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

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi71rank/position

The Last Rain

Yasushi Nakanishi’s classic, filled with gentle yet heartrending emotion, is a ballad about parting with a lover.

The breakup scene, overlaid with imagery of rain, along with the portrayal of deep affection, possessiveness, and the acceptance of being unable to make the other person happy, leaves a strong impression.

The beautiful arrangement of piano and strings further highlights the crystalline quality of his vocals.

Released in August 1992, it was later used as the theme song for Hitachi’s “Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and gradually gained support, ultimately becoming a massive hit with total sales of 900,000 copies.

In karaoke, its relaxed tempo and relatively narrow vocal range make it easy to sing calmly.

Why not sing it while carefully unfolding its story-like lyrics, together with your cherished memories?

I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka72rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki – I LOVE YOU (Official Music Video)

Released in 1983, this is Yutaka Ozaki’s signature love ballad—so famous that almost everyone knows it.

I’ve taught “I LOVE YOU” in lessons several times, and I feel it’s a tough song for people who struggle with falsetto; many students actually used this song to practice it.

You shouldn’t need to change the key—the original should be comfortable to sing.

Since some people aren’t confident with falsetto, let’s review the key points.

If you’ve mostly been singing in chest voice, you’re probably used to pushing with just your voice without using much breath.

To use your breath properly, humming is important.

Do a nasal hum to create nasal resonance so the sound vibrates in your nose.

Be careful not to force it with your throat.

After a light hum, keep the resonance in the same place and let your singing voice become thinner and lighter.

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Kubota Mami

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Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi73rank/position

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

A heartwarming, approachable song that makes the most of rhythms found in folk songs and enka.

This masterpiece fully showcases Kiyoshi Hikawa’s charm, beautifully expressing the bittersweetness of love, masculine strength, and longing for one’s hometown.

With his natural vocal talent and refreshing appeal, Hikawa presents a uniquely modern take on the traditional enka worldview.

It was released by Nippon Columbia in February 2002.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards and is known as one of Hikawa’s signature tracks.

With its relaxed tempo and narrow melodic range, it’s a piece you can sing with a calm mindset.

During the chorus, it’s also nice to have listeners add call-and-response interjections!

The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi74rank/position

The season the sun gave us

The debut single released by Aoi Sankaku Jōgi in February 1972 became a massive hit, selling over 800,000 copies, and it also won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.

The lyrics, which depict the feelings of youth and the radiance of adolescence, delicately express sentiments toward what has been lost and the heart that keeps waiting.

Yet the words “From today, you’re one of us too” evoke a sense of hope.

The song also drew attention as the theme for the drama “Tobidase! Seishun” (Leap Out! Youth).

When you want to face forward and step ahead with your friends, listening to this song will surely give you a gentle push.

It will bring back the refreshing memories of your youthful days.

Torn LoveSaijō Hideki75rank/position

Hideki Saijo - Torn Love

Hideki Saijo, a singer who captivated fans as one of the “New Big Three” of the pop world alongside Hiromi Go and Goro Noguchi.

His sixth single, “Chigireta Ai,” which earned him his first No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart, became a turning point for him as it was the first time he showcased the vocal style later called the ‘ze-ssho-gata’ (impassioned, full-throttle singing).

Its wistful melody and impactful vocals will likely resonate with those in their 60s, overlapping with their youthful days.

It is a Showa-era classic packed with the charm of vintage kayōkyoku.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Space Battleship Yamatosasaki isao76rank/position

Space Battleship Yamato (1) / Isao Sasaki + The Royal Knights

A signature song by Isao Sasaki that sings of a grand tale set in space.

Released as a single in October 1974, it was used as the opening theme for the anime of the same name.

The powerful vocals and moving melody vividly portray the resolve and hope of the brave warriors who rose to save Earth.

Universal themes of love and sacrifice, courage and determination are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a track that will give you a boost when you’re tired or need energy.

Experience this classic packed with the full appeal of Isao Sasaki, a giant in the world of anime songs.

metropoliskurisutaru kingu77rank/position

metropolis

This song delicately portrays the feelings of people pursuing their dreams.

Released in November 1979, it dominated the top of the charts for six consecutive weeks from February to March of the following year, becoming a million-seller.

It also served as Crystal King’s re-debut single, born from the spirit of challenge and resolve of men from Kyushu.

Many will surely relate to the protagonist, who leaves his hometown to face destiny in an unfamiliar city.

An English gospel-style arrangement was used in a Honda CR-V commercial, and the song continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a track that gives you a push when you want to strive toward your dreams.