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

With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira29rank/position

With a Fiery Heart ☆ Akira Kobayashi

This song, released by Akira Kobayashi in 1985, features lyrics by Yu Aku and was composed and arranged by Eiichi Ohtaki.

It was used as the commercial song for Ajinomoto General Foods’ “Maxim,” became a long-running hit, and won three awards at the 28th Japan Record Awards: the Gold Award, the Lyricist Award, and a Special Selection Award.

Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri30rank/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 Hibari31rank/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 naomi32rank/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 Komettsu33rank/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?

A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR34rank/position

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Released in 1983, this song portrays the allure of a woman appearing on a summer seaside.

With its upbeat rhythm and distinctive choreography, it captured the hearts of many.

It was the first single released after the group changed its name to Rats & Star and reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Selling over 600,000 copies, it became a massive hit, ranking 10th on the year-end charts.

It’s a perfect track for those who feel nostalgic about summer memories and their youth.

Why not look back on the old days while joyfully singing and dancing along?

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.