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 (41–50)
In a distant worldItsutsu no akai fūsen
A signature song by the pioneering folk group The Five Red Balloons, who helped ignite Japan’s folk boom of the 1960s and ’70s.
With lines like “Let’s go search for tomorrow’s world,” it carries a powerful message of young people forging their own future through their own strength.
Nostalgic Japanese pop hits from the 1960s: A collection of beloved Showa-era classics (51–60)
In the pouring rainWada Akiko
The poignant feeling of being drenched in a downpour is vividly portrayed through Akiko Wada’s powerful vocals.
Released in April 1969, this work became a major hit, reaching No.
19 on the Oricon chart.
The lyrics, which layer the pain of a broken heart and a sense of loneliness onto rainy imagery, resonate deeply with listeners.
Wada’s soulful voice conveys every nuance of emotion, drawing the listener into the world of the song.
The melody, evocative of the sound of rain, blends beautifully with her singing to create a moving piece.
It’s a timeless classic that offers comfort—highly recommended for rainy days.
Across this wide fieldMoriyama Ryoko
This piece opens with a calm resonance that evokes the vastness of grasslands.
Ryoko Moriyama’s warm vocals gently accompany the listener’s heart.
Released in January 1967 as Moriyama’s debut single, it is also included on the folk album “Kono Hiroi Nohara Ippai / Ryoko Moriyama Folk Album No.
1.” The lyrics, filled with praise for nature and pure affection, are suffused with the gentle warmth of a picture book.
Broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and included in elementary school music textbooks, the song has been loved across generations.
It’s recommended for times when your heart feels tired or when you want to dwell on thoughts of someone dear.
Drops of LoveItō Yukari
Released in 1968, this is Yukari Ito’s signature song, which topped the Oricon charts.
Amid its moody atmosphere, it portrays the purity and poignancy of a heart in love.
Using “droplets” as a motif, it expresses the depth and preciousness of feelings for a loved one.
You can sense the gentle happiness of tender touch and the warmth of love, celebrating the beauty and joy of being in love.
It’s a song packed with the charm of Japanese pop from that era, perfect for anyone wanting to relive their youth.
It was also performed at the 19th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, becoming a classic that resonated with many people.
Johnny of GlassAi Jōji
A classic hit from the Showa era that paints a portrait of bittersweet love.
Vivid, melancholic imagery—like a black silhouette soaked in the night fog and a weeping guitar—leaves a lasting impression.
Released in 1961, it is known as one of Ai George’s signature songs.
It was adapted into a Nikkatsu film in 1962, starring Jo Shishido and Izumi Ashikawa.
While mourning a lost love, the lyrics also carry a thread of hope for the future, expressing universal emotions that anyone can relate to.
It’s a recommended listen when heartbroken or when you want to remember someone dear.
Savor this Showa-era masterpiece, where Ai George’s profound emotional expression resonates deeply.
You were young back then.Za Supaidāsu
A popular song by The Spiders, released in March 1968.
With lyrics written by a high school student and music composed by Hiroshi Kamayatsu, this piece beautifully captures the sweet and bittersweet feelings of youth.
It’s a classic that conveys the mistakes of adolescence and the lingering emotions that refuse to fade.
The song reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts and was also used as the theme song for the film “The Spiders’ Great Commotion,” released in May of the same year.
The duet by Masakazu Sakai and Jun Inoue is particularly memorable, with vocals that resonate deeply.
It’s a track that speaks to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or hopes to mend a cherished relationship.
Song of the Mountain Mandaakudakkusu
Released in 1962, this song is a moving masterpiece that portrays the life of a mountain man.
The beautiful harmonies of the Dark Ducks vividly capture both the harshness and allure of the mountains.
The quartet from Keio University delivers a powerful performance, singing with humor about the mountain man’s resolve, a young widow’s sorrow, and a love affair with a young woman.
As one of the group’s signature songs—alongside their popular rendition of the Russian folk song The Light—it has remained beloved by many fans.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to reflect on the natural world of the mountains and the tapestry of human emotions.