Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 60s [2026]

First loveMurashita Kōzō91rank/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.

Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie92rank/position

Harunanoni

A classic by Yoshie Kashiwabara that portrays a farewell with a loved one on graduation day, set to a gentle melody and wistful lyrics.

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima, it won the Gold Prize at the 25th Japan Record Awards in 1983, the year it was released.

The memorable phrase repeated in the chorus beautifully captures the bittersweet feeling of parting during a season of new beginnings, resonating with many listeners.

The piano- and strings-centered arrangement further enhances its emotive world.

For many, it remains etched in the heart alongside memories of graduation season.

A gem of a ballad with timeless appeal that lingers in the heart, together with cherished memories of youth.

Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun93rank/position

Jun Mayuzumi “Angel’s Temptation” 1968

Among the many hit songs that vividly colored summers in the Showa era, there are surely plenty of people who remember this classic, powerfully sung by Jun Mayuzumi, most of all.

Released in May 1968, the track blends a lively Group Sounds-style rhythm with a subtly exotic Hawaiian flavor—an ideal tune to heighten the mood of a summer resort getaway.

Jun Mayuzumi’s punchy yet coquettish vocals hint at a sweet and dangerous romantic game, captivating countless listeners.

The song won the 10th Japan Record Award, she starred in a film of the same title, and she also performed it on NHK’s year-end Kohaku Uta Gassen—proof of the fervor it stirred at the time, which has since become the stuff of legend.

It’s perfect for a summer drive, and a must-listen for anyone who wants to feel the atmosphere of that era.

The two of us since then94rank/position

The Two of Us Since Then (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

This song portrays two people who chose to walk separate paths, conveying feelings of aching sadness and regret.

The detailed depictions of memories strongly evoke both the happiness they once had and the pain of having lost it.

One of the song’s charms is its gentle, conversational singing style, so how about valuing the words and aiming for a relaxed delivery? The emotional swell in the chorus is where the sense of poignancy stands out most, so it may also be important to focus on how much intensity you put into that section.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Time goes byEvery Little Thing95rank/position

「Time goes by」MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

This is a song by Every Little Thing that captures the bittersweet emotions after a heartbreak.

It reflects on a past relationship, expressing self-reflection while conveying that feelings for the other person still remain.

The relatable imagery resonates deeply.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), it touched many hearts.

Released in February 1998, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart.

It has since been included on best-of albums and anniversary live recordings, and continues to be loved over time.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or look back on memories with someone special.

Love Doesn’t Stop ~Turn It Into Love~Wink96rank/position

Love Won’t Stop ~Turn it Into Love~ / Wink [Official Music Video]

A gemlike love song that captures the bittersweet feelings everyone experiences at least once—the unstoppable stirrings of romance that sprout from friendship.

Released in November 1988 and gaining attention as the theme song for the drama “I Want to Chase You!”, the track reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart the following year, selling approximately 645,000 copies.

With a swelling premonition of love in one’s heart and emotions that can’t be contained even after learning the other person already has a partner, this timeless classic speaks to all who resonate with that poignant ache.

Thank youikimonogakari97rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

A gem-like ballad gently wrapped in warmth and gratitude.

Beautifully blending Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, transparent vocals with a melody that resonates in the heart, this work was released in May 2010 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.

Its lyrics tenderly weave together the everyday happiness of walking hand in hand with someone dear and the feelings that words cannot express, warming the hearts of many.

The song won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards and was included in high school music textbooks in 2013.

It continues to be sung at life’s milestones such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.

It is a song to sing with all your heart when you want to reaffirm bonds with family, partners, and friends, or when you wish to express your gratitude.

Galaxy Express 999Godaigo98rank/position

Galaxy Express 999

Godaigo’s “The Galaxy Express 999” is a song that transcends generations—enjoyed by people in their 60s, those even older, and younger listeners alike.

Released in 1979, it was used as the theme song for the film Galaxy Express 999 and has become a classic beloved across eras.

EXILE also covered it featuring VERBAL from m-flo, which helped introduce it to younger generations.

With lyrics and a mood that evoke the image of walking forward with hope while keeping a fresh spirit, it’s guaranteed to liven up any karaoke gathering! For those in their 60s who also know the anime, lead the charge and get everyone excited!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Message of RougeMatsutōya Yumi99rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Rouge no Dengon (Yumi Matsutoya Concert Tour The Universe Library 2016-2017)

Rouge no Dengon, a famous song by Yumi Arai released in 1975, is a work that embodies the cheerful vibe of 1970s Japanese pop music, maintaining a bright and gentle tone throughout.

The vocal range is typical of Japanese pop, with a lowest note of mid1 G and a highest note of hi C.

Since the hi C appears twice in the chorus, if you’re not comfortable with falsetto, it’s a good idea to lower the key with this section in mind.

It’s a big hit at karaoke, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

White LoversKuwata Keisuke100rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

A gem-like ballad woven from winter’s chill and gentle warmth.

Rather than viewing past love as a failure, it tenderly celebrates those moments of affection, wrapped in the distinctive warmth of Keisuke Kuwata’s vocals.

With imagery like snow quietly piling up and a calm atmosphere shaped by strings and winds, this single was released in October 2001.

Familiar from Coca-Cola commercials and, more recently, UNIQLO’s HEATTECH ads, the song also won the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards.

It’s a heartfelt recommendation for anyone who has gone through a farewell with someone dear and wants to cherish the memories.