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 (21–30)
Don’t look back.Za Pīnattsu
“Furimukanaide” is a single by The Peanuts, released in 1962.
At a time when covers of foreign songs were mainstream, it became a major hit as an original Japanese pop song.
It was The Peanuts’ first hit with an original song.
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.
Classic and Hit Japanese Pop Songs from the Nostalgic 60s (31–40)
Misty Lake MashuFuse Akira
“Kiri no Mashūko” (Foggy Lake Mashu) is the fifth single by Akira Fuse, released in 1966.
It won the Japan Record Award for Composition.
Fuse’s powerful, resonant voice gained wide popularity.
This song also helped make the then-little-known Lake Mashu famous.
Hard to findSuriifankiiizu
“Nakanaka Mitsukaranai” is a single released in 1962 by The Three Funkies.
It was used as an insert song in a film and became a major hit.
The Three Funkies were pioneers of Japanese male idol groups and enjoyed immense popularity among young women.
school daysPegī Hayama
“Gakusei Jidai” (Student Days) is a single released in 1964 by Peggy Hayama.
The song, modeled on Hayama’s own time at Aoyama Gakuin, became a million seller.
It was originally going to be titled “Daigaku Jidai” (University Days), but the title was changed to “Gakusei Jidai” (Student Days) on the grounds that not everyone goes to university.
Pineapple Princesstashiro midori
“Pineapple Princess” is the third single released by Midori Tashiro in 1961.
The original song is a Disney tune sung by American singer Annette Funicello.
Tashiro’s cover featured lyrics adapted to Japanese tastes and became a major hit.
A Sorrowful WishBito Isao
“Kanashiki Negai” (House of the Rising Sun) is a single by Isao Bito released in 1964.
It won the Toshiba Hit Award.
The song was performed by American jazz singer Nina Simone and has been covered by many artists.
The most famous version is by The Animals, which Isao Bito covered.