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

My RevolutionWatanabe Misato71rank/position

Misato Watanabe [MV] “My Revolution”

My Revolution, released in 1986.

It was a huge hit especially among people in their 50s, wasn’t it? I’m sure there are many who’d say, “This song is my youth!” It’s easy to get into the rhythm and fun to sing, but the range is wider than you might expect—from E3 to F5—and the pitch span shifts suddenly between the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, so watch out for that! Right before the chorus, make sure your throat doesn’t close; keep it well open.

If you make a surprised face, your facial muscles lift and your throat opens up, too! Try singing the chorus in that state, focusing on resonance rather than just pushing your voice.

Keep the airflow steady so the inside of your mouth vibrates.

Once you lock into the lively rhythm, it becomes much easier to sing—so go all in and enjoy singing it with energy!

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Kubota Mami

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Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko72rank/position

Sneaker Blues - Masahiko Kondo

A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.

With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.

Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.

Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.

I’m smitten with you.Yellow Magic Orchestra73rank/position

Yellow Magic Orchestra – “Kimi Ni Mune Kyun“ (Official Music Video)

Yellow Magic Orchestra is a group that gained popularity for their innovative electronic music.

Their song “Kimi ni, Mune Kyun.” was composed from the perspective that, since they had been supplying hit numbers to idols at the time, “if we can keep cranking out idol hits, then in theory we could also become popular as middle-aged idols ourselves.” As a result, it features a catchy, somewhat cute melody.

With a narrow vocal range and a fairly even melodic contour, it’s also a very easy song to sing.

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Ryo

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SUMMER SUSPICIONSugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe74rank/position

SUMMER SUSPICION

Omega Tribe was a band that enjoyed major success from the early 1980s to the early 1990s.

Like Southern All Stars and TUBE, they’re known for having many summer songs.

Before their debut, they changed their name to Kiyotaka Sugiyama & Omega Tribe and left behind many classic tracks.

SUMMER SUSPICION is their debut work.

While it has a refreshing vibe, it also conveys a mature atmosphere.

The song has a somewhat wide vocal range, but the melody line itself is Showa kayō-style and fairly simple.

Men in their 50s who don’t find the mid-to-high range taxing should definitely give it a try.

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Ryo

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atonementTeresa Ten75rank/position

atonement

The signature song of Teresa Teng, known as the Diva of Asia, was released in January 1984.

Its poignant lyrics about a heartbreaking farewell and its beautiful melody captured the hearts of many, selling over 1.5 million copies and winning the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

The work was created by the iconic Showa-era lyricist–composer duo Toyohisa Araki and Takashi Miki, and effectively served as Teresa’s second debut in Japan.

The lyrics, which convey loneliness and the pain of atonement while expressing wishes for the departing lover, are sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak or separation.

It’s a perfect song for reflecting on memories with someone special or for livening up a karaoke session.

Girl ANakamori Akina76rank/position

Shoujo A (2012 Remastered)

Akina Nakamori’s second single, which brought a fresh breeze to the idol scene of the 1980s.

Portraying the inner world of a defiant girl, this song played a crucial role in establishing her rebellious image.

Released in July 1982, it became Nakamori’s first hit and a turning point in her career.

The lyrics, themed around adolescent conflict and self-discovery, resonated with many young listeners and are vividly conveyed through Nakamori’s distinctive vocal timbre and expressive delivery.

This track evokes the complex emotions of youth along with a sense of nostalgia, and it’s a great choice when you want to get everyone energized at karaoke.

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki77rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

With his overwhelming melodic sensibility, gentle singing voice, and lyrics that evoke deep empathy through skillful depictions of scenes and inner emotions, Noriyuki Makihara’s talent as a musician is universally acknowledged.

This work—one of his early major hits released in 1991, and a standard that continues to be loved despite the passage of time—has the power to quietly give us a nudge forward as we face the hardships and pain of everyday life.

Upholding the ideal of living true to oneself is very difficult, but this song feels like it offers hints for finding the strength to keep looking ahead, even as we waver.