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

Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu85rank/position

Season of Love

Pinky and the Killers brought a fresh breeze to the music scene with their mixed-gender style.

Their debut song is a classic that sings of the fluttering heartbeat that signals the start of love and the exhilaration that makes the world seem to shine.

Its comfortable sound, infused with bossa nova, still feels fresh today.

Released in July 1968, the track was featured as an insert song in the film “Hana Hiraku Musume-tachi” and used in commercials.

It also set a record by topping the Oricon charts for 17 consecutive weeks.

If you want to bask in the sweet, bittersweet memories of your youth, or relive the thrill of those days, why not give it a listen?

Gatchaman SongShimon Masato86rank/position

Gatchaman Song (Opening Theme)

It’s the theme song from the anime Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, which started airing in 1972, and many people sing it as an anison (anime song) staple! The melody line is very simple, and the structure repeats through verse three.

However, if you don’t raise the energy toward the latter half, it can feel flat and people may lose interest, so make sure to deliver each verse with intention.

Also, for the call-and-response part in the third verse, it’s more fun to “shout” than to “sing” it—really crank up the hype and get everyone to join in! It’s a song you can power through with momentum, so even those who aren’t confident singers can enjoy performing it!

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Kubota Mami

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Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko87rank/position

Life is full of ups and downs.

Released in 1987, this song became a classic that left a deep impression on many people.

Chiyoko Shimakura’s powerful voice gently embraces both the joys and sorrows of life.

In 1988, it won the Best Vocal Performance at the 30th Japan Record Awards and surpassed 1.3 million copies in total sales.

Her passionate performance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen remains vivid in our memories.

The melody has even been chosen as the approach chime at Aomono-Yokochō Station, making it a tune almost everyone has heard at least once.

When you’re facing a turning point in life or want to reflect on memories with someone dear, listening to it will surely resonate with your heart.

You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira88rank/position

You are more beautiful than a rose.

Akira Fuse is a male singer born in 1947 who debuted in 1965.

With a dandy aura and a free, expansive singing voice, he captivates listeners.

“Kimi wa Bara yori Utsukushii” (You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose) was a massive hit released in 1979.

It has also been used in modern commercials, so younger listeners may find it familiar.

In this song as well, Fuse’s open, resonant vocals shine through.

His stable voice even in the high range makes for superb listening.

The title is a romantic expression of love, yet the song’s upbeat feel makes it easy to enjoy casually.

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gummy

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A Midsummer IncidentHirayama Miki89rank/position

Midsummer Incident / Miki Hirayama

The moment you hear Miki Hirayama’s languid, dry husky voice, it feels like you’re being whisked away to a midsummer night.

At first glance, this song seems like a bittersweet love story, but the bold theme hidden in the lyrics stirs a bewitching imagination in the listener.

Beyond Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s funky groove, the urban sound is just irresistibly cool.

Released in May 1971, the piece earned Tsutsumi the Composer’s Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards.

It was later featured as an insert song in the film “Minna—Yatteru ka!” directed by Takeshi Kitano.

First loveMurashita Kōzō90rank/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 Yoshie91rank/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.