Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.
As a man in your 40s, what kind of music do you usually listen to?
Of course, you probably hear a lot of the latest hits, but chances are you still love the songs that were with you during your youth.
In fact, when it comes to songs popular among men in their 40s today, many of them are tracks that made waves around the 1990s.
In this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of Japanese songs—focusing on hits from that era—that are especially recommended for men in their 40s.
They’re full of classics perfect for karaoke or for listening to in the car, so definitely give them a listen.
They might just bring back memories from those days.
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- Karaoke songs in Japanese that are easy for men in their 40s to sing
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- [Nostalgic Hits] Japanese dance music that resonates with people in their 40s.
- [For Men in Their 40s] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2025]
- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits
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- Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits That Get 40-Something Men and Women Excited
- Songs that men in their 20s should sing [Popular & Classic Hits]
- Famous songs we’d like women in their 40s to sing, by age group
Songs popular among men in their 40s: Classic tracks that bring back memories (71–80)
Don't avert your eyes.DEEN
A song released by DEEN in 1994 as their fifth single.
The lyrics were written by ZARD’s vocalist, Izumi Sakai.
It conveys a pure desire to gaze into the eyes of a beloved person, sung with a gentle yet powerful voice over a refreshing sound.
It was also used in a soft drink commercial, making it a song many people have heard even if they aren’t familiar with DEEN.
SaudadePorno Graffitti
Pornograffitti’s “Saudade,” with its Latin-tinged melody that evokes the heat of summer.
Released in 2000, the song was used as the theme for a mini-drama segment within the variety show “Wonderful,” and as the ending theme of episode 7 of the anime “ReLIFE.” Its lyrics portray the struggle to put an end to a finished romance while still being ensnared by lingering attachment—something many in their forties may find deeply relatable.
Try singing it at summer karaoke while reminiscing about your youthful loves.
B.BLUEBOØWY
A song released in 1986 as the fourth single by the legendary rock band BOØWY.
For the generation that listened to BOØWY in real time, the intro riff is probably unmistakably iconic.
Even after BOØWY disbanded, the song has often been performed at Kyosuke Himuro’s solo concerts, and GLAY’s guitarist TAKURO has said he was profoundly influenced, recalling that “a huge shock ran through me” when he first heard it.
Songs popular with men in their 40s: timeless tracks that bring back memories (81–90)
Turn the roulette of fateZARD
A supreme track woven from lyrical lyrics that capture the subtleties of life and a light, buoyant melody.
While questioning the role of fate’s coincidences and the meaning of our choices, it gently reminds us of the importance of facing forward and living on.
Composed by Seiichiro Kuribayashi, it beautifully harmonizes ZARD’s heartwarming message with a refreshing sound.
Since its release in September 1998, it has been beloved as the opening theme of the anime Detective Conan and is also included on the album ZARD BEST The Single Collection: Kiseki.
It’s an uplifting song I’d recommend to anyone hesitating yet ready to take a step forward, or to those who want to move ahead without fearing change.
ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN
A song included on the album BLUE BLOOD, released during the period when X JAPAN performed under the name “X.” It’s a classic that is performed at nearly every concert since their return to activity and continues to be featured in YOSHIKI’s classical concerts.
The massive sing-alongs that erupt when it’s played in large venues further elevate the song’s artistry.
I can see you againKetsumeishi
We also recommend Mata Kimi ni Aeru, which lets you soak up a vacation vibe.
It’s a track released by the hip-hop unit Ketsumeishi, and it’s known as the song from ANESSA’s commercial featuring Yuri Ebihara sprinting along the beach.
The lyrics depict the feelings of a man who falls in love with a captivating woman on a beach setting.
Combined with its reggae sound and breezy vocals, it’s a piece that will boost your mood as you head out.
With its emphasis on lower tones, it also seems like a song that’s relatively easy to sing.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
Released in 1992 as Yasushi Nakanishi’s second single overall, this song was chosen as the theme for NTV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and became Nakanishi’s biggest hit, selling 900,000 copies.
It is also well known as a classic that has been covered by many artists.
With heartbreaking lyrics about having “nowhere left to go,” the emotion wells up and resonates deeply—an immensely moving love song.
It’s also a popular breakup song for karaoke.