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 60s (31–40)
The Song of KemekoZa Dātsu
Released on February 1, 1968, this work carries the sweet-and-sour scent of youth.
Born from a ninth grader turning his feelings for a classmate into verse, it sets a refreshing melody to a tale of tender love for a girl gifted in chemistry.
The bright, comical tune overlays lyrics brimming with pure affection for a girl smiling in the laboratory, striking a chord with students of the time.
The Darts’ vocal version reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart and sold a total of 600,000 copies.
It has been featured on Fuji TV’s “Owarai Tag Match” and the anime “Kemeko Deluxe!”, and has been covered by numerous artists.
Embracing the memory of first love that everyone has known, this song continues to resonate with the hearts of eternal boys and girls.
The river flows.Nakasone Miki
“Kawa wa Nagareru” (The River Flows) is a single released in 1961 by Miki Nakasone.
It has become one of her signature songs.
The track won the Newcomer Encouragement Award at the Japan Record Awards.
In 2002, Haruko Hara of Southern All Stars covered the song.
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.
I love you, I love you, I love you.Za Kānabītsu
The debut release by The Carnabeats, a cover of a song by the British rock band The Zombies.
Released in June 1967, the track was a forerunner of the Group Sounds boom and sold between 1.2 and 1.5 million copies.
With its energetic rhythm and catchy melody, the song drew attention for Ai Takano’s performance, singing while playing drums.
In later years, Mi-Ke’s cover was used as the opening theme for Nippon TV’s “N!? Sanma,” and it was also featured in the anime The Prince of Tennis, making it a beloved song across generations.
Highly recommended for those who want to savor GS sound that sings of the sweet loves of youth.
What you wantZa Hapuningusu Fo
This single, released in November 1967, carries a classic of the Group Sounds era into the present.
With a distinctive lineup that puts keyboards front and center, its experimental sound fuses a wide range of musical styles—from Baroque to Latin and jazz.
The earnest lyrics, expressing deep feelings for a loved one, resonated strongly with young people at the time.
The Happenings Four set themselves apart from other GS bands with innovative arrangements incorporating elements of classical music.
The jacket design by Tadanori Yokoo is particularly striking.
Highly recommended for those who want to bask in the sweet memories of youth or are interested in the experimental music of the 1960s.
Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 1960s (41–50)
A world without youZa Bībāzu
A masterpiece woven from a psychedelic rock sound and a wistful melody, this is The Beavers’ second single, released in November 1967.
Its heartrending tune vividly portrays the pain of a broken heart.
Showcasing beautifully balanced twin vocals and the twin-guitar virtuosity of Hideki Ishima and Masayuki Hirai, the track reached No.
57 on the Oricon chart.
The band also appeared on the TV program “Young 720” that same year.
It’s a song to play on nights when you want to soothe a love-broken heart, or on a quiet afternoon when you’re nostalgic for your youth.
Blind BirdZa Moppusu
This is the debut work released in November 1967 by The Mops, known as pioneers of the psychedelic movement during the tumultuous 1960s.
Its innovative arrangement—melding heavy guitar riffs with a dreamlike sound—shocked Japan’s music scene at the time.
Drawing attention for performances featuring outlandish costumes and light shows, this piece was also included on the album “Psychedelic Sound in Japan,” spawning numerous legends.
With the April 2014 release of the complete edition “Psychedelic Sound in Japan +2,” it became available on CD, prompting a renewed appreciation of its innovation.
It’s a must-listen for those who want to explore new musical possibilities or who are interested in the history of Japanese rock.