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 ’60s (51–60)
The Maiden with Flaxen HairVirejji Shingāzu
This is a February 1968 work by the Village Singers that portrays the radiant purity of youth and the sweet, bittersweet stirrings of first love, carried by a gentle melody.
Its calm, melodious, group-sounds-style progression blends beautifully with Koichi Sugiyama’s sophisticated composition and Atsushi Hashimoto’s lyrically rich words.
The song was also used as the theme for TBS’s morning program “Young 720” and became a major hit, reaching No.
7 on the Oricon chart.
With a breezy, springlike lightness and a clear voice that sings of aching love, it imparts an uplifting, heart-stirring exhilaration.
It’s a track perfect for the season when spring is in the air, or for moments when your heart dances with love.
Legend of the EmeraldZa Tenputāzu
It was released in 1968 as The Tempters’ third single.
The song became a hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon chart, and it became one of The Tempters’ signature tracks.
It is a classic that has been covered by other artists, including Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets.
Ozasiki SongMatsuo Kazuko & Wada Hiroshi & Mahina Sutāzu
The composer of this song, released in 1964, is unknown.
The reason is that when Mr.
Hiroshi Wada was touring provincial cabarets, he more or less copied a tune a hostess there was humming.
He hurriedly called an acquaintance by phone, added Kazuko Matsuo to give it a bit of stylish flair, and recorded it, resulting in sales exceeding 2.5 million copies.
The hostess may have missed out on royalties.
Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu
It was a massive hit that sold 2.7 million copies when it was released in 1968.
The group wore derby hats, and Pinky wore what we would now call gaucho pants; at the time, their flared pantaloons made a strong impression.
Even though she was only 16, her punchy, powerful vocals became a hot topic.
The little performance bit in the middle of the song even caught on with kids.
And perhaps the stylish touch is that they don’t call “coffee at dawn” ‘morning coffee.’
Masterpieces and hit songs of nostalgic 1960s kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) (61–70)
The last dance is mineKoshiji Fubuki
Released in 1961, Fubuki Koshiji, a former member of the Takarazuka Revue, was primarily active as a chanson singer, but her performance of this song became very popular and a huge hit.
She married composer Noriyoshi Naitō in 1959, and although they had no children, after Koshiji’s passing he shared some memories.
He said Koshiji had absolutely no sense of money; when she went to boutiques, instead of buying one or two pieces, she would say, “I’ll take all the dresses on display.” He would have to explain that with their income they couldn’t buy everything.
It’s a story that perfectly captures Fubuki Koshiji, who lived single-mindedly for her art.
A rose has bloomed.Maiku Maki
It is said to be a folk song released by Maki Maki in 1966, with lyrics and music by Konosuke Hamaguchi, who took his motif from a passage themed on the rose in Saint-Exupéry’s fairy tale The Little Prince.
Thanks to the song’s success, Maki made his first appearance at the 17th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1966, and its hit triggered a folk-song boom that spread throughout Japan’s music scene.
Last Night’s SecretOgawa Tomoko
It was released in 1968 as Tomoko Ogawa’s debut single.
Despite being her first release as a singer, it immediately reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart, became her biggest hit, and earned her a first appearance at the 19th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1968.