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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Recommended for women (1–10)
PassionUA
It can be considered one of UA’s signature works, distinguished by profound lyrics that depict intense emotions and unfulfilled longing.
The words, which express heartache and the complexities of love, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in June 1996 as her fourth single, it climbed high on the charts and became a turning point that brought UA widespread recognition.
It enjoyed long-lasting popularity and remains the most charting track among her songs.
With its rhythmic tempo and UA’s languid, whisper-like vocals, this piece is guaranteed to be a hit at karaoke.
It’s also a perfect choice for women in their 40s leading busy lives with work and childrearing.
Recommended for women (11–20)
White LoveSPEED
SPEED, the dance and vocal group that skyrocketed to fame in the 1990s, released “White Love” in 1997.
It was their fifth single, topped the Oricon Singles Chart, and became the group’s biggest hit, achieving double million sales.
It’s a winter-themed love song with bittersweet lyrics that express the anxiety that comes precisely from being so happy right now.
Try singing it with a friend, splitting the parts between Hiroko Shimabukuro and Eriko Imai!
Timing ~タイミング~Black Biscuits
Black Biscuits is a music unit that originated from a variety show in the late ’90s.
Sung by a comical trio, this song uses the keyword “timing” to capture everyday misunderstandings and frustrations, resulting in a catchy, approachable track.
Released on April 22, 1998, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts and became a million-seller with around two million copies sold.
The song enjoyed a resurgence on TikTok in 2022, surpassing 2 billion plays, and it continues to be loved by many.
In karaoke, its upbeat rhythm and relatable lyrics make it a crowd-pleaser across generations—perfect for getting the group energized.
The Theory of HappinessRingo Sheena
Shiina Ringo’s signature song “Koufukuron” (“The Theory of Happiness”).
Unlike her current style, this was a hit from the period when she was singing fairly mainstream pop.
It’s an upbeat track, but the melodies in the A and B sections are deliberately dropped by a semitone to create a sense of unease.
As a result, even though it’s bright pop, it somehow comes across with a bit of a punk edge.
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY
PUFFY is a distinctive female duo whose music is striking for its unique sensibility: while their songs often have a bright, standout tone, they also carry a subtly ennui-laden atmosphere.
They’re also known as fashion icons, and I believe many women in their 40s admired their fashion and musical style.
Among PUFFY’s tracks, the one I especially recommend is Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Et Cetera.
Although it sits a bit on the higher side, the vocal range itself is relatively narrow—mid2B to hiC#—so as long as you sing it in an appropriate key, you shouldn’t struggle with vocal production.
Since much of it is sung in chest voice, trying to deliver the chorus in a speaking-like tone is a good approach.
Love againglobe
People in their 40s are the generation that matched perfectly with the Komuro Sound, right? globe, in particular, was incredibly popular.
However, many of globe’s songs are quite high, and as we get older, a lot of their famous tracks can feel harder to sing.
That’s why I recommend Love again.
While it does have some high notes, its range is slightly narrower for a female song—roughly from mid1F to hiC.
Because of that, you can lower the key by a wider margin, making it easier to find your ideal key, and the pitch movement is relatively simple compared to other globe songs.
Single AgainMariya Takeuchi
“Single Again” is Mariya Takeuchi’s 18th single, released in 1989.
It’s well known that her husband is Tatsuro Yamashita.
The song was used as the 8th theme for Nippon TV’s Tuesday Suspense Theater from 1989 to 1990, so many people may have first discovered it when it was playing on TV back then.
More recently, it has become hugely popular overseas thanks to YouTube videos, and its recognition abroad has grown.
It does take a bit of vocal ability to sing, but its nostalgic vibe is sure to lift your spirits.