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 (71–80)
Port Town BluesMori Shinichi
This is a song released by Shinichi Mori in 1969.
Its lyrics mention many port towns, starting with Hakodate in Hokkaido and moving south down the Japanese archipelago to Makurazaki in Kagoshima Prefecture.
It became a million-seller and won the Best Vocal Performance and Vocal Performance awards at the 11th Japan Record Awards, as well as the Grand Prize at the 2nd Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards, making it one of Shinichi Mori’s signature songs.
Sad SakeMisora Hibari
This is a song released by Hibari Misora in 1966, known as one of her signature works.
It sold 1.45 million copies, achieving million-seller status.
At the 17th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1966, this song was performed as the finale for the Red Team, and it ranks as the third best-selling single in Hibari Misora’s discography.
Woman of ShinjukuFuji Keiko
Released in September 1969 as Keiko Fuji’s debut single, this track is striking for her powerful, husky voice that seems far beyond her 18 years.
Set against the nighttime streets of Shinjuku, it’s an enka song depicting a woman’s anguish in love.
The portrait of a woman starved for affection and longing to cling to someone is rendered with poignant sensitivity.
The song reached the Top 10 on the Oricon charts and sold 880,000 copies, generating major buzz that even led to a film of the same title.
It’s a showcase of Fuji’s vocal and expressive prowess, recommended for those who want to feel the loneliness of people living in the city at night.
Nostalgic Japanese Hit Songs of the 1960s: Showa-Era Popular Oldies Collection (81–90)
Only youSaigō Teruhiko
A bittersweet yet warm classic that captured the hearts of young people during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth.
Released as a debut single in February 1964, it became a massive hit, selling over 600,000 copies.
Teruhiko Saigō’s rich, gentle voice tenderly embraces the pure love for the “you” of dreams.
You can picture the romantic scenes: black eyes, rain-dampened hair, and the two shining like stars.
This song led Saigō to win a newcomer award and solidify his status as a star singer.
It’s the perfect track for looking back on a nostalgic page of youth or when you want to feel the purity of first love.
The Ferry of TearsMiyako Harumi
A classic song emblematic of the late 1960s (Showa 40s).
It portrays the sound of a whistle echoing through a lonely night and the poignant feelings of a woman mourning a lost love.
Harumi Miyako’s powerful singing grips the listener’s heart.
Released in 1964, this gem features lyrics by Shinichi Sekizawa and music by Shosuke Ichikawa.
It fully showcases Miyako’s distinctive vocal style, the “Harumi-bushi,” marked by deep vibrato and robust kobushi ornamentation.
Recommended for times when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or bask in the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era.
Savor the moving vocals and the lyrics’ timeless appeal that resonates across generations.
In Search of Love and DeathAoyama Kazuko
A poignant and beautiful gem of a ballad by Kazuko Aoyama.
This moving story portrays the pure love between a girl fighting illness and the young man who loves her.
Released in July 1964, it won the 6th Japan Record Award and became a massive hit, selling over 700,000 copies.
Aoyama, then 18, delivers a vocal performance that perfectly captures the tender, aching feelings of the young couple.
The song was also featured on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, leaving a lasting mark on many hearts.
It’s a piece to listen to when you want to feel the transience of life and the preciousness of love.
Let yourself be wrapped in Aoyama’s voice and deepen your feelings for someone dear.
Ecstasy BluesAoe Mina
The debut song of Mina Aoe, whose husky voice is her charm.
It’s a heartrending, passionate blues number that deeply resonates with listeners.
The lyrics delicately portray the complex emotions of a woman in love, perfectly matched by her sultry vocals.
Released in June 1966, it became a hit, selling about 800,000 copies.
That same year, she made her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, cementing her status as a singer.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights troubled by love or during a quiet, sophisticated moment.
Why not lose yourself in Mina Aoe’s irresistibly captivating voice?