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.
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Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1960s Japanese Music Ranking] (61–70)
Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae61rank/position
This is a single released in January 1981 that portrays the relationship between a headstrong high schooler and their parent with lively rock ’n’ roll.
The lyrics follow a 7-7-7-5 meter, creating a pleasing sense of rhythm and comically expressing the inner world of a rebellious youth.
While it vividly depicts the style and behavior of a delinquent, it’s also a nuanced work that reveals glimpses of care for the mother and a search for one’s own way of life.
It has remained beloved across generations, appearing in a 2008 commercial for Suntory’s canned chuhai “Calori.” and covered in a 2011 Asahi Soft Drinks “Jurokucha” ad featuring Yui Aragaki.
Today, it’s a trending track for posting dance videos on social media with simple, modern choreography.
Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko62rank/position
This is a pop tune that sings of the thrill and heartache of first love.
Released as a debut single in October 1981, it was performed by Yuko Matsutani as the opening theme for the anime Urusei Yatsura.
The heroine’s single-minded passion for love and her complex feelings over her partner’s fickleness are conveyed through a breezy melody and striking syncopation.
Although it served as an image song for the anime, it adopted an innovative approach during production by omitting character names from the lyrics, capturing the hearts of many as a universal love song.
Its catchy rhythm and sweet, wistful vocals sound as if they’ve turned a lovestruck woman’s emotions directly into music.
It’s a track that still resonates with today’s youth.
12th graderFunaki Kazuo63rank/position
As a classic of 1960s campus songs, this is a landmark of youth kayō that passionately captures the wavering emotions of teenagers.
It was recorded when Kazuo Funaki was actually a third-year high school student, and his fresh vocals breathe life into the song.
Released in June 1963, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies in less than a year, and it won the Best New Artist Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards.
A film of the same title was also released, and with this debut song, Funaki quickly rose to stardom.
Depicting the complex feelings of high school students on the brink of graduation, this work has continued to be loved by a wide range of generations—from adults nostalgic for their school days to current students.
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.