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 (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.
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.
I’m in trouble.Yamamoto Rinda
Released in 1966 as Linda Yamamoto’s debut single, it surpassed 700,000 copies in total sales and earned her first appearance at that year’s 18th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
On that occasion, Yamamoto performed the song wearing a pink miniskirt, and combined with her somewhat lisping way of speaking at the time, she was referred to as a so-called “kawaii idol” singer.
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.