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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- [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
- 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)
You’re Kiwi, Papaya, and Mango, aren’t you?Nakahara Meiko21rank/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?
Listening to OliviaAnri22rank/position
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.
The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.
With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.
This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko23rank/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 Kiyohiko24rank/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 Momoe25rank/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.