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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Popular songs among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories (91–100)
SakurazakaMasaharu Fukuyama
Masaharu Fukuyama is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most iconic figures, both as a singer-songwriter and as an actor.
It’s truly remarkable that he has continued to release hit songs from the 1990s through the Reiwa era.
While each generation likely has its own “Fukuyama songs,” Sakura-zaka, released in 2000, is a quintessential Heisei-era classic that achieved a record-breaking double million in sales.
Some may find ballads challenging, but the simply crafted melody line makes it easy to sing, and the relatively low key makes it approachable for those with lower voices.
If you carefully follow the scale, you can definitely aim for a high karaoke score; at the same time, the song’s charm lies in its lower register, so if you’re not confident with low melodies, this is a great piece to practice with.
Midnight ExpresswayFlower Company
A youthful rock anthem brimming with momentum and emotion, painting a grand portrait of life.
Powerfully delivered by The Flower Companyz, this song radiates a warmth that lights a ray of hope in an uncertain life.
Released in September 2004 as a track on the classic album “Setagaya Yoake Mae” (Before Dawn in Setagaya), it has continued to resonate closely with many hearts.
When you stand at a crossroads, when you feel anxious about the future, and for all who are doing their best to live in the present, this is an encouraging song that will gently push you forward.
YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA
It is an aggressive track emblematic of the ’90s, infused with power and passion for the future.
Even when faced with difficult circumstances, its message of unwavering resolve to stay true to oneself and keep moving forward, along with hope for the future, continues to resonate across generations.
The song channels the passion of chasing dreams and an unyielding stance in the face of trials through a powerful rock sound.
Released by CHAGE and ASKA in March 1993, it was used as the theme song for the drama “If You Turn Around, He’s There,” topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks, sold 2.
419 million copies, and ranked first on the annual singles chart.
It’s highly recommended for those who want to challenge themselves in pursuit of their dreams without fear of failure, or for anyone standing at a major crossroads in life.
It’s sure to give you courage.
crimsonX JAPAN
Opening with a melancholic guitar arpeggio, this song blends X JAPAN’s signature high-speed metal sound with a dramatic interplay of stillness and intensity that stirs the heart.
Released in September 1989 as their major-label debut single and included on the album BLUE BLOOD, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The song was performed at the 1992 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and was also used in an NTT Docomo commercial.
It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to feel the strength to keep moving forward while carrying sorrow and despair.
DEAR ALGERNONKyosuke Himuro
This is Kyosuke Himuro’s second solo single, where philosophically themed lyrics inspired by literature blend seamlessly with the melody of an urban rock ballad.
Drawing inspiration from Flowers for Algernon, the piece poignantly portrays the struggle between intellect and humanity.
Released in October 1988, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
In the music video, shot entirely in black and white, striking images include Himuro singing with a guitar and working on a car.
Expressing the loneliness and alienation of modern urban life—and a yearning for love—this work resonates deeply with anyone searching for a place to belong or grappling with their relationship to society.
Stars on EarthMiyuki Nakajima
This song is imbued with a warm gaze and deep respect for people who usually remain out of the spotlight.
Miyuki Nakajima portrays those who strive to live in places where no one looks, using beautiful metaphors.
It is an ode to unsung heroes who keep making efforts in various places, shining like stars in everyday life.
Released in July 2000, the piece was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s documentary program Project X: Challengers, and together with the program’s moving content, it deeply resonated with many viewers.
It set a record by staying on Oricon’s Weekly Singles Chart for 174 consecutive weeks.
It is a song that gives you a powerful push forward in those moments when the pressures of daily life make you want to stop.
ultra soulB’z
This is a hard rock number by B’z that powerfully expresses a soul’s cry to keep pushing the limits.
The lyrics, which portray facing oneself and chasing dreams, brilliantly capture the doubts and inner struggles we all encounter at life’s crossroads.
Takahiro Matsumoto’s dynamic guitar and Koshi Inaba’s soaring vocals blend perfectly, injecting a strong surge of energy into the listener’s heart.
Released in March 2001, it was chosen as the official theme song for the FINA World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka that same year.
Also included on the album “GREEN” and performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this track gives a boost to anyone striving in their work or life.
It’s the perfect cheer song to belt out with close friends when you get together.