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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Classic and hit kayōkyoku songs from the nostalgic 1960s (21–30)
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.
Classic and hit kayōkyoku songs from the nostalgic 1960s (31–40)
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.
Flower NecklaceZa Taigāsu
Back in 1968, when the Tigers reigned supreme in popularity among GS bands, the lead vocal on this song wasn’t Julie (Kenji Sawada) but Toppo (Katsumi Kahashi).
The song’s quiet mood and Toppo’s dry singing voice matched perfectly, and it became a big hit.
A flower necklace is something anyone used to make for fun in the countryside by skillfully weaving together the stems of common wildflowers found anywhere.
I want to go far away.Jerī Fujio
Released in 1962, this song has been covered by many artists, but it originally began as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s program Yume de Aimashou, sung by Jerry Fujio.
Since then, the song has continued to be featured on a program with the same title on the Nippon TV network.
It’s a wonderful song with a touch of melancholy that somehow evokes memories of one’s hometown.
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi
Released in 1968, Ayumi Ishida—now active as an actress—was at the time a hit-making, hugely popular singer.
This song is a stylish piece that further reinforced Yokohama’s cosmopolitan image.
Ishida’s beauty and impeccable fashion sense were widely talked about by both women and men.
Miracle of LoveHide to Rozanna
This footage, released in 1968, shows both Hide and Rosanna when they were young.
In those days, male-female duos were often asked about whether they were dating, and it seems Rosanna secretly had a crush on Hide.
The song truly embodies a miracle of love in real life, and after she married Hide, she devoted herself to him with great dedication.