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

Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE1rank/position

Distance of the Starry Sky

“Hoshizora no Distance” is a signature song that epitomizes THE ALFEE’s driving rock sound.

The lead vocal is by bassist Masaru Sakurai.

The energy is high right from the intro, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser live, but be careful not to rush the tempo as the excitement builds.

The original tempo isn’t actually that fast—more of a steady feel.

The vocal range climbs after a key change in the middle, so you’ll want to lock in those pitches without hesitation.

Visualize clearly and sing with intention.

The overall range of the song is F#3 to A#4, and since the final melody goes higher, keep the notes in mind and add a light accent there.

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Kubota Mami

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Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo2rank/position

Sadness Like Snow (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

Released in November 1981 as Shogo Hamada’s 14th single, this song was remade and used in February 1992 as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni,” becoming a million-selling hit with over 1.7 million copies sold.

Inspired by the works of poet Hiroshi Yoshino, it overlays the deep sorrow carried in everyone’s heart with the image of snow.

Why not hold the microphone quietly at karaoke and deliver a heartfelt performance?

FriendsRebekka3rank/position

REBECCA “Friends” Official Music Video

People in their early 60s could be said to be the generation that lived right through the heart of the second band boom.

Among the bands that led that boom, Rebecca is likely a group many feel a deep attachment to.

Their song Friends is one of Rebecca’s best-known classics.

The vocal range is a typical mid2B to hiC, but because the highest note, hiC, appears frequently in the chorus, be sure to adjust the key so you can maintain sufficient volume.

Since it’s a famous song from the very intro, if you want to liven up a karaoke session, definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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foreignerKUBOTA Saki4rank/position

Saki Kubota "Ihōjin" Animated Music Video

Saki Kubota’s biggest hit song, “Ihoujin.” Chances are, everyone has sung this piece at least once.

Because the vocal range is fairly wide, many people may feel it’s difficult, but the truth is the vocal line is quite simple.

If the height makes it hard to sing, adjust the key so you can use chest voice—not mixed voice—for the high phrases in the A section and the chorus.

Doing so will also make it much easier to keep your pitch in check.

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Ryo

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PRIDEImai Miki5rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A heart-stirring anthem that turns hidden love into pride is delivered by Miki Imai.

Gazing up at the southern night sky, this piece sings of deep affection and resolve for a beloved, a gem of a love song crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.

It gently speaks of the kindness to forgive one another and the joy of cherishing each other’s individuality, tenderly resonating with listeners’ hearts.

Released in November 1996, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” generating a huge response by topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.

For those who wish to keep moving forward or who hold thoughts of someone precious close to their heart, it will offer gentle companionship—like a gift from the starry sky.

First loveMurashita Kōzō6rank/position

First Love (Album Version)

When the warmth of spring beckons and a melody you can’t help but hum comes to mind, it’s Kozo Murashita’s masterpiece that inevitably surfaces.

The lyrics, which conjure up images of after-school playgrounds and twilight scenes, awaken faint memories of distant days.

Released in February 1983 as his fifth single, it was also included on the album “Hatsukoi — Asaki Yume Mishi —.” It became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon charts, and has been covered by many artists across generations and featured in commercials.

With a tenderness that gently accompanies its wistfulness, this song is perfect for the walk home after a class reunion or a leisurely stroll beneath the cherry blossoms.

The moment the intro begins, it has a mysterious power to transport you back to who you once were.

Night of 15Ozaki Yutaka7rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki - Fifteen's Night (with lyrics)

Released in December 1983 as Yutaka Ozaki’s debut single.

Over a beautifully arranged backing track, Ozaki’s lyrics and vocals feel like an outpouring of emotion, leaving a strong impression.

It’s also interesting that, outside the chorus, much of the singing takes on a semi-spoken quality.

Many listeners will deeply relate to the lyrics, so fussing over fine points of vocal technique when performing this song is pointless—just immerse yourself in its world and enjoy.

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Kei Takahata

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