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 (31–40)
Before anything else, from atop the roadThe explosively popular group “Sepia”
Set to the resounding beat of powerful drums and flutes, this work captivates with spirited chants reminiscent of Issen Fubi Sepia’s festival calls and an energetic performance.
It masterfully overlays the laws of nature with the truths of life, singing the importance of living positively.
Released in June 1984, it became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
It was also featured in commercials for Suzuki’s Love THREE scooter and Kirin Beer’s Kirin Shochu Tanrei Straight, earning love from a wide audience.
A classic packed with the essence of their street-performance origins, it’s a song you’ll want to hear when you feel lost in life or are ready to take a new step forward.
homeYusaku Kiyama
A moving ballad filled with warm father-to-child love and hopes for growth has been delivered by Yusaku Kiyama.
His gentle, calm voice conveys deep affection for family, and despite its straightforward storytelling, it leaves a lasting resonance in the listener’s heart.
Released in February 2008, the song was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” and it also led to his appearance at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.
For karaoke, it’s recommended when you want to reflect on family memories or express gratitude to someone special.
It’s a tender, warmth-filled song—like softly returning someone’s hand squeeze under a bright sky.
RunnerBakufū Slump
The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.
Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.
Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.
This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.
Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.
Sneaker BluesMasahiko Kondo
A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.
With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.
Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.
Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.
ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG
A powerful rock tune that depicts passionate love and determination has captured the hearts of many as one of HOUND DOG’s signature works.
With a strong message about believing in the power of love and the importance of holding on to dreams and passion, this song stands out.
After its release in August 1985, it was featured in Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles commercials and became a major hit, reaching No.
11 on the Oricon charts and No.
8 on The Best Ten.
Since March 2018, it has been used as the departure melody at JR East’s Sendai Station, and it has inspired cover versions by Akiko Wada and LGYankees.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you need courage to pursue your dreams or when you want to convey your feelings to someone important.
Recommended for women (41–50)
Cool and cute songs for women!
We started by introducing must-sing classics recommended for everyone, regardless of gender—how did you like them? From here, we'll share recommendations by gender! First up: songs recommended for women. We’ll include not only tracks by female artists, but also songs by male artists that are perfect for women to sing. Enjoy a full lineup of cool and cute hits that defined the era! Related articles:[2025 Edition] Songs That Will Get the Crowd Going—Perfect for Women in Their 40s to Sing at Karaoke
Recommended for women (1–10)
Good-bye daysYUI
The film Midnight Sun, in which YUI herself also starred, features this touching masterpiece sung under her character’s name as an insert song.
Accompanied by delicate acoustic guitar picking, it weaves a single-hearted love within limited time and a fervent wish for the future.
Her vocals, overflowing with the protagonist’s emotions, strike a chord in listeners and stir deep feelings.
Released in June 2006 under the name “YUI for Kaoru Amane,” the song garnered major attention as the movie’s theme and reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
It is also included on the album CAN’T BUY MY LOVE, among others.
Recommended for those moments when you want to sing slowly and wholeheartedly, layering it with feelings for someone important—it’s sure to bring back the pure emotions of those days.
LOVE MachineMorning Musume
At the end of the 1990s, when J-pop was shining at its brightest, this number by Morning Musume swept Japan into a frenzy.
It’s an irresistibly upbeat dance tune that makes your body move just by listening, and it’s no exaggeration to say it gave immeasurable energy to Japan at the time.
The friendly melodies crafted by Tsunku♂ and the gorgeous, funky sound produced by Dance☆Man continue to set our hearts dancing across generations.
Released in September 1999 as their seventh single, the song became a defining track for the group, setting a huge record with total sales of about 1.
64 million copies.
It was even featured in an NHK drama, making it a national anthem that people of all ages can hum along to.
Belt it out at karaoke with friends from your generation, and that excitement from back then will come rushing back—perfect for creating the best memories.