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

Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri31rank/position

Crossing Amagi Pass

A single that tells the story of a woman’s heartrending love as she makes her way to Amagi Pass on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture.

As she passes through dark tunnels and winds along switchback roads, her shifting emotions—upon noticing signs of infidelity—are depicted with the force of a waterfall, at times fierce, at times delicate.

Released in July 1986 as Sayuri Ishikawa’s 45th single, the song later became one of her signature numbers, performed many times on the NHK New Year’s song contest Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

In 2008, it also drew attention when Major League Baseball player Ichiro adopted it as his walk-up music.

Possessing a power that seems to give a gentle push when one stands at a crossroads in life, this work endures as a standard that almost everyone has heard at least once, continuing to resonate closely with many people even today.

Crimson SunMisora Hibari32rank/position

Crimson Sun

This is a classic song that portrays a burning, passionate love like the sun.

Released in May 1967, it became so popular that many artists later covered it.

With Hibari Misora’s powerful vocals, it beautifully depicts a love story set on a summer seaside.

Many listeners are sure to recall seaside dates or conversations while watching the sunset.

Be sure to revisit the charm of this timeless masterpiece.

applausechiaki naomi33rank/position

Cheers – Naomi Chiaki

Naomi Chiaki, who gained popularity for her rich vocals and beauty, delivered a masterpiece with “Kassai” (“Applause”).

It was released in 1972 as her 13th single.

The song depicts a scene in which the protagonist sings on stage while thinking of a lover who has passed away.

The situation is easy to picture, and the protagonist’s pain is palpable.

It is a gem that resonates not only with those who have faced the same situation but also with those who, over time, have experienced something similar.

A love song that stays close to the heart is something we’ll want to cherish forever.

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Blue ChateauJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu34rank/position

Blue Chateau

A bittersweet love story unfolds against the backdrop of a blue castle surrounded by forests and springs.

Considered a landmark of the Group Sounds era, this song became a massive hit upon its release in 1967 and won the 9th Japan Record Award.

Selling over one million copies and securing a spot in the 18th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it has become a classic in the history of Japanese pop music.

While influenced by Western music, it retains the distinct character of Japanese kayōkyoku, with a beautiful melody and lyrics that resonate deeply—continuing to be cherished by many to this day.

It’s a track brimming with the charm of Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets; why not listen to it together with someone special?

wintering swallowMori Masako35rank/position

wintering swallow

This gem of a ballad, which eloquently sings of the aching melancholy of painful love, is a masterpiece that showcases Masako Mori’s outstanding vocal prowess.

Its poetic world is striking: the feelings of a woman who has thrown herself into a forbidden romance are overlaid with the image of a lone swallow that defies the seasons and makes its home out of place.

Mori’s limpid voice intertwines with the heartrending melody, where sorrow and passion cross, creating a deeply moving song.

After its 1983 release, her tearful performance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen drew widespread attention, and the song earned her the Best Vocal Performance award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.

Even among enka songs that give voice to bittersweet longing, this work stands out for its richly expressive phrasing.

It’s the perfect piece for those moments when you want to pour your emotions into the song and sing your heart out, as if setting your soul free.

Heartbreak RestaurantShimizu Kentarō36rank/position

Heartbreak Restaurant 1976 11/21 Kentaro Shimizu Debut Single

Set in a restaurant portrayed as a place to heal the pain of heartbreak, this story gently envelops a wistful heart.

Released in November 1976 as Kentaro Shimizu’s debut, the song struck a chord with many through its light, catchy melody and deeply affecting lyrics.

Through the perspectives of heartbroken patrons who gather at the restaurant and a protagonist who has yet to experience love, it depicts the universality of love’s joy and sorrow.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart in February 1977 and became a major hit with approximately 647,000 copies sold.

It also won numerous awards, including Best New Artist at the Japan Record Awards that same year.

A gem of a ballad to listen to when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or be a source of comfort for someone else.

A café in a student districtGaro37rank/position

GARO – Gakuseigai no Kissaten (Official Audio)

This is a classic hit by Garo that brings back nostalgic memories of student days.

Composed by Koichi Sugiyama with lyrics by Michio Yamagami, the song gently portrays memories of a former lover, set in a coffee shop in a student district.

Released in June 1972, it went on to top the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks the following year and won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

It was later used in a 1980 commercial for Gohan Desu Yo! and featured in the 2018 NHK morning drama Half, Blue., among other appearances, showing its enduring popularity.

This piece evokes a longing for youthful days.

Why not sing it together with seniors and enjoy reminiscing about those times?

Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando38rank/position

Minato No Yoko Yokohama Yokosuka

This song captivates with lyrics that unfold like a spoken narrative and a rock sound rooted in the blues.

Set in the two port towns of Yokohama and Yokosuka, its story of a man searching for a missing woman poignantly captures his sorrow, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Incorporating the American talking blues style crafted by Ryudo Uzaki, its innovative arrangement favors speaking over singing, bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene of the time.

Since its release in April 1975, the work spent five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With a recitative, storytelling delivery, it’s a song that even those lacking confidence in their vocal technique can enjoy performing.

Why not let yourself drift with its unhurried flow and sing while picturing the scenery of the harbor towns?

The Maiden with Flaxen HairShimatani Hitomi39rank/position

Hitomi Shimatani / "A Maiden with Flaxen Hair" [OFFICIAL MV FULL SIZE]

Released by Hitomi Shimatani in May 2002, this song is a celebrated piece that portrays a refreshing romance.

It expresses a young girl’s feelings of love through dreamlike imagery, beautifully harmonizing with scenes of landscape and nature.

The lyrics, imbued with youth and purity, are complemented by her clear, translucent vocals, capturing the brilliance of innocent love in full.

Featured in a commercial for Kao Essential Damage Care Shampoo, it became a major hit, peaking at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

With its broad, expansive melody and an elegant tone that sways like hair in the wind, it carries a familiar charm that invites everyone to hum along.

The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko40rank/position

Machiko Watanabe · The Day the Seagull Flew

Speaking of Machiko Watanabe’s signature works, it’s a refreshing song everyone knows.

Many listeners are likely moved by the lyrics, which depict a beautiful seaside scene and lingering feelings for a former lover.

Released in April 1978, the song was a major hit, winning the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist and more.

Its sales of 460,000 copies also attest to its immense popularity.

If you sing it at karaoke, we recommend performing it as if feeling a gentle sea breeze, empathizing with someone who has gone through a breakup.

Imagine the seaside scenery and sing at an easy pace—you’ll surely deliver a lovely performance.