Classic and hit kayōkyoku songs from the nostalgic 1960s
The 1960s are often remembered for Group Sounds and rock, but in reality, the charts were largely dominated by kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).
It was also still a time when enka remained popular, and even those who were children back then probably have a rich repertoire of enka and kayōkyoku.
This time, we’re spotlighting nostalgic kayōkyoku from the music of the 1960s.
The 1960s were an era when classic, mainstream kayōkyoku drew the most attention.
If you’d like to look back on memories from that time through music, be sure to read this article to the end.
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Masterpieces and hit songs of nostalgic 1960s kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) (61–70)
newspaper boyYamada Tarō
Released in 1965.
There was a time in Japan when people empathized with stories like Oshin—portraits of those who lived earnestly despite poverty.
The period referred to is even earlier, when school lunches had just begun so that all children could get proper nutrition, and many families were still very poor.
The newspaper boy delivers the morning edition for his sick mother, and after finishing his route, he even prepares her breakfast—a model of filial piety.
I wish I had a child like that!
Sūdara-bushiUeki Hitoshi
The record released in 1961 is by Hachiji Hana and the Crazy Cats, but since it was such an early era, it features only Ueki-san’s vocals.
The song comically portrays the archetypal Showa-era father, and not only at the time but even now, I can’t help thinking that fathers haven’t really changed all that much.
The line in the lyrics, “I know I shouldn’t, but I just can’t stop,” reflects a psychology that everyone has.
Tokyo Dodonpa GirlWatanabe Mari
Released in 1961, this song has been covered by artists like Yosui Inoue, and I was amazed to find that its lively rhythm and punchy vocals are still going strong.
The singer looks so young that I looked up their current age.
Seeing the birthdate listed as November 1947, that would make them 74 years old now—and still so youthful! Unfortunately, this was their only hit song, but it remains a beloved track to this day.
Nagasaki BluesAoe Mina
It was released in 1968 as Mina Aoe’s 11th single.
It rose to No.
2 on the Oricon charts and sold a total of 767,000 copies, ranking 10th in annual sales for the following year, 1969.
It is one of Mina Aoe’s signature songs, performed at the end of 1973—five years after its release—on the 24th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun
It was released in 1968 as Jun Mayuzumi’s fourth single.
The song won the 10th Japan Record Award, and at that year’s 19th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was performed by Jun Mayuzumi wearing her trademark miniskirt.
It remains a classic that is still covered by many artists today.
Beach of MemoriesZa Wairudowanzu
Released in 1966, this song was later covered by groups like The Handers and often performed in impersonations, but it was originally a Group Sounds number.
At the time, men’s long hair drew heavy criticism from society, yet amid the rise of the GS era, they managed to maintain a clean, refreshing image.
The song’s pure, straightforward phrases won widespread popularity, leading to sales of over one million records.
Tokyo Olympic OndoMinami Haruo
It’s a song created for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, released in 1963.
Originally, it was part of a competitive project and was recorded by several popular singers of the time, including Yukio Hashi and Michiya Mihashi.
However, Haruo Minami was exceptionally passionate about this song, and as a result, his record sold the most.
Having experienced the war himself and even been held as a prisoner in Siberia, Minami was determined to sing about Japan’s postwar recovery.
He prioritized performing “Tokyo Gorin Ondo” over promoting his own new songs, and that dedication led to it becoming a million-seller.