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?
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Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s. Recommended classics and staples (1–10)
Poem of SunlightLe Couple
Le Couple is a married duo formed in 1990.
Released in 1997, this song became one of their signature tracks and sold over a million copies.
At the time of its release, they also performed it on the Red and White Song Battle, and some may remember it being used as an insert song in the drama “Under One Roof 2.” Its very gentle accompaniment and vocals, along with lyrics that convey a warm, embracing tenderness, have moved many listeners.
Being just friends is fine.Yumiko Takahashi
Yumiko Takahashi, lauded as the last orthodox idol of the 20th century and acclaimed both as a singer and an actress, released her 13th single, “Tomodachi de Ii Kara” (“I’d Be Fine Just as Friends”).
The song was chosen as the theme for the second installment of the TV drama ‘My Little Lover,’ in which she starred.
Its lyrics, which depict someone wrestling with their feelings while hiding them from the person they like, are likely to resonate with anyone who has experienced a bittersweet unrequited love.
With a narrow vocal range and a not-too-high key, it’s a sentimental pop tune that women in their 40s—the generation that grew up with it—will especially enjoy singing.
LOVE LOVE LOVENEW!DREAMS COME TRUE
LOVE LOVE LOVE, a famous song by DREAMS COME TRUE released in 1995.
If you’re a woman in your 40s, you’ve probably heard it at least once.
The song’s vocal range is mid1 F# to hi C#, which is relatively narrow for a DCT track.
The tempo is very relaxed, and the melodic movement is gentle, so as long as you’ve memorized the vocal line well, you’re unlikely to go off pitch.
However, because the slow tempo leads to more long notes, it’s advisable to master diaphragmatic breathing to maintain stable vocal production.
Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: Recommended classics and standard tracks (11–20)
White LoveSPEED
“White Love,” released in 1997 by the four-member music group SPEED, known for their striking high-tone vocals.
Its one-of-a-kind sound has stayed in listeners’ hearts for years.
The song was featured in Shiseido’s T’issera Angel Drop commercial, which drew attention because all the members appeared in it.
It’s the kind of song you want to listen to in winter, bringing back memories of school days and bittersweet romance.
How about revisiting this refreshing yet poignant love song and soaking in a bit of nostalgia?
A Perfect SkyBONNIE PINK
A female singer-songwriter who captivates fans with a uniquely floating sound and overwhelming vocal prowess, BONNIE PINK released this as her 21st single.
Chosen as the song for Shiseido’s ANESSA commercial, it became notable for the anecdote that when it was released in June 2006, only the chorus originally existed, but due to a flood of inquiries, a full version was hastily produced.
It’s an emotional summer tune you’ll want to play on a sunny-day drive—truly deserving of the catchphrase “the ultimate summer song.”
AutomaticHikaru Utada
Hikaru Utada’s debut single, released in December 1998, brought a genuine R&B breeze into the world of J-pop.
Depicting feelings so strong that your body moves unconsciously when a call comes from a lover, the song blends a mature groove with the purity of teenage years to perfection.
Remarkably, this debut achieved double million sales.
Those who experienced that impact in real time likely remember it vividly.
Even now, its stylish sound hasn’t faded at all—an enduring classic that’s perfect for moments when you want to bask in memories.
I can't stay a daydreaming girlNanae Aikawa
This song is Nanase Aikawa’s debut single, released in 1995, and one of her signature tracks.
Produced by Tetsurō Oda, it was crafted into a powerful rock number that cemented Aikawa’s position as a rock singer.
Not only the chorus but every part of the song is so catchy that it sticks in your head after just one listen, making it a timeless classic that hasn’t faded with the years.
I bet many people used to sing it often at karaoke back then, too.