Lovely karaoke song

Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits That Get 40-Something Men and Women Excited

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.

There are plenty of chances to end up at karaoke—whether it’s drinks with coworkers or reunions with old friends—but do you ever find yourself struggling to pick the right songs?

I’m not too familiar with recent hits, and if it’s a gathering of people from the same generation, I’d rather get everyone hyped with nostalgic tunes we listened to in our youth.

So in this article, I’ll introduce some great crowd-pleasers recommended for people in their 40s!

I’ve focused mainly on nostalgic songs from around the 1990s, so if you’re in your 40s, these tracks should bring back memories of your younger days.

Not only are they perfect for getting everyone in the same age group excited together, but they’re also timeless classics from the Japanese music scene—so there are plenty of songs that people of all ages can enjoy together!

Recommended for men (21–30)

Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS

Hito ni Yasashiku – The Blue Hearts (Be Kind to People)

Be Kind to People THE BLUE HEARTS

The four-piece rock band THE BLUE HEARTS enjoyed immense popularity among junior high and high school students, and even after disbanding they are still remembered as legends.

Their indie-era single “Be Kind to People” remains known today as one of THE BLUE HEARTS’ signature songs.

With its straightforward message and band sound, it’s likely to stir up memories of youth for those in their 40s who experienced its impact in real time.

It’s a timeless classic that never fades with the changing times—perfect to pick when you want to liven up a karaoke session.

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SaudadePorno Graffitti

Porno Graffitti 'Saudade' (“OPEN MUSIC CABINET” Live in Saitama Super Arena 2007) / 'Saudade (Live Ver.)'

Saudade Porno Graffitti

Ever since their debut single Apollo became a hit and put them in the spotlight, Porno Graffitti, a two-piece rock band, has remained at the forefront of the J-pop scene.

Saudade, the first song to incorporate what has now become their trademark Latin-inspired sound, has garnered high acclaim overseas as a popular track with numerous tie-ins.

The contrast between the densely packed lyrics in the verses and pre-chorus and the lyrical, emotive melody in the chorus makes it a joy to sing at karaoke.

It’s a passionate yet wistful number that we especially recommend for those in their 40s, the band’s generation.

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In conclusion

We’ve packed in plenty of exciting song recommendations for people in their 40s.

We focused on hits from the 1980s to the 1990s, so many of you probably felt a wave of nostalgia.

Be sure to use the songs we introduced this time as a reference, and have a great time getting everyone pumped up!