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]
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Popular songs among men in their 40s: Classic tracks that bring back memories (41–50)
BoyhoodYosui Inoue
An unquestionably classic masterpiece.
Am I the only one who feels that, in the history of Japanese pop music, it exists almost like a work of pure literature? It’s easy for anyone to sing, simple yet very sincere, with a melody that will keep shining forever.
It even carries a certain elegance.
Songs popular among men in their 40s: classic tracks that bring back memories (51–60)
Surfing JohnnyKeisuke Kuwata
Just hearing that light, tinkling piano intro instantly brings back memories of those summers… It’s a Heisei-era masterpiece that colored the early 2000s! No explanation needed: “Naminori Johnny,” the smash hit released in 2001 under the solo name of Keisuke Kuwata, vocalist of Southern All Stars, is a karaoke staple and has been sung across generations.
With Kuwata’s signature style in full bloom and a wide vocal range, the melody darts busily between low and high notes, which might feel surprisingly challenging when you actually try to sing it.
At the same time, it’s so catchy you can memorize it right away just by listening.
If you sing it with clear contrast—keeping the soaring parts and the rhythmic parts in mind—you can aim for a high score at karaoke!
I’ve always liked you.Kazuyoshi Saito
A lyrical love song filled with memories and lingering feelings from youth.
The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and a voice that resonates in the heart quietly convey unfulfilled feelings and a love that passed by.
Kazuyoshi Saito’s tender vocals and guitar beautifully express nostalgia for the past and the emotions of the present.
Released in April 2010, it drew attention as the theme song for Shiseido’s IN&ON series commercials.
Since February 2017, it has also been used in Ito En’s “Oi Ocha” commercials, continuing to comfort many listeners.
It’s a song you’ll want to hum at class reunions or during long-awaited get-togethers, wrapped in fond memories.
Sing it with friends at karaoke, and its universally relatable lyrics will warm everyone’s hearts.
Spring ~spring~Hysteric Blue
A signature song by Hysteric Blue that opens with scenes stirring up old memories.
It breezily portrays the protagonist facing a breakup and stepping forward toward new dreams.
Set against the backdrop of spring, it melodically depicts the conflicting emotions of lingering attachment to the past and hope for the future, beautifully expressing the delicate feelings unique to adolescence.
Released as a single in January 1999, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and earned the group a spot on that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
A heartwarming number recommended for those whose youthful memories resurface with the arrival of spring.
At all times.Noriyuki Makihara
A song released by Noriyuki Makihara in 1991 as his third single.
With its familiar, catchy melody, it became his biggest hit and helped make his name known nationwide.
Even long after its release, it has continued to enjoy lasting popularity, being featured in many companies’ commercials.
If only I had held you tighterWANDS
It’s a love song with a gentle atmosphere that seems to wrap up tender crushes and heart-fluttering feelings.
Released by WANDS in July 1992, this piece beautifully matches the soaring vocals of first-generation vocalist Sho Uesugi with a catchy melody line, achieving long-term sales success.
It became a massive hit, selling 1.
663 million copies.
It was also used as a commercial song for Mitsui Life featuring Atsuko Asano, which greatly boosted its recognition.
Beginning with a scene of two people walking together at dusk as a slightly chilly wind blows, it carefully depicts the feelings of the protagonist, who harbors emotions bubbling up inside.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those who can relate to the poignant feeling of being in love yet unable to honestly put it into words.
To be happyFLYING KIDS
This is the debut single by FLYING KIDS, a seven-member Japanese funk band.
They appeared on the popular 1989 band audition show Ikasu Band Tengoku, which drew attention and led to their major-label debut.
It’s a very feel-good track—rough around the edges and laid-back, with a groove that makes you want to sway side to side.