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

MPRINCESS PRINCESS8rank/position

M – PRINCESS PRINCESS (Princess Princess) (Full)

One of PRINCESS PRINCESS’s signature songs, passionately singing about the pain of heartbreak.

The sense of loss after losing a lover, paired with the strength to keep looking forward, rides on the members’ earnest vocals and strikes straight to the heart.

Included on the 1988 album “LET’S GET CRAZY” and released as a single the following year, the song was also featured in NHK’s morning drama “Dan Dan,” and is beloved across generations.

It’s a track that resonates not only when you want to get fired up at karaoke, but also when you need to soothe the wounds of a broken heart.

It might be nice to sing it together while reminiscing about a love from the past.

GLORIAZIGGY9rank/position

ZIGGY「GLORIA」

The rock band ZIGGY, known for their energetic melodies and lyrics, has won widespread popularity.

They’ve produced many classic songs, but if we’re talking about their most popular track, it has to be “GLORIA,” doesn’t it? For those in their early 50s, this song is one that really gets the crowd going.

Despite its bright tone, the vocal range is quite narrow—spanning from mid1 G to mid2 G—making the vocal line easy to sing throughout.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB10rank/position

JAL Okinawa Campaign Summer Rikyu 1990 Theme Song: "Kome Kome Club - Roman Hikou"

As the title suggests, it became a big hit as the CM song for JAL’s “Summer Palace Campaign,” and its bright, forward-looking lyrics and the thrill of setting off on a journey are emblematic.

The overall vocal range is B2 to G4, with the A melody sitting quite low.

The key modulates for the final chorus and the pitch rises, but it doesn’t go too high, so if you time your breath and placement well, those notes should come out smoothly.

Overall, avoid pushing your voice; aim for light singing with head resonance for a pleasant feel.

Also, for the syllables where the vowel is “i,” be careful not to spread the sound too horizontally.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

240 Million Eyes – Exotic JapanGō Hiromi11rank/position

Hiromi Go – 240 Million Eyes -Exotic Japan- / THE FIRST TAKE

Hiromi Go’s classic “240 Million Eyes – Exotic Japan,” which frequently appears on variety shows and the like, was a highly original work for its time.

Its melodic style features hallmarks of kayōkyoku while still fitting within J‑POP.

Partly because of those kayōkyoku elements, the song is arranged within a fairly narrow vocal range of mid1 D to mid2 F.

Regardless of gender, it should be singable without difficulty if you choose an appropriate key.

It’s also a popular karaoke number, so try boosting the excitement with a score challenge.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko12rank/position

Seiko Matsuda “Red Sweet Pea” (from Seikoland: Budokan Live ’83)

This masterpiece, which poignantly and beautifully portrays the spring season when cherry blossoms bloom, was released in January 1982 as a single by Seiko Matsuda.

With Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate word choices and an unforgettable melody penned by Yumi Matsutoya under her pseudonym Kureta Keiko, the song superbly captures the changing seasons and the freshness of young love.

The vibrant voice of a 19-year-old delivers subtle psychological nuances and the fleeting scenes of romance with exquisite finesse, resonating deeply with listeners.

In 2009, it was also used as the CM song for Fujifilm’s skincare brand “ASTALIFT,” drawing attention when its memorable melody played in commercials featuring Miyuki Nakajima.

Its sweet-and-sour melody, evoking nostalgic memories and the arrival of spring, is a track you’ll want to hear when cherry blossoms are in the air.

Wine Red Heartanzenchitai13rank/position

Wine Red No Kokoro

A gem of a love song that portrays an adult romance where reason and instinct intersect.

Its melody, passionate yet tinged with a certain fragility, and Koji Tamaki’s sweet, aching vocals resonate deeply.

When we look back on the loves of our past, perhaps the memories of forbidden romances we all may have experienced will vividly return.

Released in November 1983, this track became Anzen Chitai’s first number-one hit on the Oricon charts.

It also drew major attention as the image song for Suntory Akadama Punch’s commercial and as the theme song for the drama “Machigai Darake no Otto Erabi” (“Choosing the Wrong Husband”).

I recommend this piece to those who have experienced profound love that touches on the subtleties of life, or to anyone who wishes to convey long-slumbering feelings in their heart to someone special.

Full of memoriesH₂O14rank/position

Adachi Mitsuru’s “Miyuki” × H2O “Omoide ga Ippai” Collaboration MV

An immortal ballad sung by the male duo H2O.

Its lyrics, which cherish the past while looking back at old photographs, overlap with the poignant scenes of spring.

Released as a single in March 1983, it became widely known as the ending theme of the anime “Miyuki.” With its beautiful choral work and approachable melody, it has been included in music textbooks and become a staple at choral competitions, passed down across generations.

In 2003, a self-cover version was used in a commercial, where some may have heard it anew.

It’s sure to vividly revive those bittersweet memories of the time and thoughts of someone once dear.

A heartwarming spring standard you’ll want to listen to quietly on your own during graduation and farewell season.