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

JupiterAyaka Hirahara

[Ayaka Hirahara] 'Jupiter' MV Full Ver.

Ayaka Hirahara’s debut song presents a grand classical masterpiece theme with approachable lyrics and a brilliant arrangement.

Its beautiful melody and crystal-clear vocals offer deep comfort to those facing loneliness or anxiety, making it a moving piece.

Since its release in December 2003, it has remained a long-selling favorite and was also used as an insert song in the TBS drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” With Masayuki Sakamoto’s elegant arrangement and Hirahara’s expressive singing, the track is crafted to be easy and pleasant for anyone to sing.

Why not try it at karaoke when you want to cherish bonds with friends or need the courage to believe in yourself?

go for it！DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE「go for it！」

DREAMS COME TRUE is a duo supported by people of all generations, not just those in their 40s.

Because their music is rooted in Black music, many of their songs are challenging, but of course there are also simpler ones.

The one I recommend is go for it!.

While the melody is somewhat unconventional, the vocal range is narrow and there are no sudden jumps in pitch, making it one of the easiest DREAMS COME TRUE songs to sing.

Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

Ding DongZoo

ZOO Ding Dong EXPRESS

ZOO was a music group that was hugely active in the 1990s.

In Japan, they helped popularize black contemporary music, gaining popularity with a sound that made what was then an uncommon genre catchy and accessible.

Among ZOO’s songs, one I especially recommend is “Ding Dong.” While the song has fairly pronounced dynamic nuances, they are primarily expressive rather than driven by volume, which stays relatively steady, so it’s not overly difficult.

The vocal range is also narrow, so if you lock into the rhythm and pitch, you can aim for a high score at karaoke.

MarigoldAimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyong’s songs have a timeless appeal that’s independent of trends, making them popular across generations.

“Marigold,” released in 2018, marked her major breakthrough.

Its somewhat nostalgic melody evokes the early Heisei era, making it very pleasant to listen to and a classic that resonates with people of all ages.

For women in their 40s who say, “I mostly listen to the J-pop from my youth, but I want to try singing something more recent…,” I highly recommend Aimyong’s songs.

“Marigold” sits on the lower side pitch-wise and doesn’t have an extreme vocal range, so even those with lower voices or who feel insecure about singing should give it a try!

threadMiyuki Nakajima

thread

Since her debut in 1975, Miyuki Nakajima has produced numerous hit songs as a genius singer-songwriter, all the while maintaining a mysterious, solitary presence that continues to shine even in the Reiwa era.

Among her many masterpieces, Ito is one of her most famous songs, first appearing on the 1992 album EAST ASIA.

From the 2010s onward, it was used as background music on television programs, boosting its household recognition, and in 2020 a film inspired by the song was released—testament to its immeasurable influence.

Of course, it’s challenging to capture the expressive nuance that someone like Nakajima brings, but the melody line is easy to sing, so in terms of karaoke difficulty it’s relatively low—making it a great choice for those aiming for a high score.

TouchYoshimi Iwasaki

Touch – Yoshimi Iwasaki (Full)

Touch, the famous manga by Mitsuru Adachi, is a work that has been loved by many, having been adapted into a TV anime and a film.

The song Touch is the opening theme of the TV anime and was released in 1985.

Sung by Yoshimi Iwasaki, it became a huge hit as the series’ main theme.

Its melody and lyrics—especially the chorus—stick in your head after just one listen, and you can’t help but hum along.

I’m sure it’s a long-lasting favorite that feels familiar to everyone, not just people in their 40s.

That said, for those squarely in their 40s, listening to this song brings back the excitement and sweet, bittersweet feelings of that time, letting them bask in youthful memories.

It’s also a great track to boost your energy, so I highly recommend it.

Love and a Machine GunFlipper’s Guitar

Flipper’s Guitar – Love and Machine Gun (Young, Alive, In Love)

The unit band Flipper’s Guitar, formed by Keigo Oyamada and Kenji Ozawa, captivated young women of the time—led by the so-called ‘Olive girls.

‘ Everyone was obsessed with their stylish sound, weren’t they? Even now, their songs are occasionally used as brief background music on TV shows in various arrangements.