki

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” Music Video (HD)

Letter ~To You, Fifteen~ - Angela Aki

Angela Aki’s moving ballad is a song inspired by a letter addressed to her younger self.

The gentle tone of the piano and her clear, transparent voice sink deep into the heart.

Released in September 2008, it was also selected as a required piece for NHK’s National School Music Competition.

It was featured in commercials for the Japan Post Group and captured the hearts of many.

This work serves as an encouragement to those struggling with anguish and uncertainty, giving them the courage to believe in themselves and move forward.

If you sing it at karaoke, it’s sure to resonate with listeners.

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SWEET 19 BLUESNamie Amuro

SWEET 19 BLUES / (Live Edit)

Namie Amuro — SWEET 19 BLUES

The title track from the second album, later re-released as the seventh single, “SWEET 19 BLUES.” Used as the ending theme for the film “That’s Cunning! The Greatest Strategy?,” the song stands out for its lyrics crafted with universality in mind and its soulful choral work.

The melodic movement in the chorus is challenging, but since the vocal range isn’t that wide, it’s relatively approachable for karaoke.

However, be careful to feel the bounce of the relaxed shuffle beat—if you don’t, you’ll drift away from the original vibe.

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The Theory of HappinessRingo Sheena

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

Theory of Happiness Shiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo’s song is one that deeply resonates with women in their 40s.

Released as her debut single in 1998, it was later included on the acclaimed album “Muzai Moratorium.” With melodies and lyrics that gently accompany the listener’s heart, it makes you realize that the very existence of the person you love is happiness itself.

This work reminds busy, grown women of the preciousness of love in its purest form.

Listening between work or housework will likely bring a sense of calm.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced some popular songs that colored the youth of women in their 40s—how was it? Did you reunite with that song you loved back then? The songs you loved in your school days remain in your heart along with the memories of that time, don’t they? Please continue to cherish those songs along with your wonderful memories.