Nostalgic Japanese Pop Hits That Get 40-Something Men and Women Excited
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!
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Hype songs recommended for people in their 40s (21–30)
SPARKTHE YELLOW MONKEY
This is a rock number by THE YELLOW MONKEY that sings of passionate love.
It paints a worldview where you close your eyes and share a space with the night, and within its sensual expressions lies a pure heart wishing for eternal love.
The energetic guitar riffs and rhythm section leave a strong impression, and Kazuya Yoshii’s distinctive vocals resound over the dynamic sound.
Released in July 1996, the song drew attention as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Handsome Man.” It was also included on the album “SICKS” and reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a perfect song for enjoying karaoke with friends, full of a charm that lets everyone open their hearts and sing along.
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.
Hype songs recommended for people in their 40s (31–40)
The rattlesnake is comingTunnels
With its cheerful, upbeat sound, this opening theme for the Fuji TV variety show “Tunnels’ Thanks to Everyone” captured the hearts of viewers.
Released by Tunnels in January 1992, the song brilliantly fuses Yasushi Akimoto’s clever wordplay with Tsugutoshi Goto’s lively melody.
At first glance it seems like a simple, fun story, but its lyrics are appealingly dual-layered, allowing for deeper, more adult interpretations.
Reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts for the first time and selling 1.
409 million copies, the song has been loved across borders, with covers in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
It’s the perfect track to liven up parties and gatherings, delivering a joyful moment that gets your body moving.
Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Ulfuls
This rock tune celebrating the joy of pure love is a fan favorite that showcases Ulfuls’ musicality to the fullest.
Its lyrics, which candidly express gratitude to a loved one, resonate deeply, and together with its bright, catchy melody, the song lifts listeners’ spirits.
Released in February 1996, it was included on the album “Banzai” and also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Goddess of Victory.” Moreover, it won the Excellence Award at the 38th Japan Record Awards.
It’s a perfect track for getting pumped up at karaoke with friends or for reminiscing about special memories with someone important.
Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi
It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.
Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.
The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.
Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.
It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.
A Tearful RequestThe Checkers
This song is a masterpiece that poignantly captures a man’s heartbreak and lingering feelings as he sends a request to a late-night radio show, expressing both sorrow and sincerity with remarkable nuance.
While influenced by American oldies, its pop sound beautifully blends that style with the charm of Japanese kayōkyoku, creating a resonance that speaks to the heart.
Released in January 1984, it became one of The Checkers’ signature hits, achieving great success and placing fourth on Oricon’s year-end chart.
Featured in the morning dramas Futari Ko and Amachan, the song portrays a young person trying to soothe the pain of a broken heart through a cherished tune, remaining beloved as a piece that stays with listeners alongside nostalgic memories.
It’s a recommended track for when you want to look back on a past romance or deepen your feelings for someone special.
Beard and BoobsUnicorn
One of Unicorn’s signature works, this song humorously portrays the wavering emotions caught between a salaryman’s job and his love life.
Tamio Okuda’s lyrical world shines as he deftly weaves in modern workplace relationships, from a young company president to the woman at the neighboring desk.
Released in October 1991, the track features an arrangement inspired by the grand sound of Electric Light Orchestra, with a striking use of synthesizers.
As the closing song on the album “Hige to Boin,” it brilliantly conveys the complex feelings of a man who can’t give up on love even while being overwhelmed by work.
It’s a perfect pick for livening up after-work karaoke with colleagues.