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!
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Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 1960s (21–30)
Samba of PartingHasegawa Kiyoshi
Farewell Samba is the debut single by Kiyoshi Hasegawa, released in 1969.
Its folk-like style resonated with young people and became a hit.
He is acclaimed for his clear singing voice and superb guitar playing.
Having lost his sight in childhood, he also drew attention as a “blind singer.”
Please, God!Za Tenputāzu
A youthful prayer, staking sweet feelings on God, resounds alongside a heartfelt longing for love.
The Tempters’ passionate message is vividly colored by Kenichi Hagiwara’s husky voice and the band’s unified performance.
Released in March 1968, the song reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart and was also used in a Kanebo cosmetics commercial.
Its sound, infused with blues and R&B elements, continues to shine as a symbol of the golden age of Group Sounds.
This classic, which gently embraces the hearts of youth troubled by love, is perfect for moments when you want to be honest with your pure feelings or reaffirm your thoughts for someone special.
Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu
“Koi no Kisetsu” is the debut single by Pinky & the Killers, released in 1968.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts and won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
The group, an unusual combination of 16-year-old Pinky (Yoko Ima) and the four men in black known as the Killers, became a hot topic at the time.
I’m gonna cry (boo-hoo).Moriya Hiroshi
“Boku wa Naichicchi” was Moriyasu Hiroshi’s record debut single, released in 1960.
Although he had been active as a rockabilly singer, from this song onward he began singing more pop-style numbers.
He was the first artist affiliated with HoriPro to achieve a hit song.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
Mr.
Akira Terao, who has left behind numerous masterpieces as a renowned actor.
For those in their 60s, his image as a singer may be even stronger than his image as an actor.
Many were likely surprised that he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder, but kept releasing hits with an unwavering, cool musical style.
Ruby no Yubiwa is his biggest hit.
While the lowest note drops to a very low low G, there are solid moments of lift within its cool, understated mood—such as a key change toward the end.
Despite the modulation, the piece has a narrow vocal range, so you might even try raising the key on purpose and experimenting with a more powerful delivery different from the original.
Between night and morningpiitaa
Between Night and Morning is the debut single by “Peter,” released in 1969.
It won the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist.
The contrast between Peter’s beautiful and androgynous appearance and his deep voice became a topic of conversation.
When working as an actor, he uses his real name, Shinnosuke Ikehata.
First loveMurashita Kōzō
Kozo Murashita was a singer-songwriter who gained popularity for his highly original musical style that mixed New Music and folk songs.
Many men in their 60s were likely captivated by his melodic sensibility, which conveyed smoothness even within a kayōkyoku-like flow.
His song “Hatsukoi” is his biggest hit number.
Although its range is narrow, from mid1 F to mid2 G#, the chorus requires singing the high notes on the “tsu” consonant, so lowering the key by one step from your optimal key will likely give you the most stable pitch.