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 pop hits from the 1960s: A collection of beloved Showa-era classics (51–60)
The Drunkard Has ReturnedThe Folk Crusaders
The melody of that nostalgic classic pops into my head.
Released in November 1967 as The Folk Crusaders’ debut single, this song stands out for its humor-filled lyrics about a drunken man who’s kicked out of heaven and comes back to life.
Its clever switching between Tohoku and Kansai dialects and the distinctive timbre created by sped-up tape recording were highly innovative for the time.
With total sales of 2.83 million copies, it became a massive hit and a landmark in the history of Japanese folk music.
Give it a listen—you won’t forget its unique vocals and melody once you’ve heard it.
Brotherly Code of HonorKitajima Saburō
A classic that vividly portrays a world bound by duty and human compassion.
Saburo Kitajima’s powerful vocals resonate deeply.
Through a small ceremonial cup, it sings of bonds that transcend blood ties.
Released in March 1965, the song became a massive hit, selling over a million copies.
It even inspired a film series of the same name, capturing the hearts of people at the time.
Another appeal is how lyricist Tetsurō Hoshino’s and Kitajima’s real-life experiences are woven into it.
The song strongly reflects the Showa-era ideal of a man who values duty and empathy, and it continues to be loved by many today.
It’s the perfect track when you want to feel the friendship and bond between men.
Woman of HakodateKitajima Saburō
Released in 1965 as Saburo Kitajima’s 14th single, this song was a major hit, selling 1.4 million copies.
It is also known as one of Kitajima’s signature songs, with a parody version used in commercials for Nagatanien’s Ochazuke Nori series product “Salmon Chazuke” from 1971 to 2003.
Satsuma WomanKitajima Saburō
A song that paints a scene where duty and human compassion intersect.
Saburo Kitajima’s powerful vocals vividly color a story set in Satsuma.
With lyrics by Tetsuro Hoshino and composition by Nobuo Shimazu, it features a melancholic melody and words that resonate deeply.
Released in January 2022, the piece deftly expresses the complex emotions of a woman who chooses to part ways, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
The imagery of Tenmonkan Street in the rain and Sakurajima as a backdrop is also striking.
It’s a recommended track not only for enka fans but for anyone interested in exploring Japan’s traditional musical culture.
Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1960s: A collection of popular Showa-era oldies (’61–’70)
I’m in trouble.Yamamoto Rinda
Released in 1966 as Linda Yamamoto’s debut single.
Despite being her debut, it sold over 700,000 copies in total, and she made her first appearance on the 18th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
Her distinctive slightly lisping singing style drew attention, and it also became a talking point that she performed in a pink miniskirt at her first Kōhaku appearance.
Ladies and gentlemenMurata Hideo
An exquisite song that fuses deep emotional expression with Japanese tradition.
The lyrics, which sing of the joys and sorrows of life and everyday living, truly resonate.
Hideo Murata’s powerful voice gives listeners courage and hope.
Ranking seventh on the 1964 year-end chart, this work has continued to be loved across generations.
After being featured on Takeshi Kitano’s radio program, it also became known among comedy fans.
Why not share and enjoy this classic that carries the nostalgic fragrance of Showa-era kayōkyoku? It’s recommended for times when you’re lost in life or need a boost of energy.
March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko
It was released in 1968 as Kiyoko Suizenji’s 23rd single.
This march-style song encourages a life of steady progress, taking one step each day.
Matching the spirit of Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies in total.
It is sung as one of Kiyoko Suizenji’s signature songs.