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 (41–50)
The Drunkard Has ReturnedZa Fōku Kurusedāzu
With a high-pitched voice and humor-laden musical expression, a fantastical story unfolds that shuttles between heaven and earth.
While satirically conveying the dangers of drunk driving, its innovative musicality—woven with nods to the Beatles, the Heart Sutra, and even Beethoven—is captivating.
Released by The Folk Crusaders in December 1967, the song became the first million-seller in Oricon chart history and was even adapted into a Toei film.
Far from sounding like a track born to fill out an album, this masterpiece combines experimental sound with social consciousness, making it a recommended tune for those who want to savor life’s subtleties along with a good laugh.
Classic and Hit Japanese Pops from the Nostalgic ’60s (51–60)
The morning I had forgottenYamamoto Junko
The July 1971 single by the folk group Akai Tori is like a mental landscape that gently reflects the youth of those days.
Skillfully blending the essences of folk and pop, Junko Yamamoto’s clear, translucent vocals and the beautiful harmonies soothe the listener’s heart.
Rofu Yamagami’s poetic lyrics quietly evoke memories of days gone by, while Kunihiko Murai’s melody tenderly accompanies them.
Included on the album Akai Tori II, this piece features a calm arrangement that conveys the freshness of a morning breeze.
It’s a recommended song for moments when you want to pause amid a busy life to reflect on yourself, or when you feel like immersing yourself in cherished memories.
Johnny of GlassAi Jōji
“Johnny of Glass” (Garasu no Johnny) is a single composed and sung by Ai George, released in 1961.
He performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this song.
Ai George transitioned from a wandering jazz singer to a recording artist and appeared in the Kōhaku Uta Gassen for 12 consecutive years.
Olivia’s Melodyfoorību su
“Olivia no Shirabe” is the debut single by Four Leaves, released in 1968.
It is said that “Olivia” was inspired by actress Olivia Hussey, who starred in the film Romeo and Juliet.
Four Leaves was a popular idol group belonging to the Johnny & Associates talent agency.
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.
Naples in the MoonlightMoriyama Kayoko
Tsukikage no Napoli (Naples in the Moonlight) is the debut single by Kayoko Moriyama, released in 1960.
It became a hit, selling 500,000 copies.
It is a Japanese cover of the song of the same name by Italian singer Mina.
The opening phrase, “Chintarerari Luna,” was particularly memorable.
Hey, PaulaTanabe Yasuo, Azusa Michiyo
Hey Paula is a single by Yasuo Tanabe and Michiyo Azusa, released by King Records in 1963.
It is a cover of the hit song by the American duo Paul and Paula.
The gentle back-and-forth love song between Tanabe and Azusa gained popularity and became a major hit.