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

ShipwreckNakamori Akina43rank/position

Nanpasen (2014 Remaster)

An emotionally rich ballad depicting a woman’s heart adrift in deep loneliness after losing the one she loves.

Originally released by Tokiko Kato in 1984, the song was covered by Akina Nakamori in 1987 and performed at the 38th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

While her mind tells her to “give up,” her emotions overflow and drive her to want to chase after her beloved—feelings that Nakamori’s sultry vocals express to perfection.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 29th Japan Record Awards and topped the Oricon charts, achieving an astonishing 410,000 copies sold.

It has also inspired numerous covers by renowned artists such as Kaori Momoi and Tomomi Kahala.

A gem of a masterpiece to listen to alone, quietly, when heartbreak leaves you on the verge of breaking.

The Maiden with Flaxen HairShimatani Hitomi44rank/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.

Listening to OliviaAnri45rank/position

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.

The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.

With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.

This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

Please give me wingsakai tori46rank/position

Red Bird “Please Give Me Wings” 1971

A moving classic that sings of young people’s pure desire for freedom and the wish to live true to oneself.

The beautiful harmonies by Akai Tori are striking, and the blend of lyrics by Mito Yamagami and melody by Kunihiko Murai is superb.

Released in February 1971 as the B-side to “Takeda no Komoriuta,” it was also included on the album Takeda no Komoriuta released in July of the same year.

Since 1997, it has been used as a cheer song for Japan’s national soccer team and was also chosen as the theme song for the film Whisper of the Heart.

This song teaches the importance of holding onto dreams and hopes from childhood while continuing to move toward them.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to release pent-up feelings or take a new step forward.

The Bride SambaGō Hiromi47rank/position

[Official] Hiromi Go “Oyome Samba” LIVE -To Commemorate Release on Subscription Services-

A lively tune with a light rhythm and cheerful vibe.

Released in May 1981, this song is beloved by many as one of Hiromi Go’s signature hits.

In the chorus, the distinctive dance featuring a box step and fluttering hand motions leaves a strong impression.

Performed together with the four female dancers known as the “Hiromic Ladies,” the act puts viewers in a joyful mood.

In the 2000s, it was also used on Fuji TV’s variety show “Waratte Iitomo!” which helped it gain even more popularity.

It’s highly recommended as a song everyone can enjoy dancing to at weddings and events.

Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi48rank/position

Wandering Love Song

Released after his 1978 re-debut and still known today as a live staple, Jyunrenka is his second single overall.

The blues harp’s wistful tone and the sentimental lyrics evoke the charm of classic folk songs.

With an overall relaxed tempo—including a driving chorus—and a relatively narrow vocal range, it’s easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

If possible, mimicking Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s current vibe will likely hype up the karaoke, too.

It’s an immortal masterpiece.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Parting at 22kaze49rank/position

Kaze – Farewell at 22 (Official Audio)

With a folk-like, simple chord progression and a conversational melody, this is a song you can sing without straining your voice.

Emotion matters more than technique, and even if you’re not confident at singing, a calm tone unique to men in their 60s can convey plenty of charm, making it a safe choice to try at karaoke.

Also, since few people sing folk songs, performing it in a relaxed, listening-focused way will gently touch listeners’ hearts.

When you sing, don’t belt—deliver it as if you’re speaking to match the song’s mood.

Because a spoken style uses more breath, practicing with humming and lip rolls beforehand will make it easier to produce your voice.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem