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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- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 1960s
- Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
- Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music
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- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- [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 & Classic Songs Ranking [1960s Japanese Music Ranking] (21–30)
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko22rank/position
This song performed by Seiko Matsuda is a poignant masterpiece of a ballad that slowly seeps into the heart.
The lyrics beautifully intertwine spring scenery with the ache of unrequited love, striking a deep chord.
Matsuda’s clear, soaring vocals capture the delicate feelings of a girl in love with nothing left out.
Released in February 1982 as her eighth single, it became a major hit and was also chosen as the ending theme for the popular TV program “Music Fair.” It’s a recommended track not only for those troubled by love, but also for moments when you want to feel your feelings for someone special.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko23rank/position
“Mata Au Hi Made” is a song released in 1971 by Kiyohiko Ozaki, known for its beautiful and masculine melody.
It was later covered by Takumi Kitamura—known as the vocalist of DISH//—in 2021, and by the idol group Momoiro Clover Z in 2022.
One reason the song remains popular today may be the chorus, which features sustained, higher notes in chest voice that let artists showcase their vocal ability.
By the way, since it requires solid vocal power, it’s also a great choice as a vocal training piece!
Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe24rank/position
A signature hit by Momoe Yamaguchi—an idol from the Showa era whose image differs a bit from today’s idols.
Following “Akai Shogeki,” it sold over 500,000 copies.
Thanks to a TikTok trend where the performer glares at the camera and then, without changing expression, goes straight into the choreography, many young people today know this song.
When she performed it on NHK, it made news that the lyric mentioning “Porsche” was changed to “car.” A nostalgic track distinguished by its cool, well-placed breaks.
You’re Kiwi, Papaya, and Mango, aren’t you?Nakahara Meiko25rank/position
For those who spent their youth around the time this song became a hit, it’s surely a deeply nostalgic track that could be called a true monument of Showa-era pop.
When I first heard the title “Kimitachi Kiwi Papaya Mango dane,” I remember thinking, “What kind of song title is that??” Apparently, the name was specified by an advertising agency.
The lyrics were written by the singer herself, Meiko Nakahara, together with the songwriting master Yukinojo Mori.
The embedded video is a cover version included on Ai Furihata’s first cover mini-album, “Memories of Romance in Summer.” It sounds fun to compare it with the original, doesn’t it?
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten26rank/position
Among the many masterpieces that sing of deep love, this is a particularly moving song.
It deftly depicts the evolving landscapes of love over time, and through its exquisite melody and exceptional expressiveness, it showcases Teresa Teng at her very best.
The song beautifully portrays unconditional love for someone dear, along with the self-sacrifice that springs from it, gently enveloping the listener’s heart.
Released in February 1986, it was also included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase” (I Only Care About You).
It achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards for the third consecutive year, and it also received the Gold Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
Even today, it is widely covered by many artists and cherished across generations.
It is a recommended listen when you are thinking of someone special or wish to spend time in a calm, peaceful mood.
Why not immerse yourself in memories with a loved one and enjoy a heartwarming moment?
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi27rank/position
A hit song that portrays the bittersweet scenes of lovers against the nightscape of Yokohama.
Released in December 1968, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart and sold over 1.5 million copies.
It is the signature song that established Ayumi Ishida’s career, and it marked her first appearance at the 20th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
For composer Kyohei Tsutsumi, it was also his breakout work and his first Oricon weekly No.
1.
The lyrics are memorable for overlaying the night views of Yokohama and Kawasaki’s industrial zones with the beauty of Cannes in France, creating a captivating, exotic atmosphere reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
This classic beautifully expresses the feelings of an adult woman in sweet love, and is recommended for those who want to enjoy a romantic time with a lover while gazing at the night skyline.
MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka28rank/position
Crafted by the golden duo of lyrics by Miyuki Nakajima and composition/arrangement by Tsugutoshi Goto, this song was released in August 1988 as Shizuka Kudo’s fifth single.
Its hallmark is lyrics that portray the feelings of a woman carrying emotions she cannot put into words, with the central theme being a yearning to connect through a meeting of the eyes.
It was used as Kanebo’s 1988 autumn promotion image song, and it’s intriguing that the title was taken from the advertising copy.
As a significant work in Kudo’s career, it continues to be loved by many fans.
It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone burdened with feelings they can’t express in words.