Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1960s. A collection of popular Showa-era classic melodies.
The Tokaido Shinkansen opening, the advent of color TV, the Beatles’ visit to Japan, Astro Boy, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and more…
The 1960s were a decade energized by a wide array of new cultural phenomena amid the era of rapid economic growth.
In 1964, Tokyo also hosted the Olympic Games.
In music, from kayōkyoku to sounds influenced by foreign styles, one of the charms of the ’60s is that you can actually enjoy a rich variety of tastes.
Some legendary artists from that time are still active today! From among the classic songs that lit up the hit charts of the tumultuous Shōwa era, we’ve thoroughly researched a selection of nothing-but-recommended nostalgic tracks from the ’60s.
You might rediscover a longtime favorite or stumble upon a wonderful new tune! Please enjoy these timeless masterpieces that continue to resonate in the hearts of the Japanese people, even as the times keep changing.
Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1960s: A collection of popular Showa-era old favorites (1–10)
Cute babyNakao Mie
Here is a cover of a song released in 1961 by Connie Francis, known as a diva of the oldies.
Many artists have covered it, but the version sung by Mie Nakao is probably the most well-known.
Nakao formed the trio “Spark San’nin Musume” with Mari Sono and Yukari Ito, and she was known for her solid vocal ability.
There is also a version in which Connie Francis herself sings the same Japanese lyrics, allowing you to enjoy the beautifully rendered Japanese.
Isn’t it fine as long as you’re happy?Sara Naomi
This is a song released by Naomi Sagara in 1969 that became a major hit and won the Grand Prize at the 11th Japan Record Awards held in 1969.
It was also performed at the 20th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1969, and as one of Naomi Sagara’s signature songs, it has been covered by many artists.
rime iceHashi Yukio
This is the 84th single by Yukio Hashi, who had kept scoring hits with songs like Itako-gasa and Itsudemo Yume wo, released in 1966.
With this song, Hashi won the 8th Japan Record Award.
Strongly colored by the mood-kayo style, the piece was composed by Ichiro Tone.
Although it is a Japanese song, careful listening reveals arrangements influenced by the Latin music that was popular in Japan at the time, lending it an exotic atmosphere.
It’s a serious number from Hashi, who, along with Kazuo Funaki and Teruhiko Saigō, was beloved as one of the “Gosanke” (the Big Three).
Yearning for youFuranku Nagai
A classic by Frank Nagai that stirs listeners’ hearts with his captivating baritone.
Covered in 1961 and released as a single by Victor Records, it features a jazz-tinged arrangement that pairs perfectly with lyrics expressing a wistful love.
It won the 3rd Japan Record Award and became a major hit, selling over 550,000 copies.
As twilight falls, the growing longing for a beloved is portrayed with rich emotion, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a perfect song for reminiscing about old romances or savoring feelings for someone special.
There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu
This song is one of Kyu Sakamoto’s signature tracks, released in 1963.
The lyrics were written by Yukio Aoshima and the music composed by Hachidai Nakamura, and it was also used as the theme song for a music variety show of the same title.
In 2000, it was sung by comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo for a GEORGIA canned coffee commercial, leading to a revival hit, so it’s likely familiar to people across generations.
Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists and remains one of the songs cherished by the public today.
Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun
It was released in 1968 as Jun Mayuzumi’s fourth single.
The song became a major hit, winning the 10th Japan Record Award in 1968, and it was performed at the 19th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Based on this song, a film of the same title, Angel’s Temptation, starring Mayuzumi, was released by Shochiku.
It is known as one of Jun Mayuzumi’s signature songs.
Hello, baby.Azusa Michiyo
This is a song released by Michiyo Azusa in 1963 that became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.
It won the 5th Japan Record Award that same year, and with this song she made her first appearance at the 14th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
In 1964, it was used as the entrance march for the opening ceremony of the 36th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.