Ranking of Popular Oldies and Classic Songs [1960s Japanese Music Rankings]
We present the latest top 100 ranking of classic Japanese pop songs, all at once, ordered by the highest number of plays!
We’ve picked out nostalgic hits from the 1960s!
Listening again, you’ll notice many songs are still being revived today.
Be sure to check them out.
The playlist is updated weekly.
- Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1960s. A collection of popular Showa-era classic melodies.
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- Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music
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- [Today's Recommended Nostalgic Songs] Memories from those days come flooding back! A collection of gem-like classics
- Good songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Popular Japanese songs among men in their 60s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks
- A heartbreak song that resonates in the chest of a man in his 60s: memories of youth woven by classic Showa-era masterpieces
Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1960s Japanese Music Ranking] (61–70)
A summer to rememberYamaguchi Momoe64rank/position
Momoe Yamaguchi, known as a legendary singer of the Showa-era kayōkyoku scene, released Hitonatsu no Keiken in 1974.
The lyrics were written by Kazuya Senke, and the composition was by Shunichi Tokura, who created many idol songs in the Showa era.
The band arrangement, which evokes a passionate romance, is striking.
The song expresses a girl’s honest feelings for the one she loves, perfectly matching her powerful yet sultry vocals.
For some listeners, it may bring back memories of summer dates or a first love.
It’s a summer song that captures both girlish charm and the allure of a grown woman at the same time.
Satsuma WomanKitajima Saburō65rank/position
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.
Isn’t it fine as long as you’re happy?Sara Naomi66rank/position
One of the most iconic songs representing Japan in the late 1960s is this smash hit by Naomi Sagara.
Its lyrics, which celebrate a free way of life unbound by the social norms of the time, resonated with many listeners.
Released in July 1969, the song won the Grand Prize at the 11th Japan Record Awards that same year—a first for a female singer.
It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Nana Kinomi and Keisuke Kuwata, and continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to value their individuality or pursue happiness without worrying about others’ opinions.
Why not reflect on your own happiness while being enveloped by Naomi Sagara’s gentle vocals?
Summer MissSakakibara Ikue67rank/position
This is Ikue Sakakibara’s 7th single—she’s married to actor Toru Watanabe—released in July 1978.
It became her biggest hit, with total sales reaching 200,000 copies.
Incidentally, it peaked at No.
11 on the Oricon chart.
The bright, up-tempo, cute melody and the arrangement of the backing track are a perfect match for Sakakibara’s very cheerful voice, and just listening to it conjures up images of a sun-drenched summer beach.
Another classic that colored the summers of the Showa era! With so much gloomy news around these days, this might be a song you’ll especially want to hear now.
Please, God!Za Tenputāzu68rank/position
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.
I’ve had enough of love.Za Dainamaitsu69rank/position
It’s one of the iconic songs that colored the golden age of Group Sounds.
The lyrics, which sing of the bittersweet pain of young love and the resolve to say goodbye, left a deep impression on the youth of the time.
Released in November 1967, this track was included as the B-side of The Dynamites’ debut single, “Tunnel Tengoku.” Fujio Yamaguchi’s vivid guitar technique and Hiroshi Segawa’s powerful vocals make it a song that epitomizes the rock scene of the 1960s.
It’s a must-listen not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone who longs for their youthful days.
Last Summer WhisperAnri70rank/position
It’s an irresistible track with a sophisticated, mellow groove that conjures up bittersweet end-of-summer scenes.
Anri’s clear, soaring vocals delicately convey the sentimental feelings toward the passing season and the faint afterglow that lingers in the heart.
This stylish vibe hasn’t faded since the song appeared on the album “Heaven Beach,” produced by Toshiki Kadomatsu and released in November 1982.
For some, listening to this piece will bring back memories of summers past; for younger listeners, it’s sure to feel fresh and exciting.
It’s a classic that suits both a drive-date soundtrack and a quiet night spent alone.