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
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- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Popular Japanese songs among men in their 60s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks
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Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1960s Japanese Music Ranking] (81–90)
The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS85rank/position
When it comes to summer songs by Princess Princess—the legendary girls’ band that defined the Showa era—nothing tops “The Hottest Summer in the World.” Released in 1987 as their eighth single, it didn’t sell much at first, but when it was re-released in 1989 after the band broke through, it hit No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
The 2001 TV drama The Hottest Summer in the World, starring Goro Kishitani, was actually inspired by this song.
With its refreshing, summery sound and exhilarating drive, it’s a track you should definitely give a listen!
Fly-day ChinatownYasuha86rank/position
“Furaidi Chinatown” has been going viral on TikTok too, hasn’t it? It’s a track by singer-songwriter Yasuha, included on her 1981 album Yokohama Gensō (Yokohama Fantasy), which features songs themed around Yokohama.
The exotic, foreign-flavored lyrics and the alluring, sultry sound have earned widespread support.
I hope you’ll savor its mysterious atmosphere.
By the way, the “Furaidi” in the title isn’t “Friday,” but a coined word derived from “to fly.”
Harmony at Summer’s EndInoue Yosui & Anzen Chitai87rank/position
Since its release in 1986, this song has continued to be cherished as a classic for the end of summer.
Speaking of Anzenchitai, it’s the band fronted by Koji Tamaki, and they’re also known for having performed as Yosui Inoue’s backing band before their debut.
It was within the exchange between these two acts that this song was born.
Both Yosui Inoue and Koji Tamaki have uniquely captivating voices, but the harmony created when their voices blend is truly one of a kind.
The poignant lyrics—woven with exquisite harmonies—overlay the end of summer with the parting of a man and a woman, deeply moving countless listeners.
Midnight PretendersAran Tomoko88rank/position
A song depicting a secret love hidden in the darkness of night is once again in the spotlight.
Released by Tomoko Aran in 1983, this work is notable for its falsetto vocals—slow in tempo yet influenced by disco.
The lyrics, which sing of an earnest desire to have one’s beloved all to oneself, are sure to resonate with many.
Included on Aran’s third album, Floating Space, the track later earned high acclaim as a city pop classic.
In 2022, it garnered worldwide attention when Canadian star The Weeknd sampled it.
It’s a perfect recommendation for anyone nursing a bittersweet love in the stillness of the night.
Lonely Tropical FishWink89rank/position
This song, with its fresh sound incorporating Eurobeat that was popular overseas at the time, was released in 1989 as Wink’s fifth single.
It opens with synthesizer tones, kicks off with a beeping, game-like sound, and features catchy, repeated phrases that really stick with you.
Back then, despite wearing cute outfits, they were the idols who didn’t smile.
Their signature spin into a striking pose and their gently swaying choreography were performed with unwaveringly blank expressions—performances that still feel innovative today.
Be sure to pay attention to Japan’s unique originality in combining idols with Eurobeat.
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho90rank/position
Released in 1992, this duet by Miho Nakayama and WANDS gained attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru” (“Someone Loves Her”).
Their sweet yet heartrending vocals leave a strong impression, and the love story—beginning with imagery that evokes the end of summer—strikes a chord.
Its message of a fateful reunion and the resolve to keep dreaming with a passion hotter than anyone’s blends perfectly with the drama’s narrative.
The song was also a commercial success, topping the Oricon weekly singles chart and selling over one million copies within just 20 days of its release.
Even now, thanks to frequent use on television and numerous artist covers, it remains widely recognized across generations.
Highly recommended for those who want to resonate with powerful feelings for a loved one and the pure determination to pursue one’s ideals.
Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1960s Japanese Music Ranking] (91–100)
foreignerKUBOTA Saki91rank/position
From an intro that exudes an exotic atmosphere, Saki Kubota’s debut single draws you in before you know it.
The lyrics, suffused with loneliness and a sense of loss, are sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of heartbreak.
Released in October 1979, the song was also featured in a Sanyo Electric commercial and sparked a huge response, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon chart in December.
It’s a track that fully showcases her talent as a singer-songwriter, perfect for times when you want to heal the wounds of a broken heart or take a hard look at yourself.