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

Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun92rank/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 then93rank/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.

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kappamaki

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Time goes byEvery Little Thing94rank/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~Wink95rank/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 youikimonogakari96rank/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 999Godaigo97rank/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!

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SAKI

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FriendsRebekka98rank/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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