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)
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.
Otaru no hito yoTsuruoka Masayoshi to Tokyo Romanchika
It was released in 1967 as the debut single of Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica.
The song was created based on the real-life experience of a member of Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica, who fell in love with a local woman while on tour in Kushiro, and it reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It is a song that is supported as a local anthem of Otaru.
Classic and hit kayōkyoku songs from the nostalgic 1960s (31–40)
soft; gentle; pliantMisora Hibari
Released in 1964 and winner of the 7th Japan Record Award, this is, in my opinion, an absolutely essential song from the 1960s.
The title evokes the image of judo—expressed as “柔 (ju),” a sport that represents Japan—but the song itself is an anthem of encouragement, whether for the world of competition or for times when one loses their way in life.
I hope athletes will remember the message of this song during the Tokyo Olympics.
The world is for the two of us.Sara Naomi
When the song was released in 1967, you could see Naomi Sagara on every channel, but it seems she’s hardly active in show business now and is working as a businesswoman.
She had a rather androgynous image; although she’s wearing a dress in this picture, she usually wore pants.
The song is simple but a happy tune, so it was often sung at weddings.
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.