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

lipsGLAY

GLAY / Lips

An erotic number that captures both aching infatuation and passionate love.

Swept up by irresistible desire, the protagonist’s heart grows increasingly unsettled by feelings for their partner—expressed powerfully against GLAY’s signature, high-velocity sound.

The striking guitar riff and melody sung in a higher key further accentuate the emotions swirling within.

Released in May 1997, the song was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP” from April to June of the same year, and became a major hit as the band’s first Oricon No.

1.

It’s the perfect track for cranking up the energy with friends at karaoke or letting your feelings out.

Embracing SummerTUBE

TUBE “Embrace the Summer” MUSIC VIDEO

Released in 1994 as TUBE’s 18th single, this song was used in a commercial for the Toyota Corolla Ceres.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a million seller.

It remains a highly popular, refreshing summer tune.

PrimalOriginal Love

Primal / Original Love

A heartwarming love song that begins with the bittersweet feeling of gazing up at a loved one’s window in the stillness of a snowy, pre-dawn winter morning.

It’s one of ORIGINAL LOVE’s signature tracks, brimming with the joy and ache of love and a yearning for eternity.

Takao Tajima’s emotionally rich vocals blend beautifully with arrangements infused with soul and funk, creating a sophisticated, urban soundscape.

Released in February 1996, it drew attention as a TV drama theme song and reached No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a song I recommend when you want to cherish pure feelings for someone you love—one that gently stays by your heart.

Its beautiful lyrics and melody continue to captivate many listeners to this day.

I want you so badlyZYYG

Commercial (ZYYG – I Want You So Badly) Suntory Dynamic

It was released in 1993 as ZYYG’s debut single.

The song was used in a Suntory Beer “Dynamic” commercial featuring Hidekazu Akai, and it became ZYYG’s biggest hit.

The lyrics were written by Sho Uesugi of WANDS, and the music was composed by Tetsuro Oda, making it a classic.

Wine Red HeartSafe zone

Wine Red No Kokoro

A gem of a love song that portrays an adult romance where reason and instinct intersect.

Its melody, passionate yet tinged with a certain fragility, and Koji Tamaki’s sweet, aching vocals resonate deeply.

When we look back on the loves of our past, perhaps the memories of forbidden romances we all may have experienced will vividly return.

Released in November 1983, this track became Anzen Chitai’s first number-one hit on the Oricon charts.

It also drew major attention as the image song for Suntory Akadama Punch’s commercial and as the theme song for the drama “Machigai Darake no Otto Erabi” (“Choosing the Wrong Husband”).

I recommend this piece to those who have experienced profound love that touches on the subtleties of life, or to anyone who wishes to convey long-slumbering feelings in their heart to someone special.

Winter is starting.Noriyuki Makihara

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Winter Begins” (Music Video) [4th Single] (1991) / Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo

Makihara Noriyuki—fondly known as “Makkī”—is an indispensable figure when talking about the music scene of the 1990s and a genius singer-songwriter whose name is etched in Japanese music history, leaving behind many timeless songs.

His naturally smooth, unadorned, and expansive voice that reaches listeners’ hearts directly; melodies that are not swayed by passing trends; and lyrics that superbly capture vivid scenes and shifting emotions through simple word choices—his talent is universally acknowledged.

Among his many classics, the 1991 release “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo” is relatively easy to sing, and the signature high notes typical of Makihara are somewhat restrained, making it a good recommendation for those who struggle with high registers.

Be mindful of the shuffle rhythm, and take care to stay on pitch!

Let's become a familyMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – Let’s Become a Family (Full ver.)

A heartwarming proposal song that vows love for the next 100 years.

This exquisite ballad crafted by Masaharu Fukuyama gently portrays marriage and family bonds.

The lyrics, which convey compassion for one’s partner and a vision of a couple’s future, carry a deep desire to pass on the love inherited from one’s parents to the next generation.

His powerful yet at times tender low register beautifully captures the feelings of a man quietly resolved.

Released in August 2011, the song was featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It has also become a beloved wedding staple for expressing gratitude.