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.

Popular songs among men in their 40s. Classic tracks that bring back memories (131–140)

BE MY BABYCOMPLEX

BE MY BABY

BE MY BABYCOMPLEX

This is “BE MY BABY,” the debut and signature song of COMPLEX, the duo formed by Koji Kikkawa and Tomoyasu Hotei.

Although their active period was short, they were so popular that their final concert before going on an indefinite hiatus was held at the Tokyo Dome.

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La La LaMaki Ohguro

2017-07-08 Date “Ra Ra Ra”

La La La Maki Daikoku

This is Maki Ohguro’s 10th single “La La La,” released in 1995.

It’s her signature song, a million-seller and her biggest hit.

She has said that she sings the chorus together with the audience at the end of her concerts and plans to keep those recordings to enjoy in her old age.

It’s heartwarming to see how much she cherishes both the song and her fans.

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TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” — from the DVD released on March 2: ‘Mayo Okamoto 20th Anniversary Tour ~Your Only Story Is Here~’

TOMORROW Mayuo Okamoto

This is Mayu Okamoto’s debut single “TOMORROW,” released in 1995.

I think many people have been encouraged by its lyrics, and it’s said that she originally wrote the song to cheer up a friend from her hometown.

It’s truly a timeless classic, loved by people of all ages.

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God of RomanceKohmi Hirose

Kohmi Hirose / God of Romance

Romance no Kamisama by Kohmi Hirose

This is Kohmi Hirose’s third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” released in 1993.

It became the theme song for the ski equipment store Alpen’s commercials and was hugely popular at the time.

It’s a song about a woman at a group blind date who checks a man’s age, hobbies, and job at first meeting—and chooses love over friendship.

Written out like this it might sound awful, but strangely enough, when it’s sung, it’s truly wonderful.

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The Door of TimeWANDS

The Door of Time

Toki no Tobira (WANDS)

This is WANDS’ fourth single, “Toki no Tobira,” released in 1993.

It was the theme song for the TV Asahi drama series Neo Drama.

Regarding this song, vocalist Uesugi said, “When I was feeling down, I wanted a song that could encourage myself.”

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By the time of the Christmas carolsJunichi Inagaki

Junichi Inagaki, Kōmi Hirose – Around the Time of the Christmas Carol

By the Time of Christmas Carol by Junichi Inagaki

A song released by Junichi Inagaki in 1992 as his 27th single.

It became his biggest hit, was covered by many artists, and in 2009 a duet version with Kohmi Hirose was also released.

There’s even a story that during the Christmas season, the instrumental of this song plays in supermarkets, making Inagaki so embarrassed that he can’t go shopping.

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astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Astronomical Observation BUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tentai Kansoku” is a song you’ll want to listen to while reminiscing about the sweet and bittersweet summer romances of your youth.

Released in 2001, this track was also used as an insert song for a drama of the same title.

Its melody, full of drive and freshness, and lyrics that capture feelings you wanted to convey but couldn’t, will tug at your heart.

It’s a well-known and popular song, making it perfect for karaoke.

Give it a sing or a listen while you think back on young love.

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