[50s] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]

In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA64rank/position

[MV] In the Sun and Dust / CHAGE and ASKA

A powerful pop number that captures the sparkle of youth and the struggles of life.

Released as a single by CHAGE and ASKA in January 1991, this work warmly portrays young people who carry dreams and hopes while confronting a reality that doesn’t go their way.

Its lyrics, interweaving the joy and poignancy of living, leave an even deeper impression through a beautiful, resonant melody and effective use of synthesizers.

Chosen as a re-cut single from the album “SEE YA,” it gained wide support after being featured in a Nissin Foods commercial and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s program “TIME3.” When you feel overwhelmed by work and daily life and want to pause to face your own heart, this song will be there to gently stay by your side.

Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko65rank/position

“Falling in Love ~Fall in love~” Akiko Kobayashi (VINYL)

This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Akiko Kobayashi, released in August 1985.

It became a major hit, partly because it was chosen as the theme song for the hugely popular TBS drama “Friday Wives III: Falling in Love,” and it won the New Artist Award at the 27th Japan Record Awards that same year.

Given how big a hit it was, as of August 2023 when this article was written, many women in their 50s have likely heard it.

Though it’s a very gentle, heartfelt ballad, the vocal melody doesn’t span a very wide range, so I believe it’s an easy selection to sing even for those who don’t usually sing much.

Please cherish each and every word of the lyrics and take care not to let your delivery become rough.

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Kei Takahata

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Space Battleship Yamatosasaki isao66rank/position

Space Battleship Yamato (1) / Isao Sasaki + The Royal Knights

Space Battleship Yamato, which became wildly popular with the TV anime in 1974 and the film in 1977.

Remember the heart-pounding tension of the end credits announcing the number of days left until the supposed extinction of humanity? It was also shocking to learn that Captain Okita, who seemed like an old man at the time, was actually 52 years old.

And the protagonist, Susumu Kodai, is just 18—astonishing, isn’t it? Speaking of anime theme songs, the voice of Isao Sasaki really hits you—an immortal masterpiece.

Let’s all get fired up and sing along.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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UFOpinku redii67rank/position

UFO [Furitsuke] / PINK LADY

This song, released in 1977 by Pink Lady, the female idol duo that produced numerous hits from the late 1970s through the 1980s, was created by the golden duo of lyricist Yū Aku and composer Shunichi Tokura.

Their innovative choreography shines in this track as well—the “UFO” pose in the intro is something everyone remembers imitating.

The song itself is, of course, excellent, but when it comes to Pink Lady, it’s ultimately the choreography that truly defines them.

mermaidNOKKO68rank/position

NOKKO – Mermaid / THE FIRST TAKE

It’s a ballad with a deep allure, where a dreamlike atmosphere coexists with raw emotional tremors.

Its beautiful melody and delicate vocals gently unravel the hidden ache and loneliness at the bottom of the heart.

Released as a single in March 1994, it’s a signature masterpiece from NOKKO’s solo era—she is also known as the vocalist of REBECCA.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” it’s likely etched in many people’s memories.

It was later included on albums such as “colored.” When you’ve been running hard every day and suddenly feel the weight of pressure or fatigue, try listening quietly.

Holding both stillness and intensity, this work will gently catch your taut emotions and offer a quiet strength to move toward tomorrow.

cherrysupittsu69rank/position

Spitz / Cherry

This is Spitz’s 13th single, released in April 1996.

Even though it had no tie-in at the time of release, it sold over 1.6 million copies—truly another iconic J-pop song of the Heisei era! The melody is very easy to remember and sing, so be sure to learn it and enjoy singing it.

Just take care not to make your singing feel too heavy.

Not just this song, but many tracks released from the late ’90s to the early 2000s were made with karaoke in mind, making that era a treasure trove of karaoke-friendly songs.

It’s highly recommended to search for songs from that angle!

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Kei Takahata

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The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS70rank/position

Princess Princess 'The Hottest Summer in the World'

PRINCESS PRINCESS opened the door for girls’ bands.

Many women in their 50s probably admired them.

Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is “The Hottest Summer in the World.” This track is notable for its extremely catchy vocal line.

While the range is relatively high at mid2A to hiD, it’s quite narrow.

Since there aren’t any difficult phrases in any section, if you can keep your pitch steady, it’s definitely possible to aim for a score in the 90s at karaoke.

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Ryo

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