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 (21–30)
Love VacationZa Pīnattsu
Released in 1963, this classic has been covered by many artists over the years.
With its numerous cover versions and a melody that feels familiar to Japanese ears, it’s a song that resonates with longtime fans and younger listeners alike.
Also, pay attention to the performance, which carries a touch of jazz.
Waltz of StarlightSen Masao
It was released in 1966 as Masao Sen’s sixth single.
Gradually gaining traction through local wired broadcasting, it became a massive hit with total sales of 2.5 million copies.
Known as one of Masao Sen’s signature songs, it remains a classic that is still frequently sung at karaoke today.
I’ve had enough of love.Za Dainamaitsu
A classic of the Group Sounds era.
It was the B-side of the single “Tunnel Heaven,” released in November 1967.
The weary feelings of love resonate poignantly.
True to The Dynamites’ style, the performance carries an R&B flavor, and Fujio Yamaguchi’s guitar technique really shines.
Set to Hiroshi Segawa’s vocals, you can feel the longing to be freed from the pain of love.
Though their active period was short, this track is packed with the charms of a band that won fervent support from a segment of music fans.
It’s a song that stays close to the hearts of those trying to overcome the pain of a broken heart.
Little Finger MemoriesItō Yukari
Released in 1967 by Yukari Ito, this song became a major hit and earned her the Vocalist Award at the 9th Japan Record Awards.
It was also performed at the 18th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and remains one of her signature songs, still occasionally featured on nostalgic music programs today.
Anko Camellia is the flower of loveMiyako Harumi
This is a song released by Harumi Miyako in 1964.
It was her first hit and also became a million-seller.
With this song, Miyako won the New Artist Award at the 6th Japan Record Awards.
In 1965, a film of the same title was released by Shochiku.
It has become one of Harumi Miyako’s signature songs.
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
Overseas, it’s famous as the song by Kyu Sakamoto known as “Sukiyaki,” but when it was first released it wasn’t highly regarded in Japan; it was recognized abroad first and only then became a hit in Japan.
Given that the lyrics evoke the loss of someone dear, the title “Sukiyaki,” which was assigned overseas, seems rather tasteful to me.
Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu
This is a song released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1963, with the original being the title theme from a musical of the same name that premiered in 1960.
The lyrics were written by Rokusūke Ei and the music composed by Taku Izumi.
With this song, Sakamoto made his third appearance at the 14th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1963, and it has continued to be sung as one of Kyu Sakamoto’s signature songs.