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.
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 1960s
- Classic and hit kayōkyoku songs from the nostalgic 1960s
- Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
- Ranking of Popular Oldies and Classic Songs [1960s Japanese Music Rankings]
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Love songs that resonate with women in their 60s: gem-like romance tunes that revive memories of youth.
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
- Female Singer-Songwriters of the ’60s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- A love song that makes a man in his sixties relive his youth. Timeless classics that rekindle the romances of those days.
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
Nostalgic Japanese Hit Songs from the 1960s: A Collection of Popular Showa-Era Oldies (41–50)
No-No BoyZa Supaidāsu
This song fuses sophisticated chord progressions influenced by the British beat with a soul-stirring rock ’n’ roll sound.
The musical style crafted by Hiroshi Kamayatsu opened up new possibilities for Japan’s rock scene at the time.
Released as a single by Philips Records in February 1966, it was also featured in the Nikkatsu film Youth A-Go-Go that same year.
With catchy, love-themed phrases repeated throughout, it leaves a deep impression on listeners.
Boasting an innovative melody line and a stylish vibe, this track is recommended for those who want to relive the bittersweet memories of their youth, as well as music fans eager to savor a classic that represents the golden era of Japanese rock.
Tunnel HeavenZa Dainamaitsu
Released by Victor Records in November 1967, this song stands as a quintessential youth rock anthem of the 1960s Group Sounds era.
Hiroshi Segawa’s energetic shouts and Fujio Yamaguchi’s striking guitar work captivated the hearts of young listeners at the time.
Featured on the album “This Is Young Sound R&B!,” it blends lyrical verses about setting off from a rural town in pursuit of freedom with a powerfully rock-oriented sound.
It reached No.
73 on the Oricon chart and later gained further recognition through a cover by the Down Town Boogie-Woogie Band, earning enduring support among music fans as a classic with strong R&B leanings.
It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to feel liberated—like summer trips or drives with friends.
Please, God!Za Tenputāzu
A youthful prayer, staking sweet feelings on God, resounds alongside a heartfelt longing for love.
The Tempters’ passionate message is vividly colored by Kenichi Hagiwara’s husky voice and the band’s unified performance.
Released in March 1968, the song reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart and was also used in a Kanebo cosmetics commercial.
Its sound, infused with blues and R&B elements, continues to shine as a symbol of the golden age of Group Sounds.
This classic, which gently embraces the hearts of youth troubled by love, is perfect for moments when you want to be honest with your pure feelings or reaffirm your thoughts for someone special.
Blind BirdZa Moppusu
This is the debut work released in November 1967 by The Mops, known as pioneers of the psychedelic movement during the tumultuous 1960s.
Its innovative arrangement—melding heavy guitar riffs with a dreamlike sound—shocked Japan’s music scene at the time.
Drawing attention for performances featuring outlandish costumes and light shows, this piece was also included on the album “Psychedelic Sound in Japan,” spawning numerous legends.
With the April 2014 release of the complete edition “Psychedelic Sound in Japan +2,” it became available on CD, prompting a renewed appreciation of its innovation.
It’s a must-listen for those who want to explore new musical possibilities or who are interested in the history of Japanese rock.
Let’s go, Shake!Terauchi Takeshi & Banīzu
A happy tune from March 1967 that weaves together a seaside coming-of-age romance and the explosive sound of electric guitar.
A classic that epitomizes the golden era of Group Sounds, it won fervent support in dance halls and go-go clubs, symbols of youth culture.
Known as a signature work by Takeshi Terauchi and the Bunnys, it was included on the album “Let’s Go ‘Fate’” and won the Arrangement Award at the 9th Japan Record Awards.
The energetic sound born from Terauchi’s exceptional guitar technique and the band’s tight cohesion makes this a gem that conveys the essence of surf rock.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to relive the radiance of youth or explore the history of Japanese rock.
The lights of Sakhalin do not go outZa Jenoba
A crowning achievement of 1960s Group Sounds from Crown Records.
With a bittersweet melody and lyrics in the style of a Russian folk song that weave in images of the northern provinces, this soul-stirring track moves every listener.
It builds a one-of-a-kind world that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The Genova’s debut single from February 1968 is known as a unique outlier within the 1960s Group Sounds scene, and it recorded an astonishing sales figure of over 100,000 copies.
Seamlessly blending electric guitar and band-driven sound with elements of kayōkyoku, this work lingers as a gem of a ballad that stands beside the aching hearts of those who’ve lost their hometown or their love.
It’s a classic to be heard on a quiet night by anyone who has known heartbreak or parting, or who carries deep feelings within.
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.