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

A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu8rank/position

A long night

Here is a timeless classic that sings of passionate love.

Known as one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature works, this song was released in 1981 and became a massive hit, selling a total of 866,000 copies.

It marked a bold departure from his previous folk style, transforming into a rock-influenced piece.

Written and composed by Matsuyama himself, it powerfully expresses the emotions of a heart swayed by love.

Though regarded as an “unconventional rock song,” it has continued to be cherished across eras and generations.

Listen to it while doing household chores or on a drive, and it’s sure to resonate with your heart.

Why not surrender yourself to Matsuyama’s soul-stirring vocals?

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo9rank/position

EXILE ATSUSHI – Sake, Tears, Men and Women (EXILE ATSUSHI SPECIAL SOLO LIVE in HAWAII)

This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.

It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.

Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.

Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.

If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki10rank/position

If I Could Play the Piano

Toshiyuki Nishida, who has left a strong mark in many works as a renowned actor.

He’s a versatile performer, and for a time he was active as a musical artist as well.

When it comes to songs that represent him, isn’t it, after all, “Moshimo Piano ga Hiketa Nara” (“If Only I Could Play the Piano”)? It’s characterized by a very calm vocal delivery, with a relatively even melodic contour and a narrow range.

It’s ideal for karaoke when you’re getting tired and want to sing something that can be performed softly.

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Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi11rank/position

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.

It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.

The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.

Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.

How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe12rank/position

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

For people in their 60s, the most popular idol is probably Momoe Yamaguchi.

She left behind many classic songs, and “Ii Hi Tabidachi” is especially recommended as a catchy piece that anyone can sing.

While it’s not an upbeat track, the vocal range sits at mid1F to hiC, which is comfortable for female vocals, so most people can sing it in the original key.

The melody doesn’t have extreme pitch changes either, so try singing it together with your karaoke friends.

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Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko13rank/position

“Falling in Love ~Fall in love~” Akiko Kobayashi (VINYL)

Akiko Kobayashi’s signature song continues to resonate with many people even after more than 30 years.

With its crystal-clear, beautiful vocals and lyrics that portray the bittersweet feelings of someone in love, it leaves a lasting impression.

As the theme song for the TBS drama “Kinyōbi no Tsuma-tachi e III: Koi ni Ochite” (Friday Wives III: Falling in Love), it became a major hit, ranking high on the Oricon charts after its release in August 1985.

It also topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks, maintaining widespread popularity over an extended period.

This work is characterized by a warm, gentle melody that seems to tenderly embrace the delicate emotions of a woman in love.

The yearning for a distant lover and the frustration of unspoken feelings leave a deep imprint on the listener’s heart.

Winter LightningArisu14rank/position

You’re Rollin’ Thunder

This is one of Alice’s signature works, likening a storm of emotions to lightning.

With lyrics by Shinji Tanimura and music by Takao Horiuchi, the song was released in October 1977.

Although it initially struggled, it became a major hit the following year, ranking 16th on Oricon’s 1978 year-end chart and selling a total of 540,000 copies.

The lyrics are striking, overlaying the pain of parting with fierce lightning and expressing emotions that surge from deep within the heart.

It’s a track that signals a new frontier for Alice as they shifted from folk to rock.

In 2021, it was also featured in a McDonald’s commercial, remaining beloved across generations.

When your heart wavers in the cold season, why not give this song a listen?