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 Japanese songs among men in their 60s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks
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Popular Oldies & Classic Songs Ranking [1960s Japanese Music Ranking] (21–30)
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.
Light Blue RainYagami Junko29rank/position
Released in 1978, this is Junko Yagami’s biggest hit.
It has been covered by many famous artists, including Tatsuya Ishii and Aya Matsuura.
After Yagami finished composing the music, she commissioned several lyricists and chose Tokiko Miura’s lyrics.
Imagining Yagami’s strong-willed persona, Miura wove in imperative statements—unusual for the time.
While the lyrics evoke a strong woman, they can also be felt as a portrayal of someone hiding her vulnerability and bravely putting on a tough front to endure her loneliness.
bullseyeYamamoto Rinda30rank/position
Linda Yamamoto, who took the nation by storm as a quintessential idol singer of the Showa era.
When her signature song was released in 1973, it became popular with people of all ages.
Its memorable phrase that begins with “Urara, urara” instantly captured listeners’ hearts and was even embraced as a baseball cheer song, earning affection across a wide audience.
The song’s appeal lies in its lyrics, which portray a confident, self-assured woman.
They express a strong will to make the most of one’s allure and obtain whatever one desires, offering courage to those who listen.
It’s a recommended track when you need a boost of support or want to regain your confidence.