Popular Japanese songs among women in their 30s. Recommended masterpieces and classic tracks.

The strong and fleeting onesCocco

Cocco “The Strong and Ephemeral Ones” Music Video

Cocco is a female singer-songwriter who was active from the late 1990s to the 2000s.

She is known for a style that incorporates alternative rock and grunge into J-pop, and she excelled at soft, delicate vocals.

Among Cocco’s songs, the one I especially recommend is “Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi” (“The Strong and the Fragile”).

The vocal line has gentle rises and falls, and the range isn’t very wide, so even women in their 30s with lower voices can sing it without any trouble.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

crescent moonAyaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

This is “Mikazuki,” Ayaka’s fourth single, released in 2006.

It’s a ballad about a long-distance relationship, but even if you’re not in one, you can deeply relate to the feelings of longing for a loved one.

There are surely people who have shed tears listening to this song when struggling with love.

SEASONSAyumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki / SEASONS (Short Ver.)

This is Ayumi Hamasaki’s 16th single, “SEASONS,” released in 2000.

It was the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tenki Yohō no Koibito” (The Weather Forecaster’s Lover).

It’s a track from a time when Ayumi Hamasaki was highly active as a singer, with a melody that never gets old no matter how many times you listen.

Close your eyesKen Hirai

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

This is Ken Hirai’s 20th single, “Hitomi wo Tojite,” released in 2004.

It became a major topic as the theme song for the Toho-distributed film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” It’s filled with expressions that only Ken Hirai’s uniquely sweet and deep voice can convey.

It’s a wonderful song that never loses its luster, no matter how many years pass.

366 daysHY

HY 366 Days LIVE

This is “366 Days” from HY’s fifth album HeartY, released in 2008.

It was the theme song for the Fuji TV drama and the Toho-distributed film Red Thread, and among HY’s many songs, “366 Days” is especially popular.

It’s impossible not to be moved—tears, goosebumps… Is there any other song this heart-wrenching?

CHE.R.RYYUI

CHE.R.RY – YUI (Full)

This is “CHE.

R.

RY,” YUI’s eighth single, released in 2007.

It’s a very cute song about the feelings of sending a text to someone you like on a cell phone.

Let it make your heart flutter as you remember the bittersweet nerves of a one-sided crush over a single message.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Hanamizuki is Yo Hitoto’s fifth single, released in 2004.

She wrote it in about a week, inspired by an email from a friend who was in New York during the September 11 attacks.

Its profound lyrics have made it an unforgettable classic.