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

Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu71rank/position

Midsummer Fruit

It’s a heart-wrenching ballad where the melancholy of summer’s end intersects with the memory of an unforgettable love.

Keisuke Kuwata’s poetic world, likening a passionate, bygone romance to a sweetly bittersweet fruit, makes you sigh without thinking.

This classic was released in July 1990 as his 28th single and also served as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane, which Kuwata himself directed.

Many listeners may find the film’s scenes resurfacing along with the song.

It’s a perfect track for nights when you want to soak in a slightly sentimental mood.

Mazinger ZMizuki Ichirō72rank/position

Ichiro Mizuki – Mazinger Z INFINITY [AMV / MAD]

Alongside artists like Takayuki Miyauchi and Akira Kushida, Ichiro Mizuki is a veteran anison singer who has led the anime song scene.

Despite his powerful vocal ability, he never puts himself forward and remains devoted to the essence of anime songs—his vocal ethos is truly admirable.

They are wonderful tracks that make any man’s heart race, regardless of generation.

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Ryo

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My RevolutionWatanabe Misato73rank/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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In the night sky after the rainImawano Kiyoshirō74rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano - In the Night Sky After the Rain

Speaking of Kiyoshiro Imawano, his musical style is striking for evoking nostalgic scenes within a punky vibe.

Among his works, “Ameagari no Yozora ni” especially showcases his musical character.

While the highest notes aren’t very high, the pitch mid2F# appears frequently, so when adjusting the key, it’s best to center your tuning around that note.

The lyrics are a bit risqué, but it’s a song that tends to get the crowd going at karaoke, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko75rank/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 Orchestra76rank/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 Tribe77rank/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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