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: Classic tracks that bring back memories (121–130)
cherrySpitz
With its melodious sound and lyrical lyrics, this masterpiece gently stays close to the heart.
While looking back on the days of a bygone youth, the protagonist’s resolve to keep moving forward carries a warmth that invites everyone’s empathy.
Released in April 1996 and reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts, the song was also included on the album “Indigo Chiheisen,” and has been featured in NTT East’s TV commercials since 2019.
This piece is perfect for moments when you want to take a new step forward while cherishing memories with someone special, or when you feel like linking arms with friends and singing together—any time you need a boost of positivity.
In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA
A gem of a melody that portrays the dreams and setbacks of youth—and the strength to overcome them.
Released to the world by CHAGE and ASKA in January 1991, this work captures the persistence of those who keep pursuing their dreams, set to a 16-beat rhythm infused with a Western pop sensibility.
The chorus, simple yet striking, has a familiar charm that makes you want to sing along.
A single cut from the album “SEE YA,” it was featured in Nissin Foods’ “Cup Noodles Red Zone” campaign and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s TIME3, becoming a major hit with cumulative sales exceeding 500,000 copies.
It’s a song that gently pushes you forward when you want to keep running toward unseen dreams—or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.
Embracing SummerTUBE
With a sound that evokes clear blue skies and a shining sun, this is a quintessential summer song from TUBE.
It conveys a love so intense it keeps you awake at night, expressed through passionate lyrics and melody.
The protagonist’s once-in-a-lifetime feelings are sure to stir memories of bittersweet love that many have experienced.
Released in May 1994, this smash hit topped the Oricon charts and sold 940,000 copies.
It was also featured in a Toyota Corolla Ceres commercial and has become a karaoke staple loved by many.
It’s the perfect track to share with close friends or colleagues as you reminisce and look back together on life’s milestones.
MarionetteBOØWY
This is BOØWY’s sixth single, “Marionette,” released in 1987.
When the best players come together, they can make music this cool.
Especially men of that generation were all hooked on it, right? What’s amazing is that it still sounds totally fresh even today.
Popular songs among men in their 40s. Classic tracks that bring back memories (131–140)
Love will winKAN
From the piano intro to the song’s melody and lyrics, everything is so pop and catchy that it really sticks in your memory, doesn’t it? Released on September 1, 1990 as the eighth single overall, it gained popularity after being used as an insert song on Fuji TV’s show “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsute-nai Television,” and went on to become a long-selling hit.
It achieved double million-seller status.
The following year, in 1991, it won the 33rd Japan Record Award, and KAN performed it on the 42nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It is one of KAN’s signature songs.
ROSIERLUNA SEA
A song released by LUNA SEA in 1993 as their third single.
With its striking guitar riff and RYUICHI’s aggressive vocals, it became a classic that cemented LUNA SEA’s popularity.
Since their return to activity, it has been performed at nearly every live show, and at concerts it’s customary for bassist J to hurl the microphone stand as part of the performance.
TRUE LOVEFumiya Fujii
A single released under Fumiya Fujii’s solo name in 1993 after the breakup of The Checkers.
With lyrics that candidly express feelings for a loved one and a poignant melody, it was also used as the theme song for the TV drama Asunaro Hakusho, ultimately becoming a massive hit that sold over two million copies.