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!
- [40s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]
- [2025 Edition] Songs That Will Get the Crowd Going—Perfect for Women in Their 40s to Sing at Karaoke
- [For men in their 40s] That nostalgic song you can enjoy at karaoke!
- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits
- Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.
- [Nostalgic Hits] Japanese dance music that resonates with people in their 40s.
- Recommended for women in their 40s! Easy-to-sing songs for karaoke
- [2025] Uplifting songs recommended for people in their 50s: A collection of nostalgic classics
- [For Men in Their 40s] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2025]
- You'll surely remember your youth. Spring songs recommended for people in their 40s.
- Recommended Japanese pop songs for karaoke for men in their 40s
- [For Women in Their 40s] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2025]
- Karaoke songs for men in their 40s: a curated selection of hit tracks women want to hear!
Recommended for women (11–20)
Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover
From the emotion-filled intro that instantly makes you go “Wow, this is so nostalgic,” My Little Lover’s “Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Always Been~” never loses its shine.
Released in 1995, it’s often recommended as a classic go-to for women at karaoke.
The clear vocals and expansive sound feel wonderful whether you’re singing or listening.
It’s like time-traveling in an instant, so sing it while reminiscing about your youth!
Shape of LoveMISIA feat.HIDE(GReeeeN)
Released in 2018, MISIA’s “Ai no Katachi” is a collaboration song with HIDE from GReeeeN.
The track was used as the theme song for the TBS TV drama “Stepmom and Daughter’s Blues.” It was also featured in a commercial for SUBARU’s Levorg, which speaks to how outstanding the song is.
Beyond the song itself, MISIA enjoys immense popularity among women of the same generation.
Many people in their 40s likely sing MISIA at karaoke, don’t they? With its slow tempo and easy-to-remember melody, it’s a song you’ll definitely want to try singing.
Let’s all sing along to the exhilarating build-up in the latter half!
My RevolutionMisato Watanabe
People in their 40s probably feel a strong sense of familiarity with this as a generational hit song.
Misato Watanabe’s “My Revolution” still has lyrics that resonate today.
Its friendly, catchy melody is easy to sing and easy to listen to, so it’s sure to get everyone hyped! Belting out the chorus line “My Revolution” feels amazing and will boost your confidence for tomorrow! Definitely sing it when you go to karaoke with friends from the same generation!
SEASONSAyumi Hamasaki
Ayumi Hamasaki, who debuted in 1999, was known at the time as a style icon for high school girls.
I imagine there are many women in their 40s who spent their youth listening to her music.
“SEASONS” is her 16th single, released in 2000, and it became a huge hit after being featured in the TV drama “Weather Forecast Lover” more than two months before its release.
Since it’s characterized by its high, soaring vocals, if you’re confident in your high notes, definitely give it a try and get the crowd going!
Recommended for women (21–30)
First loveHikaru Utada
Hikaru Utada’s “Hatsukoi” is a single released in 2018.
Many women in their 40s probably remember her debut days.
Of course, the songs from that time are wonderful, but she’s a songstress who has continued to create increasingly delicate and artistic music as the years go by.
Brimming with her many charms, this track was reportedly written as the image song for the TBS drama “Hana Nochi Hare: Hanadan Next Season.” Sink into Hikaru Utada’s world with its calm atmosphere, and enjoy singing it comfortably!
CHA CHA CHAAkemi Ishii
This song portrays a heroine living freely and with confidence.
It beautifully captures the image of an independent woman of its time, while the distinctive Latin-inspired rhythm leaves a striking impression.
Akemi Ishii’s husky vocals vividly convey both an unwavering inner strength that resists temptation and an urban coolness.
Released as her debut in August 1986, the song was used as the theme for the drama “Otoko to Onna Nanatsu no Natsu Monogatari” (Men and Women: Seven Summer Stories) and topped the Oricon annual singles chart.
It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 59th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1987.
It’s a highly recommended track when you want to be reminded of the importance of living true to yourself.
Don't give upZARD
ZARD is an indispensable presence in the Japanese music scene of the ’90s, and for many women in their 40s today, their songs undoubtedly evoke the soundtracks of youth.
The late Izumi Sakai’s clear vocals and heartfelt lyrics never lose their luster, and they’re still hugely popular at karaoke.
“Makenaide” is one of ZARD’s most famous songs, a true classic with nationwide acclaim.
While the pitch is slightly on the higher side, it’s generally average overall, and the melody is straightforward without large leaps in range, making it a good candidate for high karaoke scores.
Aim to articulate each word of the lyrics clearly, and sing the chorus with crisp, powerful delivery!