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.
- Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1960s. A collection of popular Showa-era classic melodies.
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 1960s
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Love songs that resonate with women in their 60s: gem-like romance tunes that revive memories of youth.
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- Female Singer-Songwriters of the ’60s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- A love song that makes a man in his sixties relive his youth. Timeless classics that rekindle the romances of those days.
- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
- Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
Classic and hit kayōkyoku songs from the nostalgic 1960s (21–30)
Dream GuideYamaguchi Momoe
Momoe Yamaguchi, the legendary idol who left behind many timeless hits.
If you’re in your 60s, regardless of gender, you’ve probably heard her voice.
Among her songs, one I especially recommend for being both exciting and easy to sing is Yumesaki Annainin (Dream Guide).
It’s a bright, quintessentially Showa-era tune, yet the vocal line is very simple, with no phrases that require complex pitch movements.
If you want to liven things up with a song brimming with classic Showa charm, definitely add this one to your repertoire.
Forbidden LoveMoriyama Ryoko
It is a song released by Ryoko Moriyama in 1969, with total sales reaching 800,000 copies, and it topped the Oricon chart.
Thanks to the song’s success, lyricist Michio Yamagami won the Lyricist Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards, and Ryoko Moriyama made her first appearance at the 20th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen with this song.
You are my very lifeMizuhara Hiroshi
This is footage from the 1967 New Year’s Red and White Song Contest.
Even though it’s in black and white, it feels fresh because it captures them just as they were in their youth.
It’s a very Showa-era kind of song: meeting the one you love but stepping back because you met too late, while loving them as much as your own life.
Singers from the 1960s were truly excellent.
Love FugueZa Pīnattsu
This is a song released by The Peanuts in 1967, presented as one of the entries in their “Love” series.
Lyricist Rei Nakanishi received the 1967 Japan Record Award for Lyrics for this work, and the song was also performed at the 18th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1967.
It has become one of The Peanuts’ signature songs.
Song of the Mountain Mandaakudakkusu
Released in 1962, the beautiful chorus of four men has remained strong even as they’ve aged, but now only Kazuo Tohyama—nicknamed “Zō-san” (Mr.
Elephant)—is still with us.
“Yama-otoko no Uta” isn’t a comic song at all, yet somehow, hearing it now, it feels different from how it did back then—perhaps that’s just the times.
Back then, phrases like “Don’t fall for a ○○” were even used as popular catchphrases.
Yanagase BluesMikawa Ken’ichi
This was Kenichi Mikawa’s third single, released in 1966, and it is said to mark the turning point when he shifted toward an enka and mood-kayo style.
The term “local song” (gotōchi song) began to be used around the time this track started gaining attention, and it’s no exaggeration to say that this song was the catalyst.
It has become one of Kenichi Mikawa’s signature songs.
To Marie on Fifth AvenuePedoro & Kapurishasu
Pedro & Capricious is a music group that, despite several changes of lead vocalist, has consistently remained popular.
They’ve produced many famous singers, but perhaps the most memorable era is when Mariko Takahashi served as the vocalist.
“To Mari on Gobangai (Fifth Avenue)” is a wonderfully heartwarming song sung by Mariko Takahashi.
Although the lyrics are bittersweet, the melody is relaxed and bright, making it a perfect piece for looking back on memories and creating a lively, nostalgic mood.