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)
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.
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.
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.”
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.
The Brown-Noser MarchHana Hajime to Kureēji Kyattsu
Gomasuri March is the 12th single by Hachiji Hana and the Crazy Cats, released in 1965.
Sung by Hitoshi Ueki, it became a hit.
The song was featured in the film The Most Flattering Man in Japan.
Although Hachiji Hana and the Crazy Cats became famous as a comedic band, they possessed exceptional performance technique.