Recommended love songs for men in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks.

Last SongNEW!GACKT

GACKT「Last Song」MUSIC VIDEO

Starting from a silence like freshly fallen snow and gradually building into passion, this dramatic progression makes it one of GACKT’s most memorable ballads.

The poignant theme of a “last song” dedicated to a loved one resonates deeply with listeners.

Released as a single in November 2003, it also plays a crucial role in the narrative of the album Crescent and continues to be cherished by fans today.

It was performed at the 54th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a widely known episode where its overwhelming expressiveness deeply moved audiences at home.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you want to quietly accept a love that has ended, or on nights when you look back on the past alone and try to face forward.

Close your eyesNEW!Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO

The moment that poignant piano intro begins, many of you may feel your memories from that time come rushing back.

This is the 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, who continues to captivate countless fans with his overwhelming vocal prowess and expressive artistry.

Written as the theme song for the 2004 film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” it became a historic hit, topping the year-end charts.

The lyrics, which portray the sorrow of mourning a lost lover and the resolve to go on loving them in memory, never fail to bring listeners to tears.

Also included on the album “SENTIMENTALovers,” this ballad gently accompanies the heart of a man living on while carrying an unforgettable love.

On a night when you want to quietly lose yourself in memories alone, give it a listen.

IT’S ONLY LOVENEW!Fukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – IT’S ONLY LOVE (Full ver.)

This is one of Masaharu Fukuyama’s signature numbers, which became widely known in living rooms across Japan as the commercial song for DyDo Drinco’s “DyDo Blend Coffee,” and marked his first million-selling hit.

Released in March 1994, it also achieved the remarkable feat of topping the Oricon Weekly Chart for four consecutive weeks.

Despite its refreshingly rock-flavored sound, the lyrics reveal lingering attachment and a sense of loss toward a former lover, making it a heartbreak song where the more bravado you show, the more the sadness wells up.

Arranged by Makoto Saito to sit in a comfortable vocal range, it’s also appealing in how easy it is to sing with feeling.

It’s a classic I recommend when you want to look forward while reflecting on a past love, or when you want to belt it out at karaoke and feel refreshed.

Summer Days of 1993class

Summer Days of 1993

Released in April 1993, this song by class is a classic J-pop track about summer romance.

It features a refreshing melody that brings back the sweet-and-sour feelings of first love, paired with lyrics that truly resonate.

The song was a massive hit, selling over 1.7 million copies, and has been covered by many artists, remaining beloved for years.

It’s also included on the album “Mellow Prism” and is known as one of class’s signature songs.

Perfect for when you want to reminisce about your youth or revive bittersweet summer memories.

It’s also popular at karaoke, so it’s great fun to sing with friends.

TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

It was released in 1993 as Fumiya Fujii’s second single.

The song was used as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Asunaro Hakusho,” and Fumiya Fujii wrote both the lyrics and the music.

It surpassed one million in sales and became a massive hit, selling over two million copies.

It is one of Fumiya Fujii’s signature songs and is often sung at weddings.

GLORIAZIGGY

ZIGGY「GLORIA」

A signature song by ZIGGY, who were active from the 1980s to the 1990s.

Released in May 1988, the track became widely known the following year when it was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dō-Kyū-Sei” (Classmates).

It sold approximately 329,000 copies and reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts.

The song is characterized by Junnosuke Morishige’s powerful vocals and its catchy melody.

The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of moving forward without losing hope even in the face of an uncertain future, strongly resonated with young people at the time.

For those in their 40s, it’s likely a song that brings back bittersweet memories of their youth.

It’s also a great pick to liven up a karaoke session.

LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – LA • LA • LA LOVE SONG

Known as one of Toshinobu Kubota’s signature songs, this number was released in May 1996 and became a major hit as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Long Vacation.” Its sweet and bittersweet lyrics and a melody infused with R&B and soul elements leave a strong impression.

Depicting precious moments with a lover and the feeling of supporting each other, it resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s perfect for reflecting on the feelings of being in love or reminiscing about youthful days.

It’s also great for karaoke.

Why not sing along with Kubota’s voice and recall how you felt back then?