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 ’60s (41–50)
Hibari’s Sado Love StoryMisora Hibari
It’s a single released by Hibari Misora in 1962.
That same year, Toei produced the film “Hibari no Sado Jowa,” starring Misora, and this song was used as its theme.
The song was performed at the 13th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen in 1962, and it has been covered by many artists.
Tunnel HeavenZa Dainamaitsu
Released by Victor Records in November 1967, this song stands as a quintessential youth rock anthem of the 1960s Group Sounds era.
Hiroshi Segawa’s energetic shouts and Fujio Yamaguchi’s striking guitar work captivated the hearts of young listeners at the time.
Featured on the album “This Is Young Sound R&B!,” it blends lyrical verses about setting off from a rural town in pursuit of freedom with a powerfully rock-oriented sound.
It reached No.
73 on the Oricon chart and later gained further recognition through a cover by the Down Town Boogie-Woogie Band, earning enduring support among music fans as a classic with strong R&B leanings.
It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to feel liberated—like summer trips or drives with friends.
I don’t want to let go.Za Yangāzu
This youthful love song, which passionately sings of sweet, bittersweet feelings, was released in 1968 on the PHILIPS label as a signature work by The Youngers.
Its melancholic melody line, energetic beat, and electric guitar riffs blend beautifully to vividly capture the passion of young love.
Included as the B-side to the single “My Love, My Love,” it captivated many fans alongside the A-side track, notable for its fuzz guitar.
It was later covered by groups such as The No-No Boys and P.D.Q.
Trump, and has continued to be loved across generations.
A gem of a number that stands by shy young hearts in love, it carries a universal message to which anyone can relate.
blue eyesJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu
A masterpiece where a wistful melody merges with a stirring band sound.
First released during the dawn of the Group Sounds era—its English version in March 1966 and Japanese version in July—the song portrays a bittersweet romance with a woman encountered at the end of a journey through northern landscapes.
Following the English version’s sales of over 100,000 copies, the Japanese version became a massive hit, surpassing 500,000.
It earned Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets a spot in the 17th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and helped ignite the GS boom.
With its polished performance and harmonies, this sonic world is a perfect pick for anyone wishing to bask in memories of first love and youth.
The lights of Sakhalin do not go outZa Jenoba
A crowning achievement of 1960s Group Sounds from Crown Records.
With a bittersweet melody and lyrics in the style of a Russian folk song that weave in images of the northern provinces, this soul-stirring track moves every listener.
It builds a one-of-a-kind world that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The Genova’s debut single from February 1968 is known as a unique outlier within the 1960s Group Sounds scene, and it recorded an astonishing sales figure of over 100,000 copies.
Seamlessly blending electric guitar and band-driven sound with elements of kayōkyoku, this work lingers as a gem of a ballad that stands beside the aching hearts of those who’ve lost their hometown or their love.
It’s a classic to be heard on a quiet night by anyone who has known heartbreak or parting, or who carries deep feelings within.
No-No BoyZa Supaidāsu
This song fuses sophisticated chord progressions influenced by the British beat with a soul-stirring rock ’n’ roll sound.
The musical style crafted by Hiroshi Kamayatsu opened up new possibilities for Japan’s rock scene at the time.
Released as a single by Philips Records in February 1966, it was also featured in the Nikkatsu film Youth A-Go-Go that same year.
With catchy, love-themed phrases repeated throughout, it leaves a deep impression on listeners.
Boasting an innovative melody line and a stylish vibe, this track is recommended for those who want to relive the bittersweet memories of their youth, as well as music fans eager to savor a classic that represents the golden era of Japanese rock.
Please, God!Za Tenputāzu
A youthful prayer, staking sweet feelings on God, resounds alongside a heartfelt longing for love.
The Tempters’ passionate message is vividly colored by Kenichi Hagiwara’s husky voice and the band’s unified performance.
Released in March 1968, the song reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart and was also used in a Kanebo cosmetics commercial.
Its sound, infused with blues and R&B elements, continues to shine as a symbol of the golden age of Group Sounds.
This classic, which gently embraces the hearts of youth troubled by love, is perfect for moments when you want to be honest with your pure feelings or reaffirm your thoughts for someone special.