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.
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Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1960s: A collection of popular Showa-era oldies (’61–’70)
Night fog, thank you again tonightIshihara Yūjirō
A song that portrays a poignant love story, sung by the Showa-era star Yujiro Ishihara.
His low, husky voice matches perfectly with the wistful sound of the saxophone.
Released in February 1967, it became a massive hit, selling 2.55 million copies.
The lyrics depict night fog enveloping the couple’s secret romance and express gratitude toward that fog.
The pain of lovers who cannot meet openly really hits home.
Set against the backdrop of Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, the lyrics also reflect the society and views on love of the time, which is part of their appeal.
It’s a song that sinks into the heart when you’re feeling nostalgic or when you’ve experienced a farewell with someone important.
Tokyo BluesNishida Sachiko
Released in 1964 by Sachiko Nishida, this song—done in a popular style—became a major hit and is said to have established her status as a “beautiful enka singer.” Its success also earned her a spot in the 15th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song is also featured in Studio Ghibli’s film “Only Yesterday.”
The foghorn is calling me.Akagi Keiichiro
A ballad whose melancholic low tones and striking lyrics resonate deeply.
Sung by Keiichiro Akagi as the theme song for the film of the same name released in July 1960, this piece superbly captures the movie’s noir mood.
Set in a fog-shrouded port town, the lyrics delicately portray the feelings of a lonely sailor, which is part of its charm.
Included as the A-side of a single released by Nippon Grammophon, it became one of Akagi’s signature songs.
It’s a recommended track not only for those who love the sea, but also for anyone who wants to feel the ache of unrequited love and a sense of nostalgia.
Isezakicho BluesAoe Mina
It was released in 1968 as Mina Aoe’s seventh single.
Set in Isezakicho, a bustling district in Yokohama, the song became a big hit for its sensual, sigh-like breathy vocals.
It became one of Aoe’s signature songs, winning the Vocal Performance Award at the 10th Japan Record Awards and the Excellent Star Award at the 1st All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.
I want to go far away.Jerī Fujio
A song with a beautiful, wistful melody that resonates in the heart.
The lyrics, which sing of a longing for unknown places and a desire to set out on a journey, stir the listener’s emotions.
Used in 1962 as an insert song in the film “Wakai Kisetsu” (Young Season), it has continued to be loved by many ever since.
Jerry Fujio’s rugged, soulful voice further enhances the song’s appeal.
It’s the perfect track for those moments when you want to step away from everyday life and see a new world.
It has also been used as the theme for travel programs, and even today it remains an unfading classic that awakens the spirit of travel.
Blue ChateauJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu
It is a song released in 1967 by Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets.
It originated while composer Tadao Inoue was writing a piece to offer to Nana Kinomi, and it went on to sell 1.5 million records, becoming the group’s biggest hit and winning the 9th Japan Record Award.
Flower Necklacetaigāsu
Known as one of The Tigers’ signature songs, this work was released in March 1968 and impressively reached No.
3 on that year’s annual charts.
It is a song that symbolizes the heyday of the Group Sounds era and was also used as the theme for the film “The Tigers: The World Is Waiting for Us.” Koichi Sugiyama composed the music, and Rei Nakanishi added supplementary lyrics to words originally written by a high school student selected through a public contest.
The lyrics, which sing of love and the beauty of nature, pair beautifully with Kenji Sawada’s clear, soaring vocals.
Evoking the bittersweet memories of youth, it remains a timeless classic that still resonates deeply today.