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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- [Nostalgic Hits] Japanese dance music that resonates with people in their 40s.
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- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits
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- 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 with men in their 40s: timeless tracks that bring back memories (81–90)
BambinaTomoyasu Hotei
This is Tomoyasu Hotei’s 17th single, Bambina, released in 1999.
Hotei’s guitar feels absolutely fantastic in this track.
As he himself calls it “rodeo rock,” the upbeat tempo gets you riding the groove and your excitement shoots way up.
Choo Choo TRAINZoo
A song released by ZOO in 1991 as their fourth single.
It was also used as the theme song for JR East’s “JR Ski Ski” campaign at the time.
EXILE covered it in 2003, and the song became a hit again in the 2000s, but people in their 40s are probably more familiar with ZOO’s original version.
A person who loves springGLAY
A gem of a ballad born from the inspiration of witnessing people endure Iceland’s harsh winter while longing for spring.
It poetically depicts the changing of the seasons and human emotions, and its heartwarming melody—woven by delicate piano tones and the band’s dynamic groove—leaves a strong impression.
Included on the album “BELOVED,” released in November 1996, this GLAY number also gained popularity the following year as the B-side to the single “Kuchibiru,” and has been featured on numerous classic releases, including the best-of album “DRIVE-GLAY complete BEST.” It’s a song we especially recommend to those who, while awaiting the arrival of spring, hold dear the feelings they have for someone special.
HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This is L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 10th single, released on July 8, 1998.
It’s one of their most popular and widely known songs, so many of you may already be familiar with it.
Among their singles, it boasts the highest sales.
The band also made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen performing this song.
It’s famous for being released simultaneously with “Kasou” and “Shinsou ~lose control~.” At the time, it was featured as the ending theme for the TBS program “Super Soccer,” which drew a lot of attention.
HURRY GO ROUNDhide with Spread Beaver
A delicate yet grand number by hide with Spread Beaver that symbolically portrays a life that keeps circling on.
Though it employs irregular rhythms, its soothing melody and pop-leaning arrangement gently envelop the listener.
It expresses the profound themes of life and death through the changing seasons and the cycles of nature.
Released in October 1998, the track was also included on the album Ja,Zoo.
A recommended song for those who wish to quietly reflect on life’s repetitions with the arrival of spring.
For loveTamio Okuda
Since debuting as UNICORN in 1987, Tamio Okuda has maintained a unique position throughout his long career, continuing to exert a tremendous influence on subsequent artists.
For many people now in their 40s who spent their youth in the 1990s, it’s likely that Okuda’s songs from around his solo debut—rather than his work with Unicorn—were the soundtrack of their adolescence.
Okuda’s milestone solo debut single, “Ai no Tame ni,” was released in 1994 and became one of his signature tracks, achieving million-seller status.
While it’s hard to capture the nuanced atmosphere that Okuda himself brings, the melody has a relatively narrow range and gentle interval leaps, making it genuinely easy to sing.
If you’re aiming for a high score at karaoke, definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.
Popular songs among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories (91–100)
Winter is starting.Noriyuki Makihara
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!