Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 1960s
Japan in the 1960s was a tumultuous era: right in the midst of the so-called “period of rapid economic growth,” hailed as the Miracle of the East, with developments like the Tokyo Olympics and the Osaka World Expo.
In the music scene, beyond the frenzy surrounding The Beatles’ visit to Japan, there were many epoch-making events—such as Kyu Sakamoto’s classic “Ue o Muite Arukō” topping the U.S.
charts under the title “SUKIYAKI.”
In this article, we’ll introduce nostalgic Japanese pop songs that colored Japan in the ’60s.
Enjoy these beloved classics—from kayōkyoku and folk songs to Group Sounds (GS)—that remain popular even with today’s younger generation!
- Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1960s. A collection of popular Showa-era classic melodies.
- Classic and hit kayōkyoku songs from the nostalgic 1960s
- Legendary Japanese rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 1960s
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
- Female Singer-Songwriters of the ’60s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Back to those nostalgic days… Classic and hit Western songs of the 1960s
- Ranking of Popular Oldies and Classic Songs [1960s Japanese Music Rankings]
- Popular Japanese songs among men in their 60s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- Love songs that resonate with women in their 60s: gem-like romance tunes that revive memories of youth.
- Recommended Summer Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic and Popular J-Pop Hits [2026]
- [Winter Songs] Classic Showa-era masterpieces. Popular songs you’ll want to listen to in winter.
Classic and Hit Japanese Pop Songs from the Nostalgic 1960s (11–20)
March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko
This song, still loved today as a classic from the Showa era, is known as one of Kiyoko Suizenji’s signature numbers.
Released in November 1968, it became a million seller.
Characterized by its vigor and overwhelming positivity that seem to symbolize Japan’s energy at the height of its rapid economic growth, it stands out to this day.
In fact, for Suizenji—who had been active as an enka singer—the release of this stylistically different song was reportedly not what she wanted.
Nevertheless, it went on to become the biggest hit of her career and was widely embraced, even being selected as the entrance march for the 41st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1969.
Blue ChateauJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu
Set against a blue castle surrounded by forests and springs, this iconic song from the 1960s gives voice to a bittersweet love.
Blending the essence of kayōkyoku into GS influenced by Western music, it captivates listeners’ hearts.
Released in January 1967, the song won the 9th Japan Record Award and secured a spot in the 18th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, swiftly becoming a defining track of its era.
It’s recommended not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone wishing to revisit their youthful days.
Why not immerse yourself in a world of sweet, wistful romance through the vocals of Jackie Yoshikawa?
Forever with youKayama Yūzō
“Kimi to Itsumademo” is the fifth single by Yuzo Kayama, released in 1965.
It sold over three million copies and received a Special Award at the Japan Record Awards.
It is one of “Young Master” Yuzo Kayama’s signature songs and is often performed at weddings.
The spoken line in the interlude, “Shiawase da naa” (“I’m so happy”), became a popular catchphrase.
Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio / Yoshinaga Sayuri
Released in the 1960s, this piece became a massive hit as a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.
Its lyrics, which gently speak to people’s hearts like softly falling rain or stars, are distinctive, conveying the importance of holding on to dreams even while carrying loneliness and sorrow.
Upon its release in September 1962, it sold 300,000 copies in just one month, becoming a major hit and winning the 4th Japan Record Award.
The following year, a film of the same name was released, boosting its popularity even further.
It’s a song that will surely give you courage when you’re feeling down or in need of encouragement.
Just as there are stars in the skyAraki Ichiro
“Just as There Are Stars in the Sky” is Ichiro Araki’s debut single, released in 1966.
It won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
The song became widely known as the theme for the nationally syndicated Tokai Radio program “Let’s Sing to the Stars.”
Louisiana MamaIida Hisahiko
“Louisiana Mama” is a single released in 1962 by Hisahiko Iida.
It is a cover of a song performed by American singer Gene Pitney.
While the original song did not achieve much success in the United States, Iida’s version became a major hit in Japan during the height of the rockabilly boom.
Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 1960s (21–30)
Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun
Angel’s Temptation is the fourth single by Jun Mayuzumi, released in 1968 by Toshiba Musical Industries.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts and won the Japan Record Award.
Jun Mayuzumi’s powerful and captivating vocals garnered widespread popularity.