Lovely karaoke song

Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

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.

Songs popular among men in their 40s: timeless classics that bring back memories (111–120)

Unwavering WishNaomi Tamura

Naomi Tamura “Unyielding Wish” feat. Akio Dobashi × Shunsuke Ishikawa × Koji Hasegawa × Yoshio Nomura

Unyielding Wish by Naomi Tamura

Resounding with a sound that embodies an unyielding will to push forward without giving up on dreams and goals, it stirs the listener’s heart with fiery emotion.

Woven by Naomi Tamura, this rock-tinged, youth-infused piece carries a message of courage to overcome hardships time and again.

Released in November 1994, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth and was also included on the album N’ and the acclaimed GOLDEN☆BEST.

Mirroring the protagonist’s doubts and inner conflicts as well as their determined, forward-looking stance, it achieved remarkable synergy.

It’s the perfect song to gently nudge you from behind when you want to move forward but can’t quite take that first step.

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Popular songs among men in their 40s: Classic tracks that bring back memories (121–130)

cherry blossomNaotaro Moriyama

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Sakura Moriyama Naotaro

Moriyama Naotaro’s signature work, which gracefully portrays encounters and farewells, brought a fresh breeze to the J-pop scene.

Its striking piano melody, grand string arrangement, and clear vocals weave scenes that resonate deeply with the arrival of spring.

Released in March 2003, the song was used as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaki” and sold over one million copies.

In 2020, it was also featured in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate.

Its universal message—overlaying the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms with life’s turning points—continues to gently encourage people as they take new steps at occasions such as graduation and school entrance ceremonies.

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forever; for good; indefinitelyGReeeeN

Greeen “Forever”

GReeeeN forever

A ballad layered with memories of lovers and infused with vows for the future.

With a lovely melody and heartwarming lyrics, it gently portrays days spent with someone dear.

Included on GReeeeN’s album “Shio, Kosho,” it has captured many hearts since its release in June 2009.

Focusing on the happiness found in everyday life, it tells a story of pledging eternal love through cherished photographs, and is also beloved as wedding background music.

Embracing the feelings of those in love and brimming with hope for the future, this work is recommended for moments when you want to reaffirm the bond with someone special.

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Endless JourneyMr.Children

Endless Journey / Mr.Children (Cover)

Endless Journey Mr.Children

This is one of Mr.

Children’s signature works, featuring impressive lyrics that depict the journey of life and a grand, sweeping sound.

Its universal messages—about the importance of moving forward, the courage to face hardship, and the quest to find your ideal self—resonate deeply.

Released in October 1998 and used as the theme song for the TV drama “Naguru Onna,” it became one of their defining tracks.

It’s a song that will surely support those who keep striving toward their dreams and goals, as well as those standing at a crossroads or searching for themselves.

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Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

Glorious Bridge - Yuzu

This song portrays the hardships and setbacks in life, and the journey of overcoming them to grasp hope.

It beautifully expresses the light that awaits beyond tears no one sees and the sweat shed in silence, woven with melodies and words that deeply resonate with listeners.

Released by Yuzu in July 2004, the song was chosen as NHK’s official theme for the Athens Olympics, and, together with the moment the men’s gymnastics team won gold, it became etched in the memories of many.

Loved as a cheer song for everyone striving toward their goals, it continues to offer support: to those taking steady steps toward their dreams and to those confronting the walls before them.

As a piece that accompanies the important moments of life, it delivers a powerful, heartfelt message that truly resonates.

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Let's become a familyMasaharu Fukuyama

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

Let's become a family - Masaharu Fukuyama

A love song woven by Masaharu Fukuyama, a gem of a ballad overflowing with warm affection.

Its gentle melody tenderly embraces the precious feelings you share, harmonizing beautifully with heartwarming lyrics that focus on marriage and family bonds.

It carefully portrays gratitude toward one’s partner and hope for a future walked together, making it a timeless masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

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

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It has continued to be cherished at many weddings ever since.

This is a song that stays close to the heart—one to listen to when you want to feel the bond with someone special or when you’re about to take a new step in life.

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Sorrow like snowShogo Hamada

Sadness Like Snow (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

Sadness Is Like Snow by Shogo Hamada

“Sorrow Like Snow.” It’s a work by singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada that became a massive hit when it was used as a TV drama’s theme song.

For those in their 40s and 50s, it’s likely a nostalgic tune.

It’s a wonderful number that sings of the pain, sorrow, and love in people’s hearts with a mature sensibility.

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