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)
12th graderFunaki Kazuo
Released in 1963, there are various theories, but the model for this song is said to be either a private high school or a metropolitan public high school in Tokyo.
Speaking of third-year high school students, it was a time in Japan when the university enrollment rate was still not very high, and choosing between higher education or employment marked a turning point in life.
That’s why the lyrics about deepened friendships lasting forever make this a song we want to keep singing.
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.
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.
Black Cat TangoMinagawa Osamu
The original song, released in 1969, was based on an Italian children’s song and was sung in Japan by Osamu Minagawa, who was six years old at the time.
Although records of children’s songs were tax-exempt, this track was classified as a popular song and was taxed.
It was still treated as a children’s song to some extent and was used as an insert song in kids’ programs.
Arranged versions were released around the world, and in Japan it became a massive hit, selling over two million copies.