Ranking of Popular Oldies and Classic Songs [1960s Japanese Music Rankings]

I’m in trouble.Yamamoto Rinda57rank/position

Amateur solo singing with guitar: I'm in trouble, Linda Yamamoto

Released in 1966 as Linda Yamamoto’s debut single.

Despite being her debut, it sold over 700,000 copies in total, and she made her first appearance on the 18th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

Her distinctive slightly lisping singing style drew attention, and it also became a talking point that she performed in a pink miniskirt at her first Kōhaku appearance.

4:00 A.M.Ohnuki Taeko58rank/position

Taeko Ohnuki – 4:00 AM – 1978

This is a masterpiece by Taeko Ohnuki that captures the stillness before dawn.

It was included on the album “MIGNONNE,” released in September 1978, and features a delicate arrangement by Ryuichi Sakamoto that truly shines.

The lyrics depict the loneliness of 4 a.m., conveying a heartfelt wish for another chance during a time of introspection.

The synthesizer tones are striking, giving it a vibe that feels ahead of the 1980s music scene.

It might be the perfect song for night owls or for those standing at a crossroads in life.

Ruby RingTerao Akira59rank/position

Ruby No Yubiwa

Mr.

Akira Terao, who has left behind numerous masterpieces as a renowned actor.

For those in their 60s, his image as a singer may be even stronger than his image as an actor.

Many were likely surprised that he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder, but kept releasing hits with an unwavering, cool musical style.

Ruby no Yubiwa is his biggest hit.

While the lowest note drops to a very low low G, there are solid moments of lift within its cool, understated mood—such as a key change toward the end.

Despite the modulation, the piece has a narrow vocal range, so you might even try raising the key on purpose and experimenting with a more powerful delivery different from the original.

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Ryo

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Light Blue RainYagami Junko60rank/position

pale blue rain

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.

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yuri

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Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae61rank/position

Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)

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

Love Song of Lum (Urusei Yatsura)

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

12th grader

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.